DKW Auto Union 1000 Universal | 1961

DKW Auto Union 1000 Universal | 1961

Highlights:

– 981cc three-cylinder two-stroke petrol engine, paired with a 4-speed manual transmission

– Engine completely rebuilt, with new pistons, bearings and seals fitted

– Bodywork restored, including repair of lower-body rust and renewed anti-corrosion protection

– Interior largely preserved in original condition, with original seat cover and door trim coating retained

– Slovenian registration documents and homologation certificate for veteran vehicles present, current owner is the third

The seller offers for sale this 1961 DKW Auto Union 1000 Universal, powered by a 981cc three-cylinder two-stroke engine, paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. The car was completely restored some twenty years ago at the seller’s own restoration centre, originally for exhibition in their museum, and has since covered only around 1,500 kilometres across various events. The engine has been completely rebuilt, with new pistons, bearings and seals fitted throughout. The bodywork was also restored at the time, with rust to the lower sections repaired and replaced, the anti-corrosion protection renewed, and the body repainted. The interior was preserved as much as possible in its original condition during the restoration, and the seat covers and door trims still carry their original coating. The car is registered in Slovenia, with the current owner being the third, and comes with a certificate and homologation for veteran vehicles.

The Auto Union 1000 Universal, badged DKW, descended from the DKW 3=6 and formed part of the last generation of two-stroke Auto Union models built in Düsseldorf and Ingolstadt from the late 1950s. Fitted with a 981cc three-cylinder two-stroke engine driving the front wheels, an unusual layout for the period, the 1000 range offered saloon, coupé and estate body styles, with the practical three-door Universal estate serving as a capable and spacious alternative to more conventional family cars of the era. Auto Union’s motorsport pedigree and front-wheel-drive expertise, dating back to the pre-war Grand Prix era, gave the model a reputation for solid engineering, and the Universal in particular has become a rare and characterful survivor among post-war European estates.

The three-cylinder two-stroke engine gives the Auto Union 1000 its distinctive character, both in sound and driving feel, while the estate body adds genuine everyday practicality to the model’s sporting DKW heritage. Inside, the restored cabin presents deep red upholstery paired with the car’s blue exterior, and the largely original trim adds to the sense of authenticity. Having spent two decades as a museum exhibit before returning to occasional use, this Auto Union 1000 Universal offers a well-documented and distinctive entry into two-stroke motoring for the collector or enthusiast.

Condition of the bodywork & paint

4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.

Condition of the interior

4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.

Technical condition

4 — Very Good. Mechanically solid, with potential for minor servicing.

Overall condition

4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.

This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.

We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.

All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.

Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.

This car is currently located in: Coastal–Karst region, Slovenia.

This car drives, brakes and shifts.

The car has a Slovenia registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.

The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.

Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.

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