Wartburg 353

Infobox Automobile


"Wartburg 353 (pre-1985 model)"
name = Wartburg 353
manufacturer = Wartburg
assembly=VEB Automobilwerk Eisenach, Eisenach, East Germany
production = 1965 – 1988
predecessor = Wartburg 311
successor = Wartburg 1.3
body_style = 4-door saloon
5-door estate
pick up
engine = 993 cc two stroke straight-3 (37 kW)Cite web|url=http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=40139|title=Technical specifications of 1967 Wartburg 353 W|accessdate=2008-03-03|work=carfolio.com]
layout=FF layout
transmission = 4 speed manual
length = convert|4220|mm|in|1|abbr=on
width = convert|1640|mm|in|1|abbr=on
height = convert| 1490|mm|in|1|abbr=on
weight = convert|920|kg|lb|0|abbr=on
wheelbase = convert|2450|mm|in|1|abbr=on
track =
fuel_capacity=Convert|44.1|L|usgal impgal|0|abbr=on|lk=on
related = Warszawa 210
designer = The Wartburg 353 was a large family car, produced by East German car producer Wartburg. It was the successor of the Wartburg 311 and the predecessor of the Wartburg 1.3.

The Wartburg 353 was produced from 1965 to 1988, becoming the longest produced Wartburg model ever. During its lifetime it saw several changes and improvements, the most notable marking the changes in 1985 with a slightly modified front.

The Wartburg 353 was the successful creation of the East German BMW production facilities (called under soviet occupation). It was based on a 1938 (pre war) chassis and powertrain, and used a two stroke engine. Internally it was used for government transportation, sometimes as a police car (chasing Trabants was its limit), and a consumer product often taking 10 to fifteen years to deliver. As an export it was popular in the UK in the 1960's for its cheap prices, and, by comparison, well equipped design, and mid-rank size. The Wartburg had an unusual approach to road handling, often displaying a stolid sort of progress in clear, and a disarming disinclination to make turns in the wet. Wartburgs were seen in the UK, Cyprus, Malta and some were even sent to South Africa (as right hand drive models). Over one million were produced

References