There has been a DKW type "special class" before, however the current class can in no way be compared representing a vehicle that is completely new in most respects.
The new type "special class" is a vehicle that in some parts follows the template of the previous four-cylinder DKW models, while in other respects is closer to the Wanderer program of Auto-Union. From the DKW program comes the engine, which is a four-cylinder two-stroke, a friend of ours, with whom we have deal with more than once. This two-stroke V-shaped four-cylinder engine with charging pump has been further developed and has 1054 cc capacity generating a brake performance of 32 HP. Above all a new system has been used for the fuel mixture preparation, which is now fed by two carburettors, which draw the petrol from a rear mounted tank by means of a mechanically driven petrol pump. There are more innovations to be found on the machine that are not visible to the eye, such as improved combustion chamber shape and dimensions for increased performance. A four-speed drive is mounted to the engine with two low-noise continuous gears. There is also a permanent freewheel that can be switched off. The chassis differs significantly from the previous four-cylinder DKW type which used a self-supporting body made of plywood. The main characteristic of the new frame is the box-shaped design of the beams, which result in an extremely torsion-resistant chassis. This has allowed the introduction of a new steel bodywork, which has been adapted, with certain changes, from the four-cylinder 1.8-litre Wanderer.
The new DKW also uses same axle-less front suspension as all Wanderer models of the Auto-Union. The main feature of this suspension is the parallelogram made from a spring and an overlying handlebar. In order to avoid danger in the event of a break of the front spring, special breakage protection has been added.
For the rear wheel suspension, the rigid rear axle has been replaced by a semi-swing axle, adopted from the DKW ‘Schweberklasse.’ The main characteristic of this type of suspension is that the rear body where it meets the frame, forms the centre of gravity for the entire body of the vehicle, so that lateral forces, such as centrifugal force, can no longer find an effective lever arm. The car therefore stays on a straight keel and shows no tendency to pitch vibrations. The oil pressure brake has of course been retained, because it is one of the most well-known brake systems, as well as other details of the DKW design.
Of course, the external appearance of the DKW represents a fundamental change from its predecessors. Even the face deviates completely from the previous front views of the DKW cars and is characterized by the radiator cowling bulging out in a soft curve, which at first glance shows that the engine block is used to achieve a good quality. We do not feel called to make judgments from the beauty point of view in the context of test reports. Interior wedge of the car is pushed far forward. In this case it is probably not necessary to emphasize how much the large DKW 'has gained in aesthetic terms, especially compared to its execution as the ‘Schwebeklasse’ model.
The driving characteristics
Attentive readers of "Motor und Sport" will recognize the DKW four-cylinder from earlier reviews of the large models from DKW. We can establish that each new type undoubtedly represents an improvement on the previous models. This model continues the trend. First of all, the engine properties have improved decisively. The engine operates much quieter and more vibration-free than before. These improvements and the changes in driving characteristics caused by the new chassis have a positive effect.
We have already been able to confirm the great road handling of the large DKW as one of the main features of this car. In this respect, the new model is still superior to its predecessors and it should be particularly emphasized how well the demands for high driving safety are met with the demands for high comfort, especially with regard to the suspension. It should be mentioned that the steering and brakes are as good as the suspension.
What has been achieved in terms of improved acceleration is worth recognition and is within the scope of what can be achieved in normal touring car construction. Despite the improved performance, the fuel consumption has actually decreased, which is probably one of the most important arguments for this DKW.
In some little things that we are used to taking seriously, we still hope for improvement. We think particularly of the fuel delivery system. It can happen from time to time that foreign bodies in the fuel block an inflow line, forcing the driver to unplug and blow through a line. This can be done on the new DKW, however the process is not a pure pleasure. Above all, the mouth of the copper pipe coming from the tank is below the tank level, so that after loosening the connection from the copper pipe to the flexible hose that establishes the connection with the fuel pump, the fuel simply runs out. The petrol pump itself is immovable in front of the radiator, i.e. in the air flow. This arrangement is very welcome in itself, as even in high heat a failure of the pump due to vapour lock is almost impossible. However, one has to accept the serious evil: - that the pump cannot be approached because it is wedged in the tight space between the engine and radiator, and also lies between the two strands of the valve belt! Loosening of any engine or hose connection on the fuel pump is a real feat. At DKW, you might consider whether you should give the tool a special key with a cranked or articulated handle so that work on the fuel pump, which can happen again and again, is easier to carry out.
The beautiful appearance, which is so important to customers, must of course be mentioned. The new DKW is definitely an advance in terms of aesthetics compared to the previous type "Schwebeklasse." However, it does not have the extraordinary interior space that its predecessor has. A few centimeters of body width, as well as the outside dimensions of the trunk had to be sacrificed. Nevertheless, the new DKW "Special class" still represents a very spacious car, at least a vehicle whose interior dimensions can hardly be achieved in the same car class.
In summary, we have come to the same judgment that we already made about the predecessor of this car. We look on the DKW "Special class" as a very capable and pleasantly spacious vehicle, with simple operating and maintenance requirements.
Addendum to the publication: At our suggestion, Auto-Union will install a Kraftstoffstahn (petrol tap key) in the petrol pump in series, so that the disadvantages described by our vehicle inspector can no longer occur. If you are forced to disconnect the petrol pump connection, you first interrupt the connection between the tank and the pump by switching off the tap. Access to the fuel pump is also to be improved by the addition of a special tool. With this special tool you will be able to deal with repairs to the fuel pump without having to be an acrobat.
St Szenacy. Motor und Sport Volume 43 October 1937 republished in AUVC Nachrichten Volume 87 December 1996 https://auvc-archive.blogspot.com/2020/07/auvc-nachrichten-volume-87-december-1996.html
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