The 1960 Auto Union 1000 SP is a rare, low-slung German sports coupe produced by Auto Union from 1958 to 1965. Best known as Europe's "Baby Thunderbird" (Schmalspur Thunderbird), its styling was directly inspired by the first-generation Ford Thunderbird, complete with prominent tailfins, a wraparound windshield, and elegant chrome detailing. Underneath its American-inspired bodywork, it utilized a unique, lightweight German powertrain.
Unique Mechanical Quirks
- Two-Stroke Engine: The engine had only seven moving parts and required a specialized fuel-oil mixture (or separate engine lubrication system depending on the exact year/variant). It produced a highly distinct "pop-pop-pop" exhaust note.
- Freewheel System: Typical for Auto Union/DKW vehicles of the era, the car included a controllable freewheel system. This allowed the car to coast without the engine braking, protecting the two-stroke engine from oil starvation during prolonged deceleration.
- The Four Rings: The front and rear of the car bore the famous four-ring emblem. This logo represented the Auto Union merger of Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer. This lineage directly evolved into modern-day Audi.
This Auto Union 1000 SP has been a part of the Duncan Imports collection since 2019.
