Skip to content
THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

DKW 1000 S Coupè Fissore

1962

DKW 1000 S Coupè Fissore

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Manufacturer
DKW-Vemag
Base model
Fissore
Version
Brazilian luxury sedan/coupé programme designed by Fissore
Production period
1962
Body style
Berlina
Engine
Inline-3 two-stroke
Type
Mass
Displacement
981 cc
Power
50 hp

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR

Coachbuilding, design & conversions

PRICE & SALES RECORD

Vehicle value

Original price
Not documented
Latest recorded sale
Not documented

01 / THE STORY

History & context

The DKW 1000 S Coupé Fissore is a fascinating example of collaboration between Brazil and Italy, blending style, innovation, and practicality. In 1961, Brazilian automaker Vemag set its sights on entering the luxury car market while exploring technological alternatives to its existing DKW lineup. To achieve this, they partnered with Carrozzeria Fissore, the Italian coachbuilder renowned for its design expertise and attention to detail. In 1962, Vemag received a prototype from Fissore that featured an eye-catching design, although its interior was somewhat underwhelming. Despite this, the overall concept impressed, and the prototype was showcased at the São Paulo Motor Show later that year. It quickly became a topic of interest, admired for its modern and elegant appearance. After further refinement, the DKW 1000 S Coupé Fissore was officially launched in the Brazilian market in June 1964. Upon its release, the car was celebrated for its clean, practical, and refined design. It combined sleek, elegant lines with excellent visibility for both the driver and passengers, thanks to its large windows and well-thought-out proportions. The DKW 1000 S Coupé Fissore also introduced a notable innovation: the Lubrimat. This clever device automatically mixed oil and fuel, a significant improvement for the two-stroke engine, eliminating the inconvenience of manual premixing. Praised for its sophisticated yet approachable design, the DKW 1000 S Coupé Fissore offered Brazilian drivers a touch of European elegance while remaining functional and accessible. Interestingly, its design legacy resurfaced in 2008 with the launch of the Fiat Siena, as automotive enthusiasts noted similarities in the lines and placement of the headlights and taillights between the two models. The DKW 1000 S Coupé Fissore remains a beloved piece of automotive history, a shining example of the fruitful collaboration between Brazilian ingenuity and Italian craftsmanship. Even today, it is remembered for its stylish design, technical innovations, and the unique charm it brought to the roads of Brazil.

02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY

Specifications & construction

Production & construction

Production type
Mass

Engine & performance

Engine configuration
Inline-3 two-stroke
Displacement
981 cc
Power (hp)
50 hp
Power (kW)
37 kW
Torque
88 Nm
Transmission
4-speed manual
Drive
Front-wheel drive
Specification notes
Confidence detail moved from confidence: very_high geography/programme; high designer. Canonical 1962 represents the São Paulo presentation/design programme; series production began in 1964. Production baseline: two-stroke inline-three 981 cc, 50 PS DIN / 37 kW, 88 Nm, 4-speed manual, FWD, wheelbase 2450 mm, dimensions 4480 × 1620 × 1440 mm, curb weight about 1060 kg.

Dimensions & accommodation

Wheelbase
2,450 mm
Length
4,480 mm
Width
1,620 mm
Height
1,440 mm
Weight
1,060 kg

Design & manufacture

Design Studio / Prototype builder · Documented
Carrozzeria Fissore
Designer · Candidate
Franco Maina
Manufacturer · Documented
VEMAG

06 / EVENTS & AWARDS

Events & awards

No events or documented awards are currently recorded for this vehicle.

08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE

Archive

References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.

ReferenceSource type
1964 DKW-Vemag Fissore production specification www.automobile-catalog.com Specialist period model reference
Best Cars — DKW-Vemag Fissore technical history autolivraria.com.br Specialist historical reference

THE CONVERSATION

Comments 0

Share a memory, a period photograph or a documented detail about this car.

Join the conversation