Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 38
1960 DKW Schnellaster Kastenwagen 3=6 Chassis no. 22524620 Engine no. 66157370
Sold for US$45,920 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 38
1960 DKW Schnellaster Kastenwagen 3=6
1960 DKW Schnellaster Kastenwagen 3=6
Chassis no. 22524620
Engine no. 66157370
Chassis no. 22524620
Engine no. 66157370
896cc Two-Stroke Inline 3-Cylinder Engine
Single Solex Carburetor
42bhp
4-Speed ZF Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension with Transverse Leaf Spring Front and Torsion Bar Trailing Arm Rear
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*Innovative design that presaged the modern minivan
*Concours Award winning restoration
*One of only a handful known to exist
*Well documented and carefully maintained
THE CAR OFFERED
Founded in 1916 by Danish engineer Jørgen Skafte Rassmussen in Zschopau, Saxony, Germany in order to produce steam fittings. Rassmussen the same year then built a steam powered vehicle known as the "Dampf Kraft Wagen" or DKW. Vehicle production truly began in 1928 with the Type P. 1932 saw the DKW brand join with Horch, Audi, and Wanderer to form Auto Union.
The Schnellaster or "Rapid Transporter" in 1949 under the F89L Model Designation. Initially powered by a 2-cylinder two stroke engine, and later powered by a 3-cylinder two stroke engine known as the 3=6 the line up grew to a number of variations including Pick-up, Kombi, Panel Van and more.
This particular DKW Schnellaster Kastenwagen was found largely complete and intact in 1996 in a shed at a mining property in Oregon. Though rough in appearance, it was in solid condition with all major components present and protected from the elements. Once acquired, a restoration was begun, performed over a period of two and a half years, complete from the frame up. All original components were rebuilt and restored, ensuring all major mechanical and electrical components are original to the van. The remaining bits needed to complete the restoration were sourced from all around the world.
A portion of original paint discovered during the restoration allowed for a precise and exact match when respraying this van to its true, original color, A nice almost minty light green, with bumpers and fender arches in black, along with aluminum trimmings.
The interior is finished in the same wonderful green as the exterior, with wood flooring and textured brown vinyl covered driver's seat and collapsible passenger seat. Once completed, the freshly restored Schnellaster was displayed at the 2013 Forest Grove Concours d'Elegance and won 2nd in class award.
Acquired by the consignor, a prominent West Coast collector, in 2014, it has been enjoyed as an interesting piece in the collection but has seen little use since its restoration, other than occasional running, maintenance, and general up keep. According to accompanying records, a complete engine rebuild was performed in 2016 and a complete brake system rebuild in 2020—including new linings, rebuilt master cylinder and wheel cylinder, drums turned and shoes arced to match. Believed to be one of less than 10 examples in the US, and with only a couple known to be in restored condition as this example, this a rare opportunity to acquire a unique vehicle from an interesting and historical brand.
Single Solex Carburetor
42bhp
4-Speed ZF Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension with Transverse Leaf Spring Front and Torsion Bar Trailing Arm Rear
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*Innovative design that presaged the modern minivan
*Concours Award winning restoration
*One of only a handful known to exist
*Well documented and carefully maintained
THE CAR OFFERED
Founded in 1916 by Danish engineer Jørgen Skafte Rassmussen in Zschopau, Saxony, Germany in order to produce steam fittings. Rassmussen the same year then built a steam powered vehicle known as the "Dampf Kraft Wagen" or DKW. Vehicle production truly began in 1928 with the Type P. 1932 saw the DKW brand join with Horch, Audi, and Wanderer to form Auto Union.
The Schnellaster or "Rapid Transporter" in 1949 under the F89L Model Designation. Initially powered by a 2-cylinder two stroke engine, and later powered by a 3-cylinder two stroke engine known as the 3=6 the line up grew to a number of variations including Pick-up, Kombi, Panel Van and more.
This particular DKW Schnellaster Kastenwagen was found largely complete and intact in 1996 in a shed at a mining property in Oregon. Though rough in appearance, it was in solid condition with all major components present and protected from the elements. Once acquired, a restoration was begun, performed over a period of two and a half years, complete from the frame up. All original components were rebuilt and restored, ensuring all major mechanical and electrical components are original to the van. The remaining bits needed to complete the restoration were sourced from all around the world.
A portion of original paint discovered during the restoration allowed for a precise and exact match when respraying this van to its true, original color, A nice almost minty light green, with bumpers and fender arches in black, along with aluminum trimmings.
The interior is finished in the same wonderful green as the exterior, with wood flooring and textured brown vinyl covered driver's seat and collapsible passenger seat. Once completed, the freshly restored Schnellaster was displayed at the 2013 Forest Grove Concours d'Elegance and won 2nd in class award.
Acquired by the consignor, a prominent West Coast collector, in 2014, it has been enjoyed as an interesting piece in the collection but has seen little use since its restoration, other than occasional running, maintenance, and general up keep. According to accompanying records, a complete engine rebuild was performed in 2016 and a complete brake system rebuild in 2020—including new linings, rebuilt master cylinder and wheel cylinder, drums turned and shoes arced to match. Believed to be one of less than 10 examples in the US, and with only a couple known to be in restored condition as this example, this a rare opportunity to acquire a unique vehicle from an interesting and historical brand.
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Title in transit.
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