Postcard #89.
The Groom, the Bride, the Trabi and the Clock.
Some background about this post in 2023 while republishing Miffa’s blog
Sometimes it was evident that blogging was time intensive and there was nothing more to add to this picture with a Trabant car, that was ubiquitous in the center of Prague.
Trabant cars were once a common sight on the roads of East Germany, but sadly as many things have lost their initial use and are now the baut of many tourist traps.
Many of the Trabants have been modified with open-air roofs, allowing tourists to take in the sights and sounds of the city as they cruise around. In addition to their use as sightseeing vehicles, Trabant cars can also be rented by tourists for self-guided tours of the city.
Reivindicating Trabant Cars from the East
Trabant cars were produced by VEB Sachsenring Automobilwerke Zwickau, which was the largest automobile manufacturer in East Germany. Trabant cars were popular due to their affordability, durability, and simplicity.
Despite being an icon of East German engineering, Trabant cars are now mostly seen as a nostalgic relic of a bygone era. However, there are still collectors who appreciate the unique features of these cars.
History of Trabant Cars
Trabant cars were first produced in 1957 and were popular due to their affordability. The manufacturing process of Trabant cars was unique and innovative for its time. The car body was made of a material called duroplast, which was a combination of cotton waste and phenol resin. The duroplast was molded into the shape of the car body and then reinforced with a metal frame.
Trabant cars were produced until 1991, when the reunification of Germany led to the closure of the Zwickau factory. During this time, the design of the Trabant car remained largely unchanged. This means that a Trabant produced in 1957 looked very similar to one produced in 1991. This continuity in design is one of the features that collectors appreciate about Trabant cars.
Unique Features of Trabant Cars
The most notable feature of Trabant cars is the material used to make the car body. The duroplast material was lightweight, durable, and cheap to produce. This material made Trabant cars very affordable and also very fuel-efficient. The lightweight nature of the car also made it easy to drive and park in tight spaces.
Another unique feature of Trabant cars was their two-stroke engine. This engine was simple, reliable, and easy to maintain. However, it also had some downsides. Two-stroke engines are notorious for being loud and polluting. This means that Trabant cars were not the most environmentally friendly vehicles on the road. Nevertheless, the simplicity of the two-stroke engine is one of the reasons why collectors appreciate Trabant cars.
Reasons Why Collectors are Drawn to Trabant Cars
One of the main reasons is their unique history. Trabant cars were produced during a time of political and social upheaval in East Germany. The cars represent a time when East Germans were forced to make do with limited resources and innovate with what they had. This historical significance makes Trabant cars appealing to collectors who are interested in Cold War history.
Another reason why collectors are drawn to Trabant cars is their simplicity. Trabant cars are easy to work on and maintain. This means that collectors can enjoy working on the cars themselves and not have to rely on expensive mechanics to keep the cars running. The simplicity of Trabant cars also means that they are less likely to break down or suffer from mechanical issues.
Finally, collectors are drawn to Trabant cars because of their uniqueness. Trabant cars are not commonly found in the Western world. This means that collectors who own Trabant cars have something that is rare and unique. O
