DKW Junior De Luxe
DKW produced the Junior as an affordable family car using the company's proven two-stroke technology. The three-cylinder engine required oil-fuel mixture and produced the characteristic blue smoke and unique sound of DKW vehicles. Front-wheel drive provided good traction and space efficiency. The Junior represented DKW's final years before the brand transitioned to Audi, which adopted four-stroke engines and left two-stroke technology behind. Nearly 119,000 units were sold, making it one of DKW's most successful models. The F11 and F12 variants offered slightly different styling and features.
Two-stroke three-cylinder requires premix and specialist maintenance. Spare parts scarce but some shared with Auto Union 1000. Rust common in floor pans and body structure. Roadster and coupe variants much rarer than sedan. Most surviving examples in Germany. Values modest but rising as DKW history gains appreciation. Original unrestored examples increasingly rare.
118,986 units produced from 1959-1965. Variants included F11 (initial), F12 (updated styling), and F12 Roadster. The Junior name emphasized affordability. A rare coupe version was also offered. Production transitioned to Audi brand as two-stroke technology was phased out. The final DKWs were badge-engineered as Audis before the marque disappeared.