This DKW F8 Roadster Special (chassis PX24908) is listed as a 1938, though if it is truly based on the F8 and not the preceding F7 it is more likely a 1939. Believed to be the only F8-based special of its type in existence, this petite roadster is a fascinating piece of design. Find it here on Auctionata as lot 10 in their November 24th auction in Berlin, Germany. Special thanks to BaT reader Kyle K. for this submission.

The car started life as one of DKW’s regular production models, and while a cabriolet was available, it was nowhere near as exotic looking as this. The car apparently lived for some time as a yard decoration before being fully restored and mated to a new chassis between 2008 and 2011. During this restoration, not all of the brightwork was attended to and some pitting can be seen on the hood ornament, mirrors and other trim. The quality of the paintwork appears to be quite nice, however.

Apart from the distinctive dash-mounted gear selector inherited from the standard car, the rest of the cabin appears as custom as the exterior. Instrumentation is limited to a speedometer, and the bizarre mirrored shift pattern has a handy cheat-sheet on a Brooklands screen. The single bench seat appears freshly reupholstered and the steering wheel shows no evidence of cracking or splitting around the rim. Some modern instrumentation has been added below the passenger side of the dash.

Underhood, this car is fitted with the marque’s traditional two stroke twin displacing 692cc and good for about 20 horsepower. In the standard car it would have given a top speed of less than 60 miles per hour, though this car’s slicker bodywork may aid performance. Some updates can be seen in the engine bay including a modern expansion tank and a small electric fan. The car has been registered and used in vintage events since its restoration.

Pre-war specials are often very interesting and this one is truly unusual. Some period documentation would be nice, but vintage events could be a lot of fun.