DKW 3=6 of 1954

The DKW 3=6 was a product of Auto Union GMBH of Dusseldorf, Ingolstadt who also produced DKW Commercial Vehicles, Motor Scooters and Motor Cycles from 125 to 350 c.c.This particular car was unusual in the way of its engine, being a 3 cylinder 2 stroke unit (no valve gear) having a bore of 2.79 inches and stroke of 2.99 inches, this giving a cubic capacity of 896. The unit produced 34 brake horsepower at 4350 rpm. DKW boasted of the high reliability of the engine even under most severe conditions, this being based on the simplicity of its design, there were only three moving parts and no valves. They stated that the problem of

efficient engine lubrication had been solved perfectly by the two-stroke principal, in that, together with the fuel, fresh unused oil reaches all the lubrication points inside the motor, thus, from the very first revolution of the crankshaft, an oil film covers all moving parts.

The Company stated that the "DKW-Shell-Mixer is a great improvement,and that to a large extent facilitates quick refuelling". It was incorporated in the fuel tank - which had a capacity of 9.1/2 gallons and the fuel is automatically mixed with the oil. The correct mixture under all conditions being 1 pint of oil to three gallons of fuel

The models available in 1954 were the 4/5 Seater Saloon, the 4/5 seater Fixed-Head Saloon, the Drop-Head Cabriolet and the "Universal" Station Wagon. Prices in the United Kingdom were

respectively, and including Purchase Tax, £846.17.6d; £896. 9. 2d; £1113. 4. 2d and £975. 15. 10d.

The DKW THREE-SIX was quite an elegant and graceful car, the large wrap-around rear window giving good vision. An attractive all steel dashboard with instruments carefully placed to give a glarefree view - on the left the switches for the windscreen wipers, instrument illumination and interior lighting and on the right in the export saloon, the coupe and the convertibles a spacious glove box which could belocked. The gear change lever was mounted on the steering column leading to a 4 speed gearbox with synchromesh on the top threegears, the unit was also equipped with a free-wheel on all four speeds, when you lifted your foot off the throttle the car would coast.Thecars were unusual in that it incorporated front wheel drive, having no propeller shaft the foot space was increased by the flat floor.

The makers claimed 36 miles per gallon of fuel at 30 miles per hour. The maximum speed was given at 75 mph. The Three-Six was also a well proved sporting vehicle having had many successes in 1953. In 1954 these cars took the first three places in the European Touring Car Championships. In fact of 19 International competitions they gained 18 victories. The DKW was not a large car, the total length being 166 inches and 63 inches in width, the total weight being 16.5 cwt.

The DKW was widely available in GB, the importers being A.F.N. Ltd of Isleworth, Middlesex. {main}

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