words: Bill, photos: Aaron Klimchuck via Bring A Trailer
Ok…this 1939 DKW is in MUCH better condition than our last 1939 Find of the Day. I’ve actually seen this one run and drive and it’s in phenomenal condition. Here’s the ad:
This 1939 DKW F8 Meisterklasse cabriolet was refurbished in Zwickau, Germany, before it was imported to the US under previous ownership. It was purchased by the seller in 2020. The car features steel and fabric-covered wood bodywork finished in red and black, and power comes from a 692cc two-stroke twin that drives the front wheels via a three-speed manual transaxle. Equipment includes tan cloth upholstery, a black soft top, a 12-volt electrical system, rear-hinged doors, chrome bumperettes, Auto Union badging, and a woodgrain dashboard. This DKW is now offered in Woodstock, Maryland with Vermont registration.
The F8 debuted for 1939 and was offered as a saloon, cabriolet, and sedan delivery across three trim levels. The F8 in mid-level Meisterklasse trim remained in production until 1942, and production was restarted in East Germany in 1948 as the IFA F8, which was available until 1955. This pre-war example features fabric-covered wood bodywork aft of the A-pillars finished in two-tone black and red. A matching steel hood and black fenders are fitted, and additional equipment includes a red grille insert with a four-ringed Auto Union badge as well as chrome bumperettes, a black soft top, rear-hinged doors, side-mounted trafficators, a single rear brake light, and a rear reflector. A paint crack on the centrally hinged hood can be seen in the gallery.
The 16″ black-painted steel wheels wear chrome hubcaps and are mounted with Puma bias-ply tires. A matching spare wheel with a Riesa bias-ply tire is mounted out back. Stopping power is provided by drums at all four corners.
The cabin features low-back bucket seats and a rear bench upholstered in tan cloth. Matching cloth trims the door and side panels, and a black rubber mat lines the floors. A tear in the headliner can be seen in the gallery.
The three-spoke steering wheel fronts a woodgrain dash panel featuring dual glove boxes, a clock, and a 120-km/h speedometer. The five-digit odometer shows 88k kilometers (~55k miles). Total mileage is unknown.
The 692cc two-stroke twin was factory rated at 20 horsepower. A 12-volt electrical system was installed under previous ownership.
Power is sent to the front wheels via a three-speed manual transaxle that was reportedly serviced with fresh gear oil in 2022.
The car does not have a title, as it is registered in a state that does not issue titles for a vehicle of its age. It is being sold on its registration.
Twenty horses and look how you shift the gears in the video above. Definitely a learning curve but looks fun. The owner has a great collection of Audi models which you can see in the background of some of the photos. You can see them on his Instagram page @quattroking. The other 1939 FOTD we featured had a price tag above $100,000. This one is on Bring A Trailer with the current bid at $12,000 and as previously mentioned, it’s in much better shape. If you want to a great example of a pre-war DKW/Auto Union, you had better hurry. There are only a couple of hours left so go HERE.
