“A riddle inside an enigma”, to paraphrase Winston Churchill, describes this obscure but charming automobile, further distinguished by an aftermarket roadster conversion. DKW was still trying to sell two-stroke motor’d sedans in 1965, long past the technology’s “sell by” date. This allegiance to primitive power – born of the company’s success producing motorcycles in the 1920s – led Audi to kill the brand. But by then, the Dampfkraftwagen (steam car) company had sputtered out thousands of examples, most of which were only a couple of notches better than a motorcycle. Such was the thirst for economy cars slightly better than a motorcycle that DKW crested as second largest automobile seller in Germany through most of the 1930s. This example here on facebook Marketplace, found by T.J., is a 1961 DKW F11. The F11 evolved from the Junior, launched in 1959. Still badged as a Junior externally, this transition car’s VIN tag shows it to be an F11. No F11 roadsters were made; the seller notes that the convertible conversion work was performed in Germany, after which the car received a form of historical designation. The price is $15,000 and the car is located in Gainesville, Florida.
The three-pot two-stroke (termed “unique” by the seller) displaces 741 ccs and generates a blistering 34 bhp. A four-speed all-synchro manual column shift drives the front wheels. Here’s a jaunt in a ’61 DKW F11 – lots of sound and fury … and a little bit of “go.” Later Junior DeLuxe models received the big block, at 796 ccs – but with no more power! Torque, however, rose to 71 lb-ft. The larger engine had another advantage – an automated addition of oil to the fuel: the Junior owner was still mixing oil and fuel in the prescribed ratio. Notably, the chassis requires dedicated maintenance, with several lubrication points demanding attention every 7500 miles or so (if you need that chart it’s on eBay UK here!)
The soda-pop-shop interior is almost impeccable. The dash layout is a bit odd, but I’m not going to complain – the car is too nice to be critical. And gee, remember when I mentioned missing a bud vase during a review of a ’40 Buick? Well, this little DKW manages to display a rose quite nicely. Documentation detailing the car’s history in Germany comes with the sale.
The fin trend was fading by the time the ’60s rolled around, but no one told DKW. And referring to the front end, we stopped burying headlamps into hooded openings after about 1958. Still, anachronism or not, the DKW is a quirky charmer. I’d want to know how she rides without the stability of the roof holding her together, and I might dicker on the price, but I could easily see sneaking this one into some corner of the barn.
It looks as though it’s tip toeing on those tiny little tires! GLWTS!! :-)
I think I rode in one at Kiddieland.
The one across from Maywood Park?
Hi Kim, nope, it was Funtown at Capitol Court Shopping Center in Milwaukee.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=498049780223127&id=120971461264296&set=a.498048893556549
This DKW reminds me of a poor man’s version of an Amphicar Model 770, it just comes with no propeller or good water seals.
Reminds me of the SAAB two cycle engine. Very interesting.
Saab’s 2-stroke engine was heavily based on the DKW, if not outright copied. Saab offered cars with 2-stroke engines I think through 1968.
DKW produced the 2-stroke 3-cylinder engine for Saab, but there were differences.
The DKW engine had an upright block, three ignition coils and a breaker plate with three sets of points and condensers in behind the crankshaft belt pulley.
The Saab engine was canted over about 30 degrees. It used a single ignition coil and a traditional distributor with a single point set and condenser.
There may have been other differences but those are the ones that I can recall.
Some similarity to the SAAB two stroke, but a lot of differences too. SAAB used a water pump, on the back of the generator for the pre-65 strokers and a single point distributor. DKW was still using 3 sets of points, each firing it’s own coil and thermo siphon cooling.
That must means the DKW’s crank was different..probably a 120 degree throw design as all three plugs have to fire every revolution being a 2-stroke.
That last side view photo reminds me of the Amphicar (spell check?). It sits up high on those little wheels and tires, looking as if it could head for a pond and swim away. Was this made in East Germany? Good for a conversation piece at shows but not safe on anything but back roads, and then there would be cars waiting to pass. They do that to me just because I’m old and not as fast as I once was.
No; it was made in Lübeck and Berlin. It had a 1200 cc Triumph Herald – engine.
That was my first thought also–the body shape looks very much like the AmphiCar!
That was my first thought also–the body shape looks very much like the AmphiCar!
Dave, it does have that look along with Howard’s kiddy car. Was that the Kiddieland in Melrose Park? Kurt, you win a seegar! The SAAB 2 stroke engine was based on this.
This car is AWESOME!
If this car doesn’t make you smile, you need help…
Another winner from Michelle Rand!!
