Car timeline

1931

After commencing car production in 1928, three years later DKW produces its pioneering frontwheel-drive F1 model – ‘F’ standing for ‘Frontantrieb’ (or front-drive).

1932

DKW merges with Audi, Horch and Wanderer to form Auto Union.

1949

The Schnellaster enters production as the three-speed F89L, powered by a 688cc twostroke producing a whopping 20bhp.

1952

F89L gains four speeds and a slight power increase to 22bhp. Schnellaster production in Ireland commences.

1954

Engine capacity grows to 792cc for the F89L variant’s replacement, the Type 30 F800. It’s produced for just one year. Production expands to Vitoria in Spain.

1955

The Schnellaster we’re driving, the 3=6 F800, arrives and has a 896cc displacement and 32bhp at its disposal.

1958

Now owning nearly 90 per cent of its shares, Daimler Benz takes control of Auto Union.

1960

Schnellasters are built under license by Industrias Automotriz de Santa Fe in Argentina.

1962

Production of the Schnellaster comes to an end. It’s replaced by the DKW F100L, produced by Industrias del Motor SA in Spain, initially with twostoke power and later a MercedesBenz diesel engine.