1938 DKW SB 500

Introduced in 1934 as the flagship of Auto Union AG's innovative SB series, the DKW SB 500 was a benchmark in pre-war motorcycle engineering, blending two-stroke efficiency with sports-touring prowess. Built at the renowned Zschopau works until 1939, this 494cc parallel-twin model powered through production milestones—including the 300,000th DKW in 1935 and the 500,000th in 1939—before wartime service. The SB 500's Schnürle reverse-flush two-stroke engine revolutionised economy, cutting fuel use by 40% while yielding 15 hp at 4,000 rpm for rapid acceleration and 90 mph top speeds. The Factory marketing read: "The superior performance of the DKW two-cylinder models, their incredibly fast acceleration, their constant readiness to take off and, last but not least, the astonishing economy, which has been confirmed thousands of times, have been sufficiently proven by more than 10,000 DKW front-end cars sold in 1933. It was obvious to use this DKW special two-cylinder engine with 500 cc as a propulsion engine for a motorcycle."

The example presented here is fitted with UK heritage registration BAS 237, and being an older restoration, it presents with appealing patina and turns over freely with healthy compression—a testament to careful stewardship, ideal for future road use or display following a recommissioning. There is no paperwork with this machine.