Auto Union 1000 Sp Roadster Vollrestauration
This Auto Union 1000 SP Roadster is the next project for a regular customer who previously commissioned us to restore a Wartburg 311 sedan. The vehicle is largely complete, but shows some deviations from its original condition. After chemical paint stripping, a precise inventory of the sheet metal will be carried out in our workshops.
The goal is a systematic, complete restoration, in which the body, mechanics, and interior are harmoniously reunited. Important is not only the final appearance, but also a clean body construction with verifiable components, correct panel gaps, and accurate mechanics.
1000 Sp Roadster: Check original condition after paint stripping
The Auto Union 1000 Sp is often called the "Baby Thunderbird" because of its distinctive lines. However, for this restoration, the car's condition after stripping the paint is more important than its history. Only on bare metal can you see where previous repairs, rust, filler, or later modifications have been made.
We examine the body shape, doors, hoods, add-on parts, mounting points, and any existing original parts. Especially with a rare Auto Union 1000 SP Roadster, it's crucial to know which parts can be salvaged and which areas need to be rebuilt before any sheet metal work begins.
Sills, underbody and chassis connection on the Auto Union
The bodywork of the 1000 Sp has important inspection points located on the sills, wheel arches, underbody, door hinges, and the points where the body attaches to the chassis. These areas later determine whether the doors, soft top, hood, and panel gaps fit properly.
In our workshops, corroded or poorly repaired areas are not simply covered up. Damaged sections are cut out, repair panels are fitted, and welded flush. Specific body parts for the roadster are often not readily available. In such cases, panels must be fabricated according to a sample and adapted to the existing structure.
Two-stroke technology, steering column shifter and roadster parts
The Auto Union 1000 Sp uses DKW's typical two-stroke technology with a water-cooled three-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive, and a four-speed gearbox with column shift. This brief technical description is sufficient for the project. More important is how complete and original the existing components are.
The engine, transmission, brakes, chassis, electrical system, and interior are inspected according to their condition. An engine overhaul or technical restoration is planned if its condition, wear, or previous modifications necessitate it. Especially with the three-cylinder, two-stroke engine, the carburetor, ignition, and fuel supply must work together flawlessly.
What is important before restoring an Auto Union 1000 Sp
An Auto Union 1000 Sp Roadster, a DKW model, or any other two-stroke classic car requires a thorough inspection of its condition before restoration begins. Crucial factors include not only completeness and appearance, but also the condition of the bodywork, the availability of parts, the technical components, and any previous repairs.
If you're looking to restore an Auto Union 1000 Sp, a DKW, or a similar two-stroke classic, photos of the body, undercarriage, sills, doors, engine compartment, interior, and available parts will be helpful. At our workshops in the Czech Republic, we'll assess whether bodywork, rust removal, mechanical restoration, engine overhaul, painting, or a complete classic car restoration is worthwhile.
