Audi Auto Union Type C pedal car

The production version of this pedal car (above) wears 4.80-10 BG Goodrich tires from Coker Tire Company. The prototype images below show the remarkable craftsmanship and detail used in this half-sized replica of the famed Type C racer from 1936.

(from Audi Press Release) A body made from aluminium, handcrafted leather trim and an extraordinary design – the vehicle sends Hubert Waltl, Head of Audi Toolmaking, into a rapture the instant he lays eyes on it: “This car is something really special.” And, indeed, the car in front of him is no ordinary car – it’s the Auto Union Type C pedal car which AUDI AG has brought onto the market as an absolute first. No other car manufacturer offers a pedal car built so elaborately and to such a high standard.

How did Audi stumble upon this idea? “We needed a highlight for our collection which conveys the brand message and, at the same time, is spectacular enough to find buyers,” says Katharina Wicker, Head of Audi design – Lifestyle Articles. And this was how the idea came about to design a pedal car that mirrors the company’s heritage at first sight. The Type C Grand Prix racing car provided the ideal blueprint for doing this. The Auto Union Silver Arrow dominated the world of motor racing in 1936, racking up a total of ten Grand Prix victories. Furthermore, the Type C is one of the best-selling heritage models in the range of Audi miniatures. The pedal car will therefore be an exhibition piece for “grown-up” fans too.

The car’s execution called for a great deal of technical know-how and creativity. For a start, how large should the pedal car be made? How close should it keep to the original in order to nevertheless demonstrate the quality and workmanship of a true Audi? Which materials are best suited to underlining the Audi brand values of sophistication, progressiveness and sportiness? “The greatest challenge of all was transposing a historical model to a pedal car for children whilst remaining as faithful as possible to the original,” reveals Achim Badstübner, director of the Munich design studio that created the first draft designs. Those responsible for the project eventually decided to build the pedal car on a scale of 1:2 to make it large enough to accommodate budding racing drivers up to 1.35 metres tall.

The technical drawings originated in Audi’s own tool shop. And in true keeping with the premise “designed by Audi, produced by Audi”, special tools and jigs were purpose-designed for the pedal car’s manufacture in the Audi tool shop too. The pedal car is made up of over 900 individual parts. It features a hydraulic dual-disc brake and its speed is controlled via the seven-speed hub gear with back-pedalling brake function. Further technical highlights include the aluminium space frame and the body made from aluminium panelling which, just like on the full-size Audi models, symbolise the brand’s expertise in the field of lightweight design. The seats, framing and steering wheel have been upholstered in leather by a bag-maker, as in the Audi TT, while the elegant spoke wheels have been custom-made. And because this pedal car seeks to replicate many different aspects of the racing car on which it is modelled, the steering wheel can be removed to make getting in and out easier, just as on the original.

The prototype of the pedal car was unveiled to the public for the first time at the Paris Motor Show in autumn 2006. Visitors to the show were instantly enthralled. “Lots of people even wanted to buy the exhibition model there and then!” recalls Katharina Wicker.

This pedal car, which is limited to a run of 999 models and is far more than just an exclusive collector’s item, was an absolute joy to work on for all involved in the project. “It took me straight back to my childhood days. And I wasn’t the only one to be seized by that play instinct again,” says a delighted Hubert Waltl, Head of Audi Toolmaking. And Achim Badstübner is equally thrilled about the project’s success: “Everyone put their heart and soul into this pedal car. And that is something we are all very proud of.”

The pedal car can be ordered from the Audi importer for the specific country, who will also be able to provide details regarding the respective price.

Welcome to the Jungle, Baby

The world famous and original “Jungle Jim” 1972 mini- Camaro Funny car is resting peacefully next door at Honest Charley Speed Shop right here in good old Chattanooga.  There’s nothing that will get a nostalgia drag racing fan’s blood flowing like the site of this beautifully restored Holy Grail of early funny car competition sitting in the showroom of its original sponsor of more than 36 years ago.

Where's the windshield wipers on this thing?

