COBI Historical Collection World War II De Gaulle's Horch830BL Vehicle

Horch is a German automotive company founded at the beginning of the 20th century in Zwickau (Saxony). From the very beginning, Horch cars were characterized modern design and technical solutions. In 1933, the luxury sedan "Horch 830" debuted on the market and became an instant hit. In 1935, the Horch 830 B appeared with a more powerful engine and the Horch 830 BL with an elongated body. Horch, like other companies, supplied vehicles for the military in the 1930s. Civil production was intended to a large extent for the needs of high-ranking officials. The control car Horch 830 BL from 1936 belonged to the commander of the defense of Paris, General Dietrich von Choltitz. After the surrender of Paris in August 1944 the car was seized by the Allies. The next and at the same time the most famous user of this car was General Charles de Gaulle, leader of the Free French, future head of the French government and President. The Horch 830 BL became the general's favorite car, used on many occasions. Perhaps to some extent the sentiment for this car also prompted de Gaulle to end the eternal rivalry between France and Germany. In 1963, together with the German chancellor, he signed the "Elysee Treaty", which obligated both countries to cooperate in many areas. The signatures of President de Gaulle and Chancellor Adenauer initiated the process of reconciliation between nations, the driving force for the idea of a united Europe was created! The perfectly preserved car can now be seen at The Bundeswehr Museum of Military History in Dresden.