Audi TT's Ancestry: Exploring the Influence of DKW Monza

Rare ONES - During our internet browsing, we stumbled upon the DKW Monza, a classic sports car often regarded as the predecessor to the first-generation Audi TT. The Monza boasts a distinctive and daring design, which didn't appear out of thin air. In fact, its design inspiration able to trace back to 1956. Today, a plethora of information can be found on the internet regarding the connection between the Audi TT and the DKW Monza. 

2016 Audi TTS posed along with its predecessor DKW Monza. (Picture from: MotorTrend)

This link highlights DKW as a fundamental building block, and the precursor to modern-day Audi. It's not widely known, but the DKW Monza can be considered one of the German manufacturer's finest works. Despite being produced by a small German company for only four years, the Monza amassed a production volume of around 230 to 240 units.

The DKW Monza is a lightweight and aerodynamic car designed by Günther Ahrens and Albrecht W. Mantzel, and built on the DKW 3=6 chassis. (Picture from: Secret-Classic)

The story of the DKW Monza begins with the company's success in track racing and rallies in 1954 and 1955. So, Günther Ahrens and Albrecht W. Mantzel designed and took the initiative to create a lightweight and aerodynamic car body on the DKW 3=6 chassis.

The DKW Monza achieved a record-breaking 72-hour endurance run in 1956, where a preproduction car averaged 88 mph on the Autodromo di Monza. (Picture from: Secret-Classic)

The first body constructed by Dannen-Hauer & Strauss in Stuttgart. Unlike other DKW models, which utilized steel, the Monza featured a fiberglass body, resulting in a weight reduction of 115 kg compared to the standard DKW. The body was also lower, narrower, rounder, and both at the front and rear, significantly improving its drag coefficient. The Monza's sculpted bodywork includes charming details that reveal its origins. For instance, the front comes from Opel, the front indicators taken from the Karmann Ghia, and the rear lights from the Porsche 356.

The DKW Monza is powered by a modest front-mounted 1.0-liter, two-stroke, three-cylinder engine that produces approximately 44 hp. (Picture from: Motor-Talk)

Due to the simplicity and affordability of manufacturing a fiberglass body, it made little financial sense to design and produce various trim parts exclusively for the Monza. Therefore, the customary approach for building low-volume sports cars was adopted, and suitable parts were sourced from larger manufacturers.

The DKW Monza's sculpted bodywork includes charming details that reveal its origins such as the front comes from Opel, the front indicators taken from the Karmann Ghia, and the rear lights from the Porsche 356. (Picture from: Motor-Talk)

In terms of performance, the DKW Monza falls short of the TT, featuring a modest 1.0-liter, two-stroke, three-cylinder engine that produces approximately 44 hp. Despite its simplicity and low-tech power plant, the Monza exhibits its charm in the high Italian Alps. Additionally, the old DKW possesses endearing qualities, such as its steering wheel.

While inside the DKW Monza's cabin, there's a two-spoke steering wheel coupled with a simple and clean dashboard. (Picture from: Wikiwand)

The Monza, being relatively lightweight and precise in its gear shifts, provides a delightful driving experience with no play in the middle. The column shift transmission, with its relatively long gears, is commended for its accuracy and ease of operation. It comes as no surprise that the Monza achieved a record-breaking 72-hour endurance run in 1956, where a preproduction car averaged 88 mph on the Autodromo di Monza.

The DKW Monza carried 2-door, 2+2 coupe style with a small upright bench at rear. (Picture from: Motor-Talk)

Genetically speaking, there may not be much that unites the modern TTs with the old Monza. However, upon closer inspection, a faint trace of their shared aerodynamic vision can be discerned in their designs. So now we know where the Audi TTs got that unique form of bodywork.

The DKW Monza's body was lower, narrower, rounder, and both at the front and rear, significantly improving its drag coefficient. (Picture from: Motor-Talk)

What is evident is that both cars feature a 2+2 seating arrangement, with the Audi providing rear seats and the DKW offering a small upright bench. Behind the Monza's two-spoke steering wheel, there is ample room for a well-fed postwar driver. However, the limited legroom poses a challenge when maneuvering the pedals, which seem to randomly change position.

Ultimately, the DKW Monza remains an eccentric and unconventional classic car that lacks universal appeal butexudes undeniable charm. On the other hand, the latest Audi TTs embodies sleekness, complete safety, and flawless performance, boasting a five-star cabin that combines glamour and functionality. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | VIARETRO | MOTORTREND | SECRET-CLASSIC | WIKIWAND ]

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