Wartburg

The Wartburg 353, known in some export markets as the Wartburg Knight, is a medium-sized family car, produced by East German car manufacturer Wartburg. It was the successor of the Wartburg 311, and was itself succeeded by the Wartburg 1.3. The Wartburg 353 was produced from 1966 to 1988, becoming... the Wartburg model with the longest-ever production run. During its lifetime it saw several changes and improvements, the most notable of these coming in 1985 with a slight front facelift and a new one-step carburetor. The Wartburg 353 was the creation of the former German BMW production facilities . It was based on a 1938 design, and powered by an engine with only seven major moving parts, including the crankshaft. Hence the popular saying among owners that one drives a car, but only maintains a motorcycle. Domestically, it was used for government transportation, sometimes as a police car. Delivery of consumer builds often could take ten to fifteen years. Like other Eastern European cars, it was known for its low price and comparatively well-equipped design.
more