1967 DKW Puma GT

Netherlands-based John Kuiper has owned this Puma GT for almost six years, “The previous owner from Brazil was able to manage a ‘placa preta’, which means a black licence plate and certificate,” he explains. “Only classic cars with more than 85 per cent of originality will receive this special licence plate, which makes it very interesting as a collector’s item because of its historic value.”

The car received its Dutch registration in 2017 and since then John has used for several events. “It got a lot of attention because nobody knows it and the three-cylinder, two-stroke engine creates further interest – it’s quite a smart thing.”

John is selling the car as the time has come to reduce his collection. That means this intriguing little Coupe is now up for grabs and ready to wow the viewing public in its next owner’s hands. “It’s a very special car, of which there are only a handful in Europe.”

‘The body is in real good condition, because it’s made of composite, although the chrome parts and wheels need a little bit of work,” says John. It’s an honest assessment and it’s clear from both our photographs that the glass fibre bodywork does indeed present beautifully. The Beige paint is endowed with a light undercurrent of yellow and shows the Puma’s stylish lines off extremely well.

It’s an outline that intrigues from every angle; at the front, there’s a touch of Ferrari 275GTB allied to Mazda Cosmo Sport; while side on there’s a hint of a more upright Bizzarrini 1900 Europa; it is however, the rear end that for us holds most attraction – those elegant rear lights simplicity in themselves.

There are one or two tiny marks, such as the stain under the nearside headlight cowl, on paintwork that otherwise remains very smart with a lovely even finish; there’s also one or two faint spider cracks that aged glass fibre can be prone to suffering from – for example running horizontally along the rear wing in line with the fuel cap, and on the corresponding wheel arch – but these have been touched in. This is us being very picky, though.

John is correct, as some of the bright work could be improved in order to bring the car closer to concours condition; for example, there’s a touch of tape on the nearside door window chrome surround covering a blemish. Some of the window rubbers, most notably on the doors, could also benefit from replacement.

It again must be emphasised that this is a lovely example.

John says the interior looks ‘great’ and who are we to disagree. If you don’t believe us then take a leaf through our comprehensive photo gallery, below – hopefully that should be enough to persuade you…

Carpets look very fresh with minimal wear and tear, while door cards are similarly mark free. The front sports seats are in first class condition and of a design that provides ample lateral and medial support, while the tiny plus-twos look as if they’ve never been used. The perforated headlining is colour matched to the bodywork and this provides visual pleasure by closely linking the interior to what’s going on outside; it has one or two marks here and there, but is scuff free.

The three-spoke leather steering wheel is of an elegant design and perfectly complemented by a simple, yet effective dashboard. Its wood is free from marks, as is the vinyl topping and all three chrome-rimmed gauges that it holds are visible through clear glass.

“The three-cylinder, two-stroke engine is small, light and nicely balanced due to its ignition interval – and it easily delivers neat power. The engine sound that it makes is very special. Mechanically, overall condition is good.”

Since buying the car, the exhaust system has seen the front section replaced and a new front silencer fitted; a new steering cuff has been added to replace the worn original and the braking system has been comprehensively refurbished.

Pop the bonnet and it’s time to get your magnifying class out to spot the minuscule power plant – there’s room for another two in here! It’s clean inside, with a bare glass fibre finish (and also on the bonnet underside). A touch of elbow grease and Autosol could bring the engine itself up very well, but the next owner will have time aplenty to polish it to perfection.

The underside looks to be just as impressive with a clean, black paint coating and fresh looking drive shaft and suspension rubbers.

Perhaps the most important document in the Puma’s history file is the Certificado De Originalidade No2808, issued by the Automovel Clube do Brasil in September 2015. It confirms both the car’s originality and its 1967 construction date.

You’ll also find a number of invoices for the various works (discussed above) carried out by John. None of them are bank-busters, but they show that the car has received the necessary outlay to keep it in fine working order when required.

It also comes with a Dutch registration card, allowing the vehicle to be used both in the Netherlands and other European countries.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of the paperwork to support our claim that this car has been maintained to a very high standard.

As John stated earlier this rare little GT is rather an unknown quantity in Europe and that, is in essence, a big part of its appeal; as one of the early DKW-powered cars it is eminently collectable and will be guaranteed to keep observers guessing – certainly as to what lurks under that bonnet.

It’s in very good exterior and mechanical health, and the interior is exemplary. There are also a number of small improvements that can be made to further improve its show potential, but these are of the pleasurable variety.

Given all of that we think that this lovely early Puma GT will sell for somewhere between €45,000 and €55,000. For that the next owner will receive a thoroughly attractive example of the model.

What comes next will be up to them; shows at a multitude European playground is one possibility; while another is to purchase the car and simply enjoy stretching that little two-stroke engine’s legs.

No doubt both will be a pleasure.

Viewing is always encouraged and as stated this car is located in Gorinchem, Netherlands. To arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing to make an appointment. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.