Classic Hot Rods

1965 Audi Auto Union 1000 SP Roadster

1965 Auto-Union 1000SP convertible. Only 1640 were built. The predecessor of Audi was based on the american Ford Thunderbird and was also known as the two stroke T-Bird. Both the body and interior of this car are in a very beautiful and good condition. The car has white paint and red interior. The car has the original 981 CC 3 cyl two stroke engine with 55 HP and a 4 speed manual gearbox. The car also has a luxurious mohair softtop. So a very beautiful and very rare car, this Auto-Union 1000SP convertible.

Only 1,640 ever made. This Unique Classic Gem has been completely restored to its Original design in Immaculate condition. A Car Lover & Collectors’ dream!

The stylish modern looks in combination with the fins where the inspiration for the nickname “Schmalspur Thunderbird”. The red vinyl interior is in good shape, and the two-stroke engine starts on the button with that typical sound. Driving this little convertible is quite an experience, and it is getting a lot of admiring looks. The style and rarity of the 1000 SP make it a much appreciated classic car at any event, being it a rally or a concours d’elegance. This is a proper collectors car, and probably one of the most stylish vehicles with the now well known Audi logo on the bonnet.

The most frequent phrase I hear from car guys is: ‘I’ve never seen one of these before.’ That is often followed by: ‘I didn’t know Audi made one of these.’

Then you have to explain that actually it is not an Audi, but an Auto Union, effectively a pre-Audi. Really it is a DKW, but mine wears Auto Union badges, and that was how it was sold when new. They felt at the time that the Auto Union name had more prestige from its pre-war racing heritage than DKW had from its motorbikes and small economy cars, and so was better suited to the 1000 SP design. After all, it was a very expensive car in its day.