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.
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery
No publishable photographs are currently catalogued 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.
| Reference | Source 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 |











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