1956-1964 Ariadne (Typ 21)
In 1956, Hirsch rolled out the Typ 21 as a successor to the Typ 10, which had already been on the market since 1949. The Typ 21 was sold under the name Ariadne, being the first model named after a Greek mythological figure.
Another novelty in the history of Hirsch automobiles was its all-steel unibody construction, which significantly improved torsion rigidity compared to the conventional construction of the 2400L models.
The suspension and the 6-cylinder engine used in the Ariadne 240 had basically been carried over from the predecessor. Engine power, however, had been increased to 100hp due to the incorporation of two carburettors. At the same time fuel consumption was reduced by 20%.
Half a year later, the model series was rounded off by the Ariadne 160. As a more affordable 4-cylinder model with less generous equipment, it was intended to attract new customers. Power was delivered by a 1.6L inline 4 (codenamed M14-16) that had been derived from the known inline 6 engine and produced 65hp using a single carburettor.
In 1958 the 4-door sedan was joined by the 5-door station wagon Tourismo.
The Typ 21 was unanimously approved by automobile experts around the world and became a great commercial success. It remained in production for 8 years without major changes.
Specifications
Ariadne 160
1.6L SOHC 8V Inline 4 [Hirsch M14-16], 65hp, 112Nm, 4MT, FR layout
970kg, 0-100 km/h: 16.6s, 11.6L/100km
Ariadne 240
2.4L SOHC 12V Inline 6 [Hirsch M16-24B], 100hp, 169Nm, 4MT, FR layout
1065kg, 0-100 km/h: 11.7s, 12.8L/100km