In postwar Europe, the practical two-stroke engine was a must-have and when DKW cleverly advertised its front-wheel-drive F93 saloon with the slogan “3 = 6” (referring to its three-cylinder two-stroke motor said to have the power and refinement of a six-cylinder four-stroke engine) the 3 = 6 model was born.

The compact saloon, manufactured by Auto Union GmbH, was launched in 1953 and sold until 1959. It shared the F91’s 92.5in wheelbase but had a wider track and a longer steel body which was available in several styles including a coupe which sported a handsome roof and a wrap-around rear window giving it quite a natty appearance but the cabriolet looked even better. A saloon and estate were also available and they all shared a new oval grille, steel hub caps, rounded fenders and leather interior.

The two-stroke breathed through a single downdraft carb and produced 45bhp at 4,250rpm, mated to a four-speed gearbox. It wasn’t fast but the motor sure made a pleasing sound and the cars were so popular (they handled well thanks to their double-wishbone front and a transverse, semi-elliptic leaf-spring rear suspension and 15in wheels) that they gave the Volkswagen Beetle a real run for their money.

 

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