Image credit: © conceptcarz.com (Reproduction Or reuse prohibited).
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
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 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.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|
Vehicles With Comparable Market Values
Similar sales to the $68,185 range.
2020 Ford Shelby GT350 Chassis#:1fa6p8jz5l5552754 Sold for $68,200 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
2014 Ford Shelby GT500 Sold for $68,200 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1966 Ford Bronco U13 Chassis#:u13fl752229 Sold for $68,750 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Chassis#:j59s105681 Sold for $68,200 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1972 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Sold for $68,750 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer Cheyenne Chassis#:cke182f164163 Sold for $68,200 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
2007 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Ron Fellows Edition Coupe Chassis#:1G1YY26E975131900 Sold for $68,200 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Coupe Chassis#:1g1ys2d68f5603726 Sold for $68,200 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1958 Pontiac Bonneville Hardtop Chassis#:p558h2268 Sold for $68,200 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1969 Chevrolet Chevelle Chassis#:136379z360718 Sold for $68,200 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1965 Factory Five Shelby Cobra Replica Mark IV Roadster Chassis#:F5R1007211RD Sold for $68,200 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1964 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Chassis#:40867s120252 Sold for $68,200 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1967 Pontiac GTO Chassis#:242177p252755 Sold for $68,200 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1928 Packard Custom Speedster Chassis#:146353 Sold for $68,320 2024 Worldwide Auctioneers : Enthusiast Auction | |
2019 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 CONVERTIBLE Chassis#:1G1YS3D6XK5603680 Sold for $68,200 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM COUPE Chassis#:GA6597 Sold for $68,200 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
2022 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED RUBICON Chassis#:1C4JJXSJ0NW209260 Sold for $68,200 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE Chassis#:40867S118667 Sold for $68,200 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
1970 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO SS 454 Chassis#:138570F139868 Sold for $68,200 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
1958 Chevrolet Impala Chassis#:f58n212525 Sold for $68,750 2024 Mecum : Houston |
1955 DKW Auto Union Schnellaster Tieflader 3=6
• Additional valuation insight and sales data• History
• Specifications
• Image gallery