When I saw the first pic, I said, “I’ll just bet this is one of Michelle’s write ups.”
Then I read the first line, “A riddle inside an enigma” and I knew it was yours.
Girl, you keep hitting it out of the park with your one-liners.
It is always a joy to read your reviews. You truly have a gift of humor, an eye for the unique, and a writing style that entertains and informs… and is fun. And that is the best part.
Keep ‘‘em coming. This is why I became a member.
Awww, thanks so much! You made my day!
They used to give these away on The Price is Right (also Berkleys) in the early 60’s. This one’s cute but yeah plus one on structural integrity without the top. I wonder if there’s a motorcycle engine that would fit-and those wheels look silly! Still, DKW was (as Michelle pointed out) a respected manufacturer in its day, and arguably had the (or one of the) first engines with individual cylinder “coil packs”!
Imagine 2day’s young drivers winnin 1 of the tiny 1 to 1.5 liter two door cars on Classic Concentration 1987-1991 with 4 or 5 speed manual trans, no p/s or p/w or a/c. On Buzzr tv.
DRAT THOSE ADS! — when I am a PAID MEMBER on this site! I keep getting knocked off and have to start all over, when I am trying to enter my name to post! Ad after ad blocks my view, and as I try to get past them, I get knocked off the site, and my comment is not there when I get back on!!! I don’t have a whole day of frustrated hours to devote to this: KNOCK OFF THE ADS!!!!!!!
Harrison, I don’t think Barn Finds has anything to do with the frustrating “pop-up” ads. They have increased for me too when not on Barn Finds site. I refuse to pay for a service that “May” eliminate them though. I get emails from both Verizon and AOL sometimes to offer their services. They try to do that for “Free”, but it’s not for free, only free for a limited time.
Harrison, have you been able to reach Gabe, who’s selling the Town Car? I have both his phone number and email for you. My info is on the (dusty) Town Car post listed here for sale from a couple of days back. Call me if you need help.
And-and GET OFF MY LAWN!
I pay a minimal price for an ad blocker … it blocks most ads on most sites, though some ask that I disable the ad blocker … comes in handy on facebook which I understand has many ads …
Hi Harrison, I’d contact the staff at [email protected] and explain to Jesse something isn’t right. You should not have any ads as a member, and your double posts indicate something is wrong. The site was hacked a while back and seems on track now, you may have to log out or a different password. I know, it’s frustrating, but I think this staff more than any other site really does care. Hang in there, pal.
Hello, Dave in PA: How do I get your number??
215-268-8773.
Hello, Dave in PA: How do I get your number??
215-268-8773.
To Dave in PA: a Philadelphia man! — I know that area-code well — along with 610. I will call at around 9:00, Kind Sir! (if that’s okay…)
Harrison, 9PM is fine. I am usually okay to contact until 11PM.
To Dave in PA: Cool! Thanks!
To Dave in PA: Cool! Thanks!
This thing looks like a triumph herald convertible with tiny tires😂
Is it a Frua design?
No. Fisher Price
Dont forget the orig mustang with v8 came with 5 lug 13″ wheels.
The moment I saw this the other day, I instantly thought of a late 1950s child’s pedal car. I tried to text this at the time, but I became frustrated by the ads blocking every attempt. Sorry. Why isn’t this posting?? When I hit “post comment” again, it doesn’t even react with “duplicate comment — go back” I feel BLOCKED!!
Harrison, I find the same problem posting here, though I’m not sure if Barn Finds is the issue. Sometimes the post occurs within seconds, sometimes after a minute or more of waiting, and sometimes I click the “back” arrow button to view my post and reclick, then it either works or says already posted. Sometimes there is a duplicate post. Frustrating. I still have an old desk top computer with Windows 10. Windows 10 is stopping service later this year to favor Windows 11. More money to upgrade. For me it is easier because of the keyboard as opposed to the small screen android. I have a hard time not making mistakes due to screen size, just old fashioned me. Anyway, these things are mysteries sometimes.
I have a little house cleaning before I tackle the 78 record cleaning. One out of the three that had cracks did not show light. Two did show light and are in trash, too bad for Hank Williams! The other I will try your super glue trick on flat surface after a clean and dry. So far only labor cleaning cheap BSR player. I will check stylus under microscope. Thanks for the tips!
The nickname for DKWs in Germany back in the day was “Das Kleine Wunder (The Little Wonder)”. My cousin had one I believe as his first car, as the family over there joked about him fitting his 6’3″ frame into it. Cute car and likely a lot of fun provided you keep to the back roads.
Looks like a pedal car version of a ’55 Packard. All it needs are Clipper taillights.