Auto Union 1000
The two-stroke executive car that carried the four rings of Auto Union into the post-war era.
- Power
- 44 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 23.0 s
- Top speed
- 81 mph
- Est. value
- $9k–$28k
About the Auto Union 1000
The Auto Union 1000 was a significant evolution of the DKW 3=6, rebranded to reflect its larger 981cc engine and more premium positioning. It is distinguished by its smooth, aerodynamic 'pillarless' styling and a unique two-stroke three-cylinder engine that Auto Union claimed had the smoothness of a six-cylinder. The 1000 was one of the last cars to carry the Auto Union badge before the company was absorbed by Volkswagen and rebranded as Audi. Collectors value it for its quirky mechanical layout, surprisingly robust front-wheel-drive handling, and its role as a direct ancestor to the modern Audi A4.
Auto Union 1000 specs
The Auto Union 1000 produces 44 bhp (33 kW) and 78 Nm (58 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 23.0 seconds and has a top speed of 81 mph (130 km/h).
| Make | Auto Union |
|---|---|
| Model | 1000 |
| Trim | 1.0 |
| Years | 1958–1963 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Country | Germany |
| Original price | About $2,400 when new |
| Engine | 981cc two-stroke inline-3 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 981 cc (1.0 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 44 bhp (33 kW) at 4,500 rpm |
| Torque | 78 Nm (58 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 5,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 23.0 s |
| Top speed | 81 mph (130 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 930 kg (2,050 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 47 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is an Auto Union 1000 worth?
A typical Auto Union 1000 is estimated to be worth $9,000 – $28,000 (about £6,700 – £21,000).
Its original price when new was about $2,400.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Auto Union 1000 rarity in CarSpot
The Auto Union 1000 is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 25 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Auto Union 1000 fun facts
- The '1000' branding was a strategic move to distance the car from the DKW brand's economy image, though it remained mechanically similar.
- Its two-stroke engine required a petrol-oil mix, a characteristic that became increasingly rare in the executive car segment by the early 1960s.
- The 1000 Sp variant featured styling heavily inspired by the first-generation Ford Thunderbird, earning it the nickname 'the baby T-Bird'.