Auto Union DKW 1000 1959

The Auto Union DKW 1000 1959 is a passenger car from the period when Auto Union occupied an important position within the European middle class with the DKW brand. In the 1950s, DKW was one of the largest producers of two-stroke passenger cars in the world. The type designation 1000 refers to the engine capacity of about one liter, making this model a further development of earlier DKW models from the F8 and F9 series. The Auto Union DKW 1000 1959 was built at a time when the marque was technically distinguished by its adherence to two-stroke technology.

Characteristic of the Auto Union DKW 1000 1959 is its front-wheel drive, a configuration that was not common in this class at the time. Auto Union had been applying this principle to DKW models since the 1930s. The combination of a compact engine and front-wheel drive ensured efficient use of interior space. The body shapes of this period show the transition from prewar lines to the more pontoon-like design that became common in the late 1950s.

Within the history of Auto Union, the Auto Union DKW 1000 1959 marks a phase preceding the later Audi models. After Auto Union was taken over by Daimler-Benz in 1958 and later by Volkswagen, the DKW brand would gradually disappear in favor of the Audi name. The 1000 series thus belongs to the last generation of DKW passenger cars that were developed entirely according to the original two-stroke concept.

The Auto Union DKW 1000 1959 was delivered in several body styles within the 1000 series, which gave the model a wide range of uses in the European market. This example dates from 1959, representing a production year from the early stages of this series. To get a good idea of the lot, we advise you to come to the viewing day.