1961 Audi Auto Union 1000 Sp Coupe

Coupe

55 hp, Single Solex carburetor, water cooled

Manual

6812693681

Clear

Gasoline

Completely restored in 2016. One of only 5000 built, only 3 owners since 1961. VIN Number: 6812693681Engine Number: 88616010113 - AU100SMileage: 36308Engine: 55 hp, Single Solex carburetor, water cooledGearbox: 4-speed manualBrakes: DrumWeight: 960 kilogram (2120 pounds)Top Speed: 140 km/h (87 mph) We can assist with shipping. Shipping to New York is approximately 1,200 USD, Los Angeles is 1,500 USD and Continental Europe between 500 to 900 Euro. History: The Auto Union 1000 (was a compact front-wheel-drive automobile manufactured by Auto Union between 1958 and 1965. It was the first (and in many markets the last) model branded as an Auto Union by the manufacturer. As well as acting as an umbrella firm for its four constituent brands (Audi, Horch, DKW, Wanderer). Auto Union is widely known for its racing team (Auto Union Rennabteilung, based at Horch works in Zwickau/Saxony). The Silver Arrows of these two German teams (Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union) dominated not only GP car racing from 1934 onwards, but set records that would take decades to beat, such as the fastest speed ever attained on a public road (at 432.7 km/h (268.9mph), unbroken as of 2013). After being reduced to near ruin in the aftermath of World War II, Auto Union was re-founded in Ingolstadt, Bavaria in 1949, ultimately evolving into the modern day Audi company following its takeover by Volkswagen in 1964 and later merger with NSU Motorenwerke in 1969. Appearing in 1958 was the Auto Union 1000 Sp (Sp = Special hardtop), the most powerful and desirable Auto Union 1000 model, a low-slung two-seater sports car that was produced for Auto Union by the Stuttgart coach builders, Baur. The fixed-head version was joined in 1961 by a cabriolet. Adorned with tail fins, the stylish modern look of the car gave rise to the "baby Thunderbird" (schmalspur Thunderbird) soubriquet in the press, and belied the fact that it was, under the skin, another Auto Union 1000, albeit one with an increased compression ratio and a claimed maximum of 55 bhp (41 kW) to place on the road. The 1000 Sp was lower but not (assuming only two people were in the car) significantly lighter than the standard-bodied saloon: a claimed maximum speed of 140 km/h (87 mph) nevertheless put its performance at the top of the range.