Auto Union 1000 Sp Roadster

Auto Union 1000 Sp Roadster

The Auto Union 1000 Sp (Sport) was one of the most characterful roadsters of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Built by Auto Union — the company that would eventually become Audi — in Ingolstadt, the 1000 Sp featured a distinctive body designed by Baur of Stuttgart, wrapped around a platform derived from the DKW F94. Under the hood sat a 981cc three-cylinder two-stroke engine, which meant the 1000 Sp produced a distinctly different soundtrack from any other sports car of its era — a high-pitched, lively buzzing that belied its modest power output. The two-stroke engine required oil mixed with the fuel, just like a motorcycle, and produced characteristic blue smoke on startup. Despite its unconventional powerplant, the 1000 Sp was a genuine pleasure to drive, with responsive steering, light weight, and front-wheel drive providing predictable handling. The roadster body was elegant and well-proportioned, drawing admiring glances wherever it went. The 1000 Sp represents a fascinating chapter in the story of what would become Audi — a time when Ingolstadt still built quirky, characterful cars before the march toward premium efficiency.