1963 DKW Auto Union 1000S

Highlights

• Exceedingly rare two-stroke classic
• Highly original, gently patinated condition
• In current ownership since March 2013
• Always garage-stored during current ownership
• Driven regularly up until earlier this year
• Rich history file, including period manuals, a large collection of invoices, operating handbooks

The Appeal

Audi's four rings are recognised worldwide, but few know the origins of this iconic badge. First drawn up in 1932, it represents the merger of four companies that made up Auto Union AG. Here is one of the final Auto Union products: the DKW 1000S, produced in the years before the marque folded into the nascent Audi brand. With its characterful two-stroke engine note, column-shift gearbox, and handsome period styling, the 1000S offered a sportier flavour in the range, and these cars are incredibly rare today.

This 1963 left-hand-drive example was imported from Germany and is now fully registered on UK plates. It has been in the current owner's care since March 2013, garage-stored throughout and driven regularly, both abroad and around the UK, up until May of this year. A few cosmetic blemishes are noted in the Detail section below, but overall this is a characterful and usable classic with a long period of single-owner care behind it.

Key Information

• Mileage: 2,891 miles (indicated)
• Country of registration: Registered in the United Kingdom in 2012 (imported from Germany)
• Technical inspection status: MOT/road tax exempt
• Technical specs: 981cc two-stroke engine, four-speed manual with column shift
• Paperwork: rich history file with period manuals, a large collection of invoices, operating handbooks, and V5C (see gallery)

The Detail

• Left-hand drive example
• The vendor states the car runs well and has always been kept well maintained
• Always garage stored throughout current ownership
• Driven regularly abroad and around the UK up until May 2025
• The vendor describes the interior and seats as in lovely condition and comfortable
• Micro blistering noted on panels, reported by the vendor as a paint reaction rather than corrosion, and not flaky
• Bonnet pull cable is disconnected; the bonnet is opened via the lever at the front
• Rear passenger-side light cover slightly broken at the screw point due to over-tightening

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.