This 1957 DKW Schnellaster is a particularly rare passenger van variant that’s been sitting for nearly 45 years. Though not running, the seller says it’s free of major rust and nearly complete. No lower body, chassis or engine shots are provided, but what can be seen does look very restorable. Find it here on eBay in Granada Hills, California with reserve not met. Special thanks to BaT reader AMF for this submission.

Purchased by the seller a handful of years ago in Sacramento, their intentions to restore it have fallen by the wayside, but fortunately it does appear to have been stored indoors during that time. The seller believes it’s been in the US since the 60’s, which black and yellow California license plates seem to support. Faded lettering down the right side isn’t quite legible unfortunately, but the truck does have a great patina. Whether restoration keeps this finish or starts fresh with a new, period-correct color respray, both will suit the van well.

The interior shows a good, clean dash with complete factory instrumentation and switchgear, and rubber floor covering up front looks decent as well. Note how far towards the center the driver sits–this angle visually exaggerates the steering wheel’s placement slightly, but driving position is definitely canted towards the right by the intruding wheel wells. The spare tire is stored under neath the driver’s seat.

Wood floors look to be in good shape, and the interesting foldaway front passenger seat allows access to middle and rear benches–an important feature, as excluding the tailgate, this van has only the two, rearward opening front doors. Upholstery looks as if it could remain original, and is completely serviceable as-is. No engine bay shots are provided, and the motor isn’t currently running, but assuming it remains the factory unit, it should be a 900cc two-stroke triple of about 32 HP driving the front wheels through a 4-speed, column-shifted manual.

The seller says it rolls, and as long as rust is truly as limited as claimed, this one could be a fun, relatively easy restoration project–especially if cosmetics are left alone.