DKW F5


The DKW F5 is a small, front-wheel drive saloon produced by Auto Union's DKW division from 1935 to 1936, as a replacement for the DKWs F4 and F2 models.

The body

The appearance of the F5 was little changed from those of the F2 and F4. However, the timber-frame construction of the central portion of the body was, in the F5, replaced with a steel frame. The outer skin of the body remained of fabric construction, with plywood support.
There were two broadly similar F5 saloons, sold as the Reichsklasse and Meisterklasse. They shared the same track and wheelbase, but the Meisterklasse was 3.5 cm longer. There were also two-seater cabriolet versions of each, along with a lighter bodied ‘Front Luxus Sport’ sports cabriolet for which a higher top speed of was claimed.

Engine and running gear

The cars had the two-cylinder two-stroke engines of their predecessors. The Meisterklasse 692 cc and 584 cc engine had an output of 20 hp. Respective claimed top speeds were.
DKW had been producing small front wheel drive sedans since 1931. The incorporation of front wheel drive in the F5 was at this time still strikingly innovative in terms of the wider auto market, however.
The car featured a three-speed manual transmission system.

Commercial

Production of the F5 saloon ended in 1936 while production of the cabriolet versions continued for a further year. The car was replaced by the DKW F7. By the time that happened, approximately 60,000 F5s had been produced, placing this car among Germany's top sellers.

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