Cars from the former East Germany rarely got good reviews in the Western car press. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Trabant people's car gained cult status, but what about the more expensive Wartburgs? Were they forgotten?
Who cares?
Recently I came across two examples of the Wartburg 1.3 – the very last Wartburg model to be made. According to one of the owners, there is also a third car, all imported to Norway from Hungary. It's been a long time since I've seen a Wartburg - and even longer since I've seen one in so nice constitution. It struck me that the design has held up well. The Wartburg 353 came on the market in 1966 - then as a 1967 model year. Few of the contemporary models look as modern today.
More than a facelift
Many will probably argue that the Wartburg 1.3 was only a facelift because it is not difficult to see the similarity with its predecessor Wartburg 353. In fact, it may be difficult to see any difference between the two models at all. The biggest changes are found under the hood. Until 1988, the Wartburg was supplied with 2 liter 1,0-stroke engines, 4-speed gearbox with steering gear and front-wheel drive. Later IFA (the factory) got an agreement with Volkswagen to license production of their 1.3 engine – an EA111 engine previously used in the Polo. The entire front end had to be rebuilt to make room for the Polo engine across. The new model also got a new gearbox with floor gear and a redesigned instrument panel. On the outside, you can see that the grill, turn signals and bumpers have been changed and that the bodywork has been given new wheel arches.
A life overtime
The last conversion was put into production in 1988, well over a year before the fall of the Berlin Wall. It is safe to say that it was a matter of life or death for the car brand. Exports to Western countries had ceased several years ago due to new emission requirements. In the wake of the Russian Perestroika, it was not difficult to predict a future alignment between East Germany and the rest of Europe. With the new Wartburg 1.3, the IFA factory in Eisenach was ready to meet demand in the domestic market and neighboring countries to the east. But things developed quickly. In November 1989 the Berlin Wall fell and the following year the East German regime capitulated. Wartburg could not compete with Western car brands and production ceased in April 1991. The factory in Eisenach was taken over by Opel - now Stellantis - where they currently produce the Opel Grandland.
Could the Wartburg have been saved?
The cars still looked pretty good. They had a good drivetrain for their time, front disc brakes and independent suspension on all wheels. The fact that the cars became unsellable overnight is probably due first and foremost to the fact that most people were tired of things connected to the old regime. Moreover, in terms of safety, the cars would hardly pass the tests at Euro NCAP.
Had the manufacturer been allowed to operate under normal conditions, the brand might still exist. Shortly after the 353 model was launched, work began on creating a sequel. Around 1969, the prototype of a new model – called the 355 – was ready. Several engine options were worked on for the Wartburg 355. One was a four-cylinder 1,4 liter engine. The design would have been "correct" for the 70s. Note that the combi-coupe rear has a shape reminiscent of the Fiat 128 P and Volkswagen Passat mk1. Unfortunately, the project was thumbed down when it reached the state-loyal leadership.
Fits well on dirt roads
I remember well the first edition of the 353 series. Here at home it was sold under the name Wartburg 1000 President. My mate had a 1967 model in the household and since I got my driver's license before him, I got to drive the car a few times when we went to the movies and stuff. I had previous experience from my father's Saab 96 (2-stroke) and found the Wartburg easier to drive on dirt roads than the Saab. Both cars had a lot of front weight and were front wheel drive, but I found it easier to put the Wartburg up in the corners, steer in, let off the gas, feel the oversteer before I could use the gas to get out safely. The Saab would prefer to go straight ahead. I had seen how "Carlsson on the roof" drove, but that didn't help meg something. So seen from the eyes of an 18-year-old, it was 1-0 to Wartburg.
As a hobby car
After the reunification between East and West Germany, I think many Wartburg cars met an unhappy fate. No one had to wait 10 years to get a new car. Fortunately, some owners took care of their Wartburgs. There are still fine specimens, such as the ones I have been able to see up close. With a modern engine, the cars are easier to use on a daily basis than the old 2-strokes - and more reliable. Wartburg 1.3 are vintage cars that share many common features with the models from the 60s and 70s. They are built on a steel frame with some body parts made of fiberglass. The cars are not crammed with electronics, and there is plenty of space in the engine compartment. It is also worth mentioning that the cars look nice, offer plenty of space and comfortable seating comfort.
Nice to see Wartburg 1.3 on Norwegian signs. Hope there will be more!
See
Wartburg 353 – with smell and sound
Good space, independent suspension on all wheels, favorable price and appealing appearance meant that the model gained a following in Western Europe as well. See more
Norwegian Trabant and Wartburg Club on Facebook
