Every now and again, something turns up that reminds us that motoring history isn’t just a straight line from point A to B — it’s a collection of weird bends, oddball junctions, and a few gloriously smoky detours.
Case in point: this charming, burgundy-hued 1963 DKW Auto Union 1000S. A car so full of personality it could probably write its own memoir.
Let’s start with the basics. This 1000S is a bit of a last hurrah — the final evolution of what might be called a ‘proper’ DKW before Audi swallowed the name whole. In its day, it was no slouch, with a cleverly engineered 983cc two-stroke triple up front, front-wheel drive (unusual for the time), and handling that surprised many a better-known name on the rally stages.
This particular example began life in Sweden before making its way to the UK in 2010. And it hasn’t been idling in the background either. It received a serious mechanical refresh in 2018 courtesy of Tim Bishop at Connaught Motor Company, a man who knows his way around old-school machinery. That work included a full engine rebuild, a rorty BTB stinger side-exit exhaust, a Weber carb, new clutch, fresh suspension, new wheels, tyres and more.
The result? A car that doesn’t just look great — it goes with real verve too. This is a vehicle that’s not just preserved – it’s been prepped to play. It’s competed and won, taking the Jim Clark Celebration Class (on handicap) at the 2019 Bo’ness Revival Hillclimb, and it’s been a regular invitee to high-brow events like the Goodwood Members’ Meeting and the Jackie Stewart Classic.
Visually, it’s a treat. Finished in a deep burgundy with a cream roof and white wheels, it looks every bit the 1960s curio it is. The paint shows its age here and there with some microblistering on the boot lid and the odd imperfection on the panels. The chrome is serviceable, if slightly flakey in places, and the underside shows signs of honest use rather than neglect.
Inside, it’s a two-tone delight. Burgundy and cream seats match the door cards, and everything feels remarkably well preserved. There’s a period radio, the factory two-spoke wheel, and a dashboard clad in the sort of faux-wood that now has retro charm by the bucketload. The rev counter and EGT meter are subtle nods to its more spirited ambitions.
Mechanically, it’s a fascinating beast. The 50bhp two-stroke engine won’t win any traffic light drag races, but it has a soundtrack all of its own. Think chainsaws in chorus. You’ll need to use a little finesse to get it started, as with most two-strokes, but once running it rewards with lively performance and nimble handling thanks to its light weight and sorted suspension.
It’s not concours perfect, and that’s part of the appeal. This is a classic you can use, enjoy, and chat about at shows without worrying if someone’s going to sneeze near the paint. The large history file shows careful ownership and regular fettling, and it’s been a familiar face in DKW club circles as well as several classic car mags.
Click here to see the DKW 1000S for sale on Car & Classic.
