Baby Thunderbird: Auto Union 1000 SP

1958 Auto Union 1000 Sp Front Corner

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If unique and rare are what you’re looking for, we found the car for you. This 1958 Auto Union 1000 Sp is both rare and unique, as there weren’t many 1000 Sps built during the six years it was produced and very few made it stateside. This one is currently for sale on eBay with a current bid of $1,306 and the reserve unmet.

1958 Auto Union 1000 Sp Rear Corner

The 1000 Sp has often been called the baby Thunderbird, and it’s not difficult to see why. The lines of this car are very similar to the Ford and the fins and tail lights could easily be mistaken for those of the Thunderbirds. The beautiful body work was crafted by Baur Coachworks, which gained fame for their BMW coachwork a few years later, and is of considerably high quality.

1958 Auto Union 1000 Sp Engine

This Auto Union is powered by the infamous DKW designed 3-cylinder 2-stroke engine. The 1000 Sp was intended to be a sportier car then its 1000 S siblings, so the engine’s compression was increased. This increased power to a claimed 55 hp. This isn’t a lot of power. But remember this same engine with less power helped Saab win countless rallies in the ’50s and ’60s.

1958 Auto Union 1000 Sp Interior

This car is in pretty good shape and mostly needs cosmetic work done to it. The interior is in decent shape, but the seats have seen better days. The engine runs, but is in need of a tune up and the paint is faded. All in all, we really like this car and remember “it pays to drive a DKW”!

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. Dan D

    This car really deserves the Hemi V8 from the yellow Daimler Dart parked next to it!

    Like 0
  2. C Doyle in SF

    Is it steel bodied? Looks like it isn't for some reason.

    Like 0
  3. Eric van Domselaar

    I remember my Dad's Audi 1971 100 LS being faster on the Autobahn….. These cars make too much noise!! I agree with Dan, but think that the V8 would have bent the chasis of the car, LOL!

    Like 0
  4. joe E

    I have one for sale.email me if your interested

    Like 0
  5. Raf

    @ joe E – how can you be contacted? am interested.

    Like 0
  6. dave

    Dan that car cant fit a V8 in it nor does it need one. that is an Audi. it is very light weight. my old TT S Line with a 3.2L does 178 MPH and sprints to 60 in just at 5 seconds. a 1.8L Turbo 4 cylinder sprints to 60 in 5.7 seconds.

    Like 0
  7. MikeW

    I love the Thunderbird connection

    Like 0

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