1952 DKW SCHNELLASTER

The DKW Schnellaster, or “Rapid Delivery” in English, is possibly the most ironically-named vehicle in History. 

Produced by DKW from 1949 to 1962 alongside the DKW F89 passenger car, it was the first vehicle to be manufactured by the new Auto Union conglomerate in Ingolstadt following the Post-War re-establishment of the business in West Germany, DKW being one of the four rings of the famous Audi badge. 

Years ahead of its time, with a transverse engine, front wheel drive and a fully flat cargo floor, this Schnellaster is powered by a 684cc 2 cylinder, 2 stroke engine. Even in 1949, 20 brake horsepower was far from high-performance, but it proved a reliable workhorse, and with its charming face, it found its way into the hearts of a nation.

Only Fifteen of these brilliant vans found their way to Australia in period, ten of them sold to Carpet Care in Melbourne. 

After about half a dozen years they were replaced with more powerful machines. This particular example, believed to be the sole survivor, was stored in South Gippsland and went through several owners before undergoing restoration in 2003. 

It was later caught in the Gippsland floods and underwent a second recommissioning. It was subsequently used by Audi Centre Brisbane as a promotional vehicle in their showroom.

Driving the van today is a wonderful experience. There is a non-synchromesh 3 speed transmission and the gears are changed from left to right rather than fore and aft, but it’s far more intuitive than it sounds. The unique sounds and smells of a two-stroke are a rare thing on Australian roads and people stop and wave as you drive by in this rolling time-capsule. 

This Schnellaster is a truly unique vehicle in Australia, a piece of German post-War motoring history and would be the charming centre point of any collection or perfect for promoting a business.