Cobi 2261 - De Gualle's HORCH830BL

De Gaulle's Horch830BL is a set that brings with it a huge dose of history, which you will build with us, piece by piece! Sensationally reproduced in a 1:35 scale model, the car consists of 244 elements and complements the collection of vintage COBI cars. Bricks and figures depicting General Charles De Gaulle and the driver are covered with high-quality prints.

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 by high quality, modern technical solutions and superior craftsmanship. In 1933, the luxury sedan "Horch 830" made its debut on the market and became an instant hit. This prompted the manufacturer to release more variants of the car. In 1935, the Horch 830 B appeared with a more powerful engine and the Horch 830 BL in a version 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. A 1936 Horch 830 BL car belonged to the Commander of Defense of Paris, General Dietrich von Choltitz. After the surrender of Paris in August 1944, the car came into the hands of the Allies.

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 830BL became the general's favorite car and he used it 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, he and the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany signed the "Elysée Treaty", committing both countries to comprehensive cooperation 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!

In the early 1950s, the car was sold. Currently, you can see it in the military museum in Dresden, where restored to an ideal condition it is on display with a French pennant decorated with the Lorraine Cross.