The Old Wheelers Club (OWC) continues to preserve automotive history through popular events such as the recent ‘Bonnets Up’ day.
These gatherings offer the public a rare opportunity to get up close to classic machinery and engage with their dedicated owners.
Among these enthusiasts is Brigitte Reissner, the owner of several DKWs – a brand many may have heard of but few still see on the road.
Her red 1962 SP 1000 Roadster cabriolet, in particular, is a masterclass in nostalgia.
While DKW produced various models, only 1 640 of these Roadsters were ever manufactured, making them highly sought-after by collectors.
Remarkably, of the few remaining in the world, the only one in Africa carries Namibian number plates.
Reissner says the late Metje Behnsen of Metje & Ziegler (M+Z) fame originally bought the vehicle for his wife.
It was later inherited by his son and daughter before Reissner acquired it roughly five years ago.
“Owning such a car is a big thing. I am very thankful that the previous owner sold the vehicle to me, as she wanted the next owner to be a woman,” Reissner says.
After securing the car, she overhauled the engine and interior, while giving the bodywork some necessary touch-ups.
However, driving a classic requires a specific mindset.
“It is not about comfort; there is no air conditioning. When travelling long distances, we move between 90km/h and 110km/h, and the engine tends to overheat. But it is all about passion,” she says.
Investment-wise, the rarity pays off.
“You will get back every cent you spend on this car if you ever resell it,” Reissner says.
While she has personally stocked up on spares over the years, parts remain available in South Africa.
Top Revs has noted that many local vintage car owners source components via the internet, maintaining global networks with fellow enthusiasts to keep these relics running.
The Roadster features a 981cc (1.0L) three-cylinder two-stroke engine, which inspired the ‘1000’ in its name.
According to its original 1960s specifications, the engine delivers 40kW and 93Nm, reaching a top speed of 140km/h.
Acceleration is a leisurely affair by modern standards, taking almost 23 seconds to reach its top speed from a standstill.
With a 51-litre fuel tank and an average consumption of roughly 10.2L/100km, this ‘old lady’ can cover approximately 500km on a full tank.
In its heyday, it was a top-of-the-range model.
By comparison, a modern descendant like the Audi Q8 delivers a staggering 441kW and 800Nm, reaching 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds.
The OWC and its museum remain home to many such treasures from a bygone era, making it a must-visit destination for any motor enthusiast.
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