Wartburg 353 Tourist-1984

The Wartburg 353 debuted in June 1966 as the successor to the 311, tracing its lineage back to a 1938 DKW design. Its simplistic two-stroke engine, comprising just seven major moving parts, earned it the reputation among owners of “driving a car but maintaining a motorcycle.” Powered by a refined 1-liter, 3-cylinder engine, it rivaled the power output of larger four-stroke engines of its time.

In Western European markets, the 353 remained competitive, undergoing its final modernization in 1988 with a four-stroke, VW-designed 1.3-liter engine. Renowned for its durability and unique exhaust note, it earned endearing nicknames like “Trustworthy Hans” and “Farty Hans.” Features included its sturdy yet simple design, reliable performance, low maintenance costs, front-wheel drive, and introduction of innovative electronic gauges post-1983.

After communism’s collapse in 1990, the plant shuttered, reopening as an Opel facility, while Building No. 2 was preserved as a museum for the marques produced there over the years: Wartburg, BMW, EMW, IFA, and Opel.

Specifications:
Manufacturer: VEB Automobilwerk Eisenach
Country of Origin: German Democratic Republic
Drivetrain Configuration: Front engine, front-wheel drive
Engine: Wartburg, water-cooled, 992cc, 3-cylinder, 2-stroke, 50bhp
Transmission: 4-speed manual with reverse
Top Speed: 80 mph
Years of Production: 1966-1988
Number Produced: 1,000,000 +
Original Cost: Unpublished