DKW 1000 S Coupè Fissore

Vehicle Overview

The DKW 1000 Special is a rare and unique model, one of the very few built in Italy by the Fissore coachbuilder. The origins of Carrozzeria Fissore trace back to 1921, when Bernardo Fissore, along with his brother Antonio, founded the company. They were later joined by their younger brothers Giovanni and Costanzo, forming a family enterprise known for its bespoke and innovative car designs. Inspired by the sleek lines and distinctive rear tails of the iconic Ford Thunderbird, the DKW 1000 Special stands out with its elegant and sporty appearance. The car is powered by DKW’s robust three-cylinder, two-stroke 1000cc engine, capable of producing 37 kW (50 hp). This engine enabled the car to reach a top speed of 130 km/h. The DKW 1000 Special also featured a unique column-mounted shifter with four forward gears plus reverse. The DKW 1000 Special made its debut at the 1959 Turin Motor Show, presented in both coupé and cabriolet versions. Despite its striking design and solid performance, production numbers were extremely limited. Between 1959 and 1964, just over a hundred units were produced, and they were distributed by Motoauto SpA of Bologna, the Italian importer of DKW vehicles. After this initial production phase, Fissore sold the manufacturing license to Industria Automotriz Santa Fé SA in Argentina. This company went on to build 701 units of the first series and 226 of the second series, continuing the legacy of the DKW 1000 Special. The DKW 1000 Special is a testament to the innovative spirit of Carrozzeria Fissore and its ability to blend Italian design elegance with reliable German engineering. Today, this rare model is a cherished collector’s item, representing a unique chapter in the history of automotive design and international collaboration.