1957 Other Makes DKW 3=6 Universal
Item History & Price
For Sale: 1957 Auto Union DKW 3=6 Sonderklasse Universal Kombi Welcome to the listing for my wonderful DKW Universal. I originally purchased this car two years ago from private ownership on the west coast as a project. It had been sitting in their custody for a few years having bought it for the same reason. I had some basic knowledge of these cars and thought it would be something unique to take to VW/Audi/Porsche shows. I was also aware of a 1958 DKW Universal that sold at RM So...theby’s Amelia Island auction in 2012 for just over $60, 000. So it was also an opportunity to purchase a valuable classic car at an immense savings. Unfortunately I now find myself in the same position as the previous owner with more projects than time. This is an adorable and rare little car that’s also extremely complete, and therefore an excellent candidate for restoration. It does have some rust in the typical areas, but nothing structural or excessive. There are several restorers in the US with DKW and micro car experience, a plethora of YouTube video guidance, and parts are readily available through retailers in Europe and South America. The engine, which is included but not pictured, unfortunately suffered the common issue that plagues these two-stroke motors. Once they sit for an extended period of time they become very susceptible to moisture and corrosion. We pulled the motor, disassembled it, and discovered only some of the parts are still usable. The great news however is a complete turn-key motor can be bought from DekaBras in Brazil for approximately $1, 735.00USD (https://dekabras.com.br/). Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Here is some additional general information on these great cars: 1957 DKW 3=6 Universal 40bhp, 896cc two-stroke inline 3 cylinder engine, 4-speed manual front-wheel-drive transmission, transverse leaf independent front suspension, beam rear axle with transverse leaf spring, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 96” Rare post-war DKWVery complete exampleExcellent candidate for restoration One of the four makes that comprised the prewar Auto Union group in Germany (the others being Audi, Wanderer, and Horch), DKW began as a steam equipment company, the initials derived from the Dampf-Kraft-Wagen (“steam-driven car” in German). By the late 1920’s, DKW was the world’s largest producer of motorcycles.Automobiles followed in 1928. After World War II, production resumed in a nationalized Audi plant at Ingolstadt and in Dusseldorf. A 692cc twin, named Meisterklasse (master class), was introduced in 1950, succeeded by a three-cylinder Sonderklasse (special class) in March1953. Initially a two-door sedan, the Sonderklasse was later offered as a coupe, a cabriolet, a four-door sedan and a “Universal” Kombi, or Station Wagon, the type offered here. In 1955, the sobriquet “3=6” was adopted, signifying that a three-cylinder two-stroke was as powerful as a four-stroke six. With the adoption of four-cycle, 1700cc powerplants in the 1960’s, the name Audi was revived and applied to subsequent cars. Delivered new in the United States, this DKW is a complete and excellent example for restoration offered here for sale.
