Description
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.
