Fourth commission from a long-time collector
This 1964 DKW F12 Roadster came to us from southern Italy. It's already the fourth vehicle that a long-time collector has entrusted to us for a complete restoration. The car had been stored partially disassembled for several decades in the warm Italian climate. This visibly benefited the car's structure, even if the typical weak points are still apparent when looking at the bare metal.
Bodywork is already underway in our workshops. This includes the sills, A-pillars, B-pillars, floor areas, wheel arches, front, rear, and convertible top connections. While the scope of work is manageable in many areas, meticulous workmanship is essential on an open-top vehicle. Even minor flaws in the wrong places can later affect the doors, panel gaps, and convertible top fit.
Genuine DKW F12 Roadster by Baur
This vehicle is a genuine DKW F12 Roadster. The open body was built by Baur in Stuttgart. Technically, the car remains a typical late Auto Union two-stroke: front-wheel drive, water-cooled three-cylinder two-stroke engine, 889 cc displacement and 45 hp.
The roadster will be repainted white. The lines will remain original, but the mechanical components will not be preserved without modification. A conversion to a 12-volt electrical system is planned, along with the installation of an electric water pump. This is not an attempt to modernize the car, but rather a targeted technical upgrade to ensure the small two-stroke roadster can be used reliably in the future.
Body construction on the open structure
A complete restoration of the DKW F12 Roadster begins where it must begin for a convertible: with the load-bearing body structure. Without a fixed roof, the sills, floor panels, A-pillars, B-pillars, and convertible top connections provide a significant portion of the structural stability. If these areas are only superficially smoothed, problems will arise later during assembly.
Therefore, damaged sections are opened, inspected, and rebuilt where the sheet metal is no longer load-bearing. Repair panels must fit perfectly, box sections must be stable again, and the body must be dimensionally accurate. Only then can doors, hoods, convertible tops, paintwork, and final assembly be properly assessed.
Two-stroke technology with 12 volts
The work includes more than just the bodywork. The engine, carburetor, ignition, fuel supply, cooling system, chassis, brakes, electrical system, interior, convertible top, and final assembly are also addressed according to the findings. With a DKW F12 Roadster, the technical modifications must be tailored to the characteristics of the three-cylinder, two-stroke engine.
Converting to a 12-volt system requires careful planning. The alternator, regulator, battery, electrical components, ignition system, and instruments must all be compatible. The electric water pump is also integrated into this concept. The goal is a reliable setup, not a visible alteration of the vehicle's appearance.
Small roadster, demanding restoration
The DKW F12 Roadster is not a grand prestige car. That's precisely what makes it interesting. It represents a nearly vanished technological world of two-stroke engines, front-wheel drive, a lightweight open body, and Auto Union history shortly before the end of DKW passenger car production.
For our client, this roadster is part of an established collection. For us, it's a small but demanding restoration project. The car doesn't need grand pronouncements, but rather meticulous bodywork, a well-balanced technical overhaul, and respect for the character of a lightweight, two-stroke classic.
