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Competition for Ford and Opel - DKW F 12 (historical test)

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Created on February 15, 1963

Text:

Heinz Kranz

Photos:

Archiv

21

Archiv

21

DKW F12 (1963) - 900 cm3, 40 hp, 7.8 liters consumption per 100 km

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DKW F 12 (1963) - new model between Junior and 1000, with automatic fresh oil lubrication and front-wheel drive

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DKW F 12 (1964) - larger car developed from the DKW Junior with more power and interior space - Geneva Motor Show 1964

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DKW F12 (1963) - at the IAA in 1963

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DKW F12 (1963) - women loved the car too

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DKW F12 (1963) - front-wheel drive and fresh oil automatic transmission

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DKW F12 (1963) - a car of the modern European class, wrote AU at the time

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DKW F12 (1963) - at the photo shoot

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DKW F12 (1963) - 7.8 liters standard consumption stated by the manufacturer at the time

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DKW F12 (1963) - two reversing lights were not common among the competition at the time

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DKW F12 (1963) - notchback and modern design

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DKW F12 (1963) - valveless three-cylinder engine with 900 cc and 40 hp at 4300 rpm, the 3.8-liter oil tank of the automatic fresh oil system is easily accessible at the front right

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DKW F12 (1963) - good access to the rear

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DKW F12 (1963) - with reversing lights, that was something back then

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DKW F11 (1964) - not everyone needs 40 hp, for some 34 hp is enough

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DKW F11 (1964) - with the smaller engine and 34 hp

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DKW F11 (1964) - body of the F12 with the technology of the DKW Junior

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DKW F12 Roadster (1964) - quite sporty with 45 hp

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DKW F12 Roadster (1964) - with disc brakes and well thought-out interior

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DKW F12 Roadster (1964) - a spirited car for fans of open-top sporty driving

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DKW F11 (1964) - looks similar to that of the F12

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Summary

When the 'hobby' makers were allowed to test the DKW F12 in 1963, they had high praise for the little car. Above all, its lightness, safety and excellent equipment were highly praised. Nevertheless, they still had a few niggles. This historical test report from 1963 shows the strengths and weaknesses from a contemporary perspective, supplemented with a sales brochure and many historical pictures of the F 12.

This article contains the following chapters

No reason for uncertainty
Disc versus drum
Small in larger
Not a projectile but still superior
Simple and yet well equipped
Technical profile
Technical comparison

Estimated reading time: 6min

Preview (beginning of the article)

The first working day of 1963 looked uninviting: gray in gray skies, a sharp cold wind, the roads full of fresh snow and ice as smooth as glass underneath. Cars slid more than they drove, but this was just the right test weather for Auto Union's newest child: the DKW F12. It is not my fault, but that of Auto Union, if this test becomes a song of praise for a car that, small in size and light in weight, contains everything that today's modern automotive technology has to offer. The F 12 is the safest car I know, as safe as the DS 19, but with its maneuverability it outperforms the big Citroen on snow and ice.

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