Melrose Park, IL | USA
Description
East German cold war survivor. Real 1981 Wartburg 353W that is now a replica Volkspolizei (GDR police car). Runs, drives, shifts and stops. Unique historical item and the only one at any car show. The car was originally yellow-brown and painted white and green to replicate the Volkspolizei police car. Emblems are easily removable magnets. Lights and siren are non authentic items made/assembled to look convincing but is all easily removed and wired through unpluggable power outlets. Three cyl...
Our Take:
- The Wartburg 353: This East German icon rolled off production lines from 1966 to 1988, carrying the torch for affordable, utilitarian motoring behind the Iron Curtain. Known for its ruggedness, the 353 was a common sight on the streets of East Germany, but finding one today – especially outside of its homeland – is as rare as spotting a Trabant without a cloud of blue smoke trailing behind it. The fact that it's a 1981 model enhances its historical intrigue, as it sits right in the heart of the Cold War era.
- Replica Volkspolizei Car: This particular 353 has been transformed into a replica of a Volkspolizei (East German police) vehicle, complete with a period-correct white and green paint job. While the magnetic emblems and non-authentic lights and siren are easily removable, they add a layer of fun historical cosplay, if you will. Imagine pulling up to a car show – it's like bringing a slice of Cold War history right to the middle of suburbia.
- Unique Engineering: The Wartburg 353 features a three-cylinder, two-stroke engine, which gives it a distinctive sound and driving experience. This isn't just another mundane four-banger; the two-stroke engine provides a nostalgic, if slightly smoky, throwback to simpler mechanical times. Its four-speed manual, with the shift lever on the column, makes for an engaging driving experience that's hard to replicate with modern vehicles.
- Million Mile Club: With a claimed million miles on the clock, this car tells a story of incredible durability. It's been through a lot, yet it's still running—and with some personality, as evidenced by the occasionally finicky third gear. Riding on fresh tires with a recent battery, it's ready for yet another journey. How many cars can boast such a long and storied life while still being roadworthy?
Related Listings