The car that came from behind the Iron Curtain

Fans of the tiny Trabant are hoping the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall will lead to a resurgence of interest in the iconic car from behind the Iron Curtain.

Thousands of East Germans, eager to explore their new found freedom, set off in their smoke belching two cylinder tin cans at the earliest opportunity.

Approximately three million seven hundred thousand Trabis have been produced at the car’s home in Saxony.

The Trabi has stood the test of time and since the last model rolled off the assembly line of the Zwickau plant two years after the Wall fell in 1989 it has refused to grow old gracefully.

The Trabi has starred in several feature films. It has even been up against much nippier rivals in punishing rally-cross events.

This year the Trabi underwent a major makeover when it roared back to life at the International Motor Show, resurrected as an electric concept car.
Backers are hoping the Trabis’ enduring appeal can continue to attract new buyers.

Thousands of Trabi lovers customise their vehicles and show them off at owners’ club events all over the globe.

Just for the record. The Trabi remains one of Germany’s most stolen cars. Only Porsche owners are at a higher risk of having their pride and joy pilfered.

More on the Berlin Wall: www.euronews.net/1989-2009

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tags: 1989-2009, Berlin Wall, Cars