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1955 DKW Auto Union Schnellaster Tieflader 3=6 Truck

  • Chassis Number: 22507185
Jorgen Skafte Rasmussen, a Danish engineer, founded a factory in Saxon, Germany, in 1916 with the purpose of producing steam fittings. During the companies' introductory year, they attempted to produce a steam-driven car called the DKW (Dampf-Kraft-Wagen meaning steam-driven car). Though the attempt was not successful, the engine was later used in a motorcycle and called Das Kleine Wunder, meaning 'the little marvel.' Within a few years, the DKW brand would be the world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles. In 1932, Audi, Horch, Wanderer, and DKW merged, forming Auto Union. In 1957, ownership came under Daimler-Benz and in 1964, it was purchased by the Volkswagen Group.

Though motorcycles were a large part of the DKW business, automobiles were also an integral part. They produced cars from 1928 until 1966 and were one of the very first marques to use front-wheel drive and transverse mounting.

DKW Auto Union Company introduced the Schnellaster (also known as the Rapid Transporter) in 1949. The Tiefader model, or Low Loader truck model, had a 16-inch deck height, adding to the vehicle's versatility.

This particular DKW Schnellaster Tiefader is powered by a two-stroke, three-cylinder, roller-crank, '3=6' engine. It was assembled at Ingolstadt, Germany, on March 9, 1955, and shipped directly to Peter Satori Motors in Pasadena, California. This utilitarian vehicle was used until 1960, after which it was stored in an industrial warehouse. In 2012, it was discovered by its current owner in storage in Sacramento. A frame-off restoration began in late 2013, using many NOS and original parts sourced from around the world.

This is the only known Schnellaster Tiefader in North America and the only known fully restored example in existence.

This Tiefader is finished in its original specified Javabraun (Java Brown) livery. The 896cc 2-stroke, 3-cylinder engine develops 36 horsepower and is mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. At all four corners are hydraulic drum brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2015

2015 Gooding & Company - Arizona

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $90,000-USD $120,000 
Sale Price :
USD $132,000

Recent Sales of the DKW Auto Union Schnellaster Tieflader 3=6

(Data based on Model Year 1955 sales)
1955 DKW Auto Union Schnellaster Tieflader 3=6
Chassis#: 22507185
Sold for USD$132,000
  2015 Gooding & Company - Arizona
1955 DKW Auto Union Schnellaster Tieflader 3=6 image  1955 DKW Auto Union Schnellaster Tieflader 3=6 image  
1955 DKW Sonderklasse 3-6
Sold for USD$4,370
  2004 Bonhams - MOTOR CARS
 

DKW Auto Union Schnellaster Tieflader 3=6s That Failed To Sell At Auction

1955 DKW Auto Union Schnellaster Tieflader 3=6's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
VehicleChassisEventHigh BidEst. LowEst. High

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1955 DKW Auto Union Schnellaster Tieflader 3=6

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Chassis #: 22507185

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