One of the four makes that comprised the prewar Auto Union group in Germany (the others being Audi, Wanderer and Horch), DKW began as a steam equipment company, the initials derived from Dampf-Kraft-Wagen (“steam-driven car” in German). By the late 1920s, DKW was the world’s largest producer of motorcycles with automobiles following in 1928. After World War II; production resumed in a nationalized Audi plant at Ingolstadt and in Dusseldorf. Initially a two-door sedan, the Sonderklasse was later offered as a coupe, a cabriolet, a four-door sedan and a “Universal” Kombi, or station wagon.

This Meisterklasse Coupe is believed to be the only running example from 1953 in the United States. It was purchased from a long time collector and was subsequently fully restored. Every body component, even the seat frames, is reported to share the same vehicle identification number, indicating they are original to the car. Interesting features of this car include an unusual shift linkage that passes through the radiator, a full Bakelite dashboard, and Bakelite window trims. Particularly attractive in this color combination of Forest Green Mist with green striped interior, this Meisterklasse Coupe is guaranteed to be the only one on the road.