1958 DKW Auto Union 1000 Sedan

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.

DKW had a reputation for building a reliable and well-built car. This particular example is a DKW Auto Union 1000. Although the two-stroke engine is small (less than 1000cc), it offers adequate power to carry the vehicle down the road. The 32-horsepower engine has just seven moving parts, including three pistons, three connecting rods, and a crankshaft. There are three coils and three sets of points. The distributor is on the end of the crankshaft.

This car has a four-speed manual transmission and a front-wheel drive arrangement. Another advanced feature is the headlight dimmer switch which is mounted on the column instead of the floor.

In 1958, the DKW Auto Union 1000 sold for $1,675. This particular example is on display at the Lane Motor Museum in Tennessee.