Other Makes Wartburg 353 Florida Clean Title in hand (1985)
for sale
Price: US $6,500.00
Price: US $6,500.00
1985
WARTBURG 353 ALL ORIGINAL VERY NICE CONDITION FOR SALE
VIN# 2007997
SOME HISTORY ON THIS WARTBURG 353
The
Wartburg 353 was produced from 1966 to 1988, becoming the model with
the longest-ever production run. During its lifetime it saw several
changes and improvements, the most recognizable of these coming in
1985 with a front facelift , slightly different layout around the
engine block and a new carburetor.
The
Wartburg 353 was the creation of the former German BMW production
facilities (called EMW under Soviet occupation).
It was based on a 1938 design, and powered by an engine with only
seven major moving parts, crankshaft included.
Popular
saying among owners hence 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. Because of its forward center of gravity and front-wheel
drive, the car had specific road handling, sometimes displaying
significant under steer, especially in wet conditions.(
Unfortunately
I had a couple of times enjoying it in rain, but once you know it
pretty easy to do the donuts with it )
The
Wartburg 353 was very agile for its time, powered by a 1-litre
displacement, 3-cylinder unit that took almost two decades to refine.
While developing about 55-57 bhp
(depending on the carburetor type) its
two-stroke engine design provided more than 100 N/m of torque (106
N/m in the last version). Typical figure for quite larger four-stroke
engine at that time, it accelerated the less than a ton vehicle
pretty decently even by modern standards. The transmission was
equipped with a freewheel, obviating the need to use the clutch between gears. This turned out
so popular with owners that it has become almost symbolic for a 353, along with the gear stick on the steering column. Designed as a fuel
efficiency measure and as means of protecting the engine from oil
starvation, the device disabled engine
braking;
the car effectively coasted whenever the throttle was released.
Drivers had the option of turning the freewheel off through a switch
under the steering column to benefit from engine braking. Useful
since the front brakes were prone to overheating and fading.
However, most drivers never disabled the freewheel, because it made
shifting gears significantly easier and smoother, though not quicker.
I have to tell you, I loved the freewheel option, going down on a
long section on a highway you let the car just roll , engine is
idling and you are doing top speed , FUN !
It
is notable that even today the 353s are customized for reaching
speeds well about 200 km/h (125 mph), whereas the original
design called for critical speed of 150–155 km/h and 12
seconds to accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph), which was dealt
with in second gear due to the high-rev engine.
The
353 was an immediate success throughout the Eastern bloc, and with
good reason; for approximately the same price, it significantly
outperformed Soviet vehicles of its class in almost every aspect:
safety, drag, acceleration, top speed, fuel efficiency, ergonomics, handling, ease of use, maintenance, trunk and inner space, off-road
capability, and even dynamics, despite its less powerful engine.
The
Wartburg 353 was commonly nicknamed Trustworthy Hans or
Farty Hans by owners due to its durability and copious
exhaust emissions, especially when cold and/or over oiled. Noteworthy
characteristics of the model are: simple design, dependability, occasional and cheap maintenance, strong chassis-based car frame, front-wheel drive, rear wheel ABS regulator, a 525-litre trunk, innovative electronic gauges fitted after 1983. Disadvantages in
terms of passengers' comfort are well known too: lack of any sound
dampers led to significant engine feedback in the coupe which itself
was in turn very boomy and reverberating, leading to another
nickname, The Barrel. This left very few Wartburgs
equipped with stereo because it was not possible to enjoy that at
volumes most people do, over the engine noise. Suspension provided
for sensibly different handling and comfort when the car was empty
over when it was carrying passengers and luggage. Owners' accounts
are that both control and smoothness went better the more the car was
loaded.
I
remember my Mom loved my Wartburg because of the huge trunk space , Also funny to keep the engine always revving like you want to race
all the time but NO ! You are just looking for some torque and it
only comes if you rev it, and revving it comes with a huge old school
two stroke engine smoke .
The
other thing was - because the big trunk and interior space it was
really hard to put your hands on one of them, very popular for small
business owners .
It
was water cooled so the heater function worked also good combine with
the big interior space and it was my favorite dating car.
ABOUT
THIS BEIGE WARTBURG 353
We
recently got this All Original Wartburg 353 in our inventory.
Due
to the original owner kept the car in a garage and maintained it
regularly the the whole car is in great-great original shape , We
had nothing to do on it.
Our
test drive showed that the car is in excellent driving condition.
The
original paint is still in very good condition
Please
check pictures for the true original condition on this East German
time capsule .
The
interior is close to original perfect condition. It came already with
the updated gauges on the dashboard . The interior even smells like
original
The
car has a tow hitch if you want to pull your Jet Ski .
Come
check it and take it for a Test Drive !
Take
your 2 stroke Big Body Beige Freerunning Wartburg and have lots of
Fun with it .
update: 2016-11-20
Used |
“ALL ORIGINAL VERY NICE CONDITION” |
Year: | 1985 | VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): | 00000000000000000 |
Mileage: | 24,200 | Interior Color: | Brown |
Make: | Other Makes | Number of Cylinders: | 3 |
Model: | Wartburg 353 | Transmission: | Manual |
Trim: | Florida Clean Title in hand | Body Type: | Sedan |
Engine: | 3 Cylinder 2 Stroke 1000cc | Warranty: | Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty |
Drive Type: | FWD | Vehicle Title: | Clear |
Fuel Type: | Gasoline | Sub Model: | 353 |
For Sale By: | Private Seller | Exterior Color: | Beige |
Disability Equipped: | No |