• Front-wheel drive
• Three-cylinder 889cc two-stroke engine
• Left-hand drive
• Rare roadster model

Introduced in 1963, the DKW F12, seen here in rare roadster form, was powered by a 889cc three-cylinder two-stroke engine and featured front disc brakes and adjustable suspension, the latter intended to enable its use in competitions. Production ceased after 1965.

• Front-wheel drive
• Three-cylinder 889cc two-stroke engine
• Left-hand drive
• Rare roadster model

DKW was founded in Zschopau, Germany in 1919 by Danish engineer Jørgen Rasmussen with the intention of building a steam-driven car (the initials stood for 'Dampf Kraft Wagen' – 'Steam Powered Car') though its first successful venture into powered transport was a single-cylinder, two-stroke engine for bicycle attachment. The firm's initials were re-purposed to stand for 'Das Kleine Wunder' ('The Little Wonder') and by the end of the 1920s DKW was the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer, building two-stroke models only. In 1928 DKW diversified into car manufacturing having taken over Slaby Beringer (SB) in 1924. DKW kept faith with the two-stroke engine and was a pioneer of front-wheel drive, its first such car being the F1, introduced in 1931. In 1932 the amalgamation of DKW, Audi, Horch and Wanderer led to formation of the 'Auto Union', though the makes remained separate.

Production shifted to Düsseldorf after WW2 and DKW manufacture resumed there in 1950. The firm had pioneered front-wheel drive on its smaller models in the early 1930s, and in the post-war era all DKW cars would have this form of transmission, commencing with the twin-cylinder Meisterklasse F89. The latter was followed by the three-cylinder Sonderklasse and 1000/1000S models, the latter being marketed as Auto Unions. Introduced in 1963, the DKW F12, seen here in rare roadster form, was powered by a 889cc three-cylinder two-stroke engine and featured front disc brakes and adjustable suspension, the latter intended to enable its use in competitions. Production ceased after 1965.

First registered in 1964, this rare German sports car was acquired for the collection from Justin Banks in 2005 (purchase invoice on file). The collection staff have carried out some recommissioning, including stripping and rebuilding of the carburettor, a new fuel pump and fuel filter, cleaning and re-installing the fuel tank, setting up the distributor, new bulbs and a new battery. Accompanying documentation includes a list of maintenance works undertaken between 2005 and 2010; an old MoT certificates dated 2005; copies of old European registration papers; and photographs of mechanical work carried out.

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.