The narrow-gauge Thunderbird from Auto Union
This 1963 Auto Union 1000 Sp Roadster is one of the most extraordinary projects at YOR Youngtimer Oldtimer Restauration. The open-top 1000 Sp was produced in limited numbers, and its body was crafted by Baur in Stuttgart. Due to its lines reminiscent of American designs, it earned the nickname "Narrow Gauge Thunderbird."
For a two-stroke enthusiast, we are completely restoring this roadster, working closely with the owner to bring it back to its original condition as closely as possible. This sounds simpler than it is. The car arrived disassembled, incomplete, and with many unresolved issues. A wrong engine, a wrong gearbox, numerous missing parts, and front-end collision damage meant this project wasn't a typical restoration, but rather a combination of bodywork, parts identification, technical inspection, and undoing mistakes.
981 cc, two-stroke engine and Baur bodywork
The Auto Union 1000Sp is technically based on the DKW and Auto Union two-stroke technology of the time. The 981 cc three-cylinder two-stroke engine with 55 hp, front-wheel drive, and four-speed gearbox are integral to the car's character. A 1000Sp is not a mass-produced car with a body kit and interchangeable parts. Many details are model-specific, and finding suitable parts, especially for the roadster, can quickly become difficult.
The bodywork built by Baur is interesting from a craftsmanship perspective, but not as precise as one would expect from modern mass production. Large tolerances and extensive factory tinning are typical of these bodies. This isn't a case of poor repair work from a later period, but rather, in some cases, the original manufacturing method. Anyone restoring an Auto Union 1000 Sp today must recognize these differences before hastily removing or smoothing anything over.
Typical rust damage on the Auto Union 1000Sp
On the 1000Sp, the sills and door sills are particularly critical. Many vehicles suffer from extensive rust in these areas. Rear wheel arches, floor areas, jack points, door bottoms, fender connections, front and rear sections must also be carefully inspected. The frame is often more robust than the body shell, but even there, the mounting points should not be ignored.
Our roadster suffered from the usual rust issues combined with front-end collision damage. This made the work considerably more complex. Doors and hoods had to be repeatedly repositioned during the sill installation; otherwise, the panel gaps wouldn't be correct later. With a Baur body and its original tolerances, this is even more critical than with a standard production vehicle.
Back to Comoblau
The roadster is to be rebuilt in its original Como Blue color. This shade suits the shape of the 1000Sp well, but requires clean surfaces and a clear body structure. With a car that has been tinned, old repairs, front-end damage, and numerous modifications, the paintwork can only be applied once the shape is correct.
A complete restoration includes the body, paint, engine, transmission, chassis, brakes, electrics, interior, convertible top, chrome, and final assembly. Additionally, missing or incorrect parts must be replaced, adapted, or correctly identified. Especially with a rare Auto Union Roadster, this is often more complex than simply repairing a single sheet metal panel.
Originality combined with meaningful safety modifications
The basic idea remains to restore the vehicle to its original condition. Nevertheless, only a few deliberate changes are being implemented. The conversion to 12 volts and modern LED taillights serves the purpose of safety. Who would want to turn left at an uncontrolled intersection today with a 6-volt taillight, combined brake and turn signal light (both red), and weak signaling effect?
This isn't a tuning decision, but a practical consideration. A classic car can look original, but it must remain recognizable in modern traffic. A small roadster with a two-stroke engine and low bodywork especially benefits from clearly visible turn signals and brake lights.
Ongoing restoration of a rare roadster
This project is still ongoing. It's not a quick rebuild, but a restoration with many dependencies: rare parts, incorrect technology, body tolerances, rust, accident damage, old pewter work, and the desire to restore not just "beautifully," but correctly.
The Auto Union 1000 Sp Roadster is not just a simple DKW with an open body. It's a rare Baur-built car, a two-stroke specialist, and a piece of Auto Union history from just before the end of that era. That's precisely why it deserves patience. And that's exactly why a proper 1000 Sp restoration takes longer than many initially expect.
