Auto Union 1000S

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The smart and forward-thinking DKW was manufactured within the titanic Auto Union group, makers of some of the finest racing cars the world has ever seen.

Before the Second World War, DKW had been Europe’s largest motorcycle manufacturer and a two-stroke specialist so it was no surprise that it brought its torquey, high-revving motors to its car models as well.

The Auto Union 1000 ran from 1958 to 1963 and was a more powerful version of the DKW 3=6. The 981cc three-cylinder engine was mounted longitudinally with the radiator behind and drove the front wheels through a four-speed transaxle gearbox. Early versions produced 44bhp, but this was uprated to 50bhp in the S model (as here).

With no transmission tunnel, the compact saloon was roomier than its most direct rival, the VW Beetle, and came in two- or four-door saloon form and as a three-door estate and a pillarless two-door coupe. With its torquey, high-revving engine and four wheel independent suspension (transverse leaf spring up front and trailing arms at the rear) the 3=6 and the 1000 showed their worth in European touring car racing in the late-1950s.

When tested by The Motor in 1960, a 1000S Coupe had a top speed of 81mph with 26mpg economy although its expensive £1,259 price tag was remarked upon, this being £111 more than the much larger Austin Westminster. Around 171,000 were sold worldwide before production came to an end in 1963.

This RHD 1960 four-door 1000S was recently imported from sunny South Africa and has now been UK registered with a V5C. The vendor states that: “The engine starts and runs very well and sounds wonderful. The bodywork is sound and straight. The interior is tidy with recently re-upholstered seats and new carpets. Chassis is solid and original. Paintwork is presentable: it shines, but the finish is poor in places. The car is now on 12 volts with a new battery fitted. Although running, driving and braking some further recommissioning/servicing would be advised on safety related items before use.”

The car comes with a useful quantity of new old stock spares (brakes, steering, wheel bearings, bushes etc), there is a thriving UK owner’s club and parts are still readily available. Presentable enough to use and enjoy as it is, this rare and quirky machine could be transformed into a lovely example with some straightforward restoration.