KEY POINTS:
Tree-cuddlers will be highly impressed with this new Audi's environmental credentials - it has no emissions at all.
The limited edition Auto Union Type C pedal car is produced to an exceptional standard - very few of the 999 made are likely to suffer the sticky fingerprints of young children, they're more likely to end up in car collections.
With handcrafted leather trim and a full aluminium body, the stunning vehicle is built to a scale of 1:2, making it large enough to accommodate 'drivers' up to 1.35m tall.
"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," said Achim Badstübner, director of the Munich design studio that created the first draft designs.
Looking for a heritage showpiece to try the pedal car concept, Audi noted that the Type C was the hottest seller in its range of miniature toy cars.
Adding the fact that the Auto Union Silver Arrow racked up ten Grand Prix victories in a very successful 1936 season, the company made its choice.
The pedal car is an impressive piece of engineering - Audi's toolshop was responsible for special tools and jigs for the project, which is made up of over 900 individual parts.
It has a hydraulic disc brake, and its pace can be controlled via a seven-speed hub gear with back-pedalling brake function.
Fully space-framed, with aluminium body panels, the amazing baby Audi even has bespoke spoke wheels and a removable steering wheel - just like the original.
"Everyone put their heart and soul into this pedal car. And that is something we are all very proud of," said a pleased-as-punch Badstübner.
- NZ HERALD STAFF
