Auto Union 1000 SP (1957)Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Auto Union 1000 SP

1957 — Germany

Post-War (1946-1959)German
Engine981 cc
DrivetrainRWD

Auto Union 1000 SP

The Auto Union 1000 SP represented DKW's attempt to create a sporty image for the brand, featuring beautiful coachwork by Baur or Karmann on the front-wheel-drive DKW platform. The unusual three-cylinder two-stroke engine produced a distinctive sound and surprising performance for its size. With fiberglass or aluminum bodywork and minimal weight, these little roadsters were entertaining to drive despite modest power. Only about 6,600 were built across all body styles, making them considerably rarer than contemporary British sports cars.