- DKW 3=6 is a small front-wheel-drive saloon made by Auto Union GmbH.
- The automobile was introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in March 1953.
- It was known as the DKW Sonderklasse or simply called DKW 900.
- Though issues with the name, the 3=6 was famous for its two-stroke engine and front-wheel drive design, also the assured handling that was produced.
- Clcompany is delighted to feature the facts about the Classic 1953 DKW 3=6.
DKW 3=6 is a small front-wheel-drive saloon made by Auto Union GmbH. The automobile was introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in March 1953. It was known as the DKW Sonderklasse or simply called DKW 900. Though issues with the name, the 3=6 was famous for its two-stroke engine and front-wheel drive design, also the assured handling that was produced. Clcompany is delighted to feature the facts about the Classic 1953 DKW 3=6.
Background
At the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1953, Auto Union GmbH unveiled its brand-new DKW 3=6 Sonderklasse F 91 model. The newcomer, which had a three-cylinder two-stroke engine, quickly gained popularity in Germany, with 72,600 of its many body variants being constructed between 1953 and 1955. The DKW Sonderklasse won the 1954 “European Championship for Standard-production Touring Cars” with a one-two-three finish by ace DKW drivers Walter Schlüter, Gustav Menz, and Heinz Meier, capping the car’s debut motorsport season after a string of thrilling victories, including the class win at the Monte Carlo Rally.
Years in production– 1953 to 1955
The Design
The F91 was advertised as a two-door saloon with doors that opened in front, allegedly making access easier. A cabriolet with a body by Osnabrück coachbuilder Karmann was made starting in 1954, as well as a “pillarless” coupe version that was first seen in 1953. Additionally, there was a three-door estate model known as the “Universal” that was still available in June 1957 despite saloon buyers having had access to the F93, an updated version, for two years.
The changes happened gradually. A comparable wrap-around back window first emerged on the two-door saloon at the tail end of 1954, after the coupe version’s “panoramic” three-piece wraparound back window was introduced. The fuel gauge and an interior light that could be programmed to turn on automatically when the door was opened were highlighted in the advertising.
Top Specifications of DKW 3=6
- Displacement – 896 cc
- Power – 34 bhp @ 4000 rpm
- Transmission – 3 or 4-speed manual
- Top speed – 125 km/h
- Kerb weight– 870–970 kg
- Wheelbase– 2,350 mm
Interesting facts
- DKW took the first three places in the 1954 European Rally Championship
- DKW drivers achieved more than 100 championship victories, 150 overall triumphs, 35 team first places, and 2,500 class victories between 1954 and 1964.
- DKW is the predecessor of the Audi we see today.
Fascinated by old Stars. You have reached your destination. At CLcompany we have curated pictures, write-ups, and more about the legendary journey of Cars. If you are looking to share your thoughts on Classic Cars, do check out writer’s section on CLcompany website.
Share the passion with the world.