The car is named after its original owner/driver Jim Liberman, who was known for his wild antics on and off the track during the height of the funny car revolution of the early 70’s.  “Jungle Jim,” would delight fans, and terrify promoters by driving the car right off the trailer past the ticket booth, parking lot, entrance gates, through the staging lanes and then do a burn out ¾ of the distance down the track!  Just imagine for a minute, ESPN 2 trying to keep up with John Force driving his fully lit up nitro funny car, and all of its ensuing chaos from the freeway to the starting line!

“keep it below 250 mph in the parking lot”

Jim was a legend for sure and his legacy lives on today because of the efforts of a soft spoken gentleman named Henry Gutierrez of San Antonio, TX.  Henry found the car in a sad state of disrepair and pulled together a first rate team of fabricators to begin the painstaking restoration process.  Army Armstrong, Mitch King, J.E. Kristek, Bobby Rex, Heith Fike, and the Trevino bro’s all played a part in putting fire back in the Jungle.  Encouraged by the beautiful result of this restoration, Henry is having 2 more ’72 mini-Camaro bodies built and certified to current 2009 NHRA/SFI spec funny car chassis.  The plan is to have a new “Jungle Jim” match racing at NHRA Hot Rod Reunions, Good Guys, and other events against another stylish car of the era, “Brand X.”  Both cars will be backed by Coker Tire and Honest Charley, and in the words of Henry…”we’re going to put on a show that’ll blow peoples minds.”

Special thanks go out to Henry and his Texas Jungle Race Team for making this historic happening possible, and for letting us share in the heart and soul of early drag racing.

International Automotive Media visits Coker Tire Company

We are proud of Chattanooga.  We tell anyone and everyone that they
should come and see Chattanooga for themselves.   Just a few short years
ago, we (Chattanooga) were not the Dynamo of Dixie as we were at one
time but we are now!  The Dynamo is back!   There are a lot of things
happening positively for Chattanooga after focusing on the
re-vitalization of our downtown.   Boarded-up buildings sprang to life,
housing everything from boutiques or bakeries to design studios and
professional offices.  Premium downtown living spaces, tourist
attractions and restaurants have been springing up as regularly as the
sun rises over Lookout Mountain.   Chattanooga’s secret is getting
harder to keep!    We are on the verge of seeing substantial growth in
our fair city sparked and led by a willing and able Leadership of our
County, City and State elected officials working in a bi-partisan way to
accomplish something good.   The announcement that Volkswagen America
would be building a new manufacturing facility at Enterprise South has
intensified the attraction of business to the Chattanooga area to an
all-time high.  The Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce has played a large
role in purveying that passion and energy. Their work in luring the
respected Volkswagen brand to the scenic city was the culmination of
years of ground work and marketing the resources of Chattanooga and its
surrounding area.  Kudos to the Chamber, Mayor Ramsey, Littlefield,
Governor Bredesen, Senators Corker and Alexander and my good buddy
Congressman Zach Wamp!

Today The Chattanooga Chamber brought a group of persons to see us who
were interested in all things automotive in Chattanooga.    We had the
opportunity to speak to our new found friends about the importance of
the Automotive Aftermarket and the hundreds of thousands of families
that group represents.  Representatives from the automotive press, a
marketing firm, economics consultant, German public radio and our own
chamber of commerce toured our facilities, learning about our company,
the importance of the automotive industry (especially automotive
aftermarket) to the Chattanooga area’s economy as well as its influence
internationally.

Santa surprises the Coker Tire Christmas Party

We all stay busy these days. The world seems to spin faster than it used to as we all struggle to find the 25th hour each day. In a hurricane of commercial holidays and bottom-line mall blitzes, the joys of the holiday season can be washed over the side pretty easily. We make it a point to slow everything down and spend some quality time together each year for Christmas. The Coker Tire Christmas Party is about family, friends and celebrating the holiday season. Yeah It’s tough to get us all to unplug from work, but once Santa arrives, the kids make it easy for us. We enjoyed good food and fellowship and the kids get a surprise visit from Santa and his helper (of course in a hot rod).

It’s a special holiday, don’t let the Christmas machine run over you and lose site of what it’s really about. Shut it down and celebrate with your friends and family if only for a short while. Who knows, maybe Santa will visit you too.

For pictures from Coker Tire’s 2008 Christmas Party visit the Gallery