20 bhp, 692 cc two-stroke two-cylinder engine, three-speed manual transmission with lockable freewheeling, semi-elliptic leaf spring suspension, four-wheel drum brakes.

Wheelbase: 2,600 mm • DKW’s last pre-war model • Larger displacement Meisterklasse engine • Most sporting two-door cabriolet coachwork Auto Union was an amalgamation of German automobile manufacturers that was founded in 1932.

The four individual companies that formed this association were foundering due to the effects of the Great Depression.

Horch, Wander, Audi and DKW were the four firms that merged, and their new logo was a series of four interlocking rings which was worn on the grille of each vehicle.

Like General Motors’ Billy Durant had done two decades earlier, the principals of each of the firms realised that they could save themselves by combining forces and gaining more strength in the market.

DKW was founded in 1916 to produce steam fittings and set out to produce a steam-driven car.

Although the steam...