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Topic starter
28/06/2025 12:36 pm
Without
any doubts Wartburg 311 introduced in 1956 is one of the most beautiful cars of the Easteen Block. Its production was organised in DDR and these cars replaced obsolete EMW 340 which construction had been based on pre- war BMW 326. In fact DDR government had to refuse of production luxury cars according to specific socialistic economical system where the countries of the Eastern Europe got orderes what types of cars they should to produce.
Wartburg 311 was designed by Hans Fleischner and completed 2- tact engine 37 h.p. based on DKW construction. In 1962 the car was modified and got more powerful 45 h.p. engine. It got new index Wartburg 312 and for export markets it was Wartburg 1000 ( 1000- the working volume of engine). The car was obtained in several body's modifications- saloon, 3 dr estate, 5 dr estate completed with glass roof, coupe, convertible and special roadster.
Today I'd like to introduce you Wartburg 312 saloon in 2 tone color scheme. Its model was made by Minichamps in the late 90s. It has good proportions and excellent details. There is only one disadvantage- rear lights are casted as a one part with the body and painted. Interior is very nice and neat. I think this model is much better than IST which is also in my collection and if you are interested in I can compare them.
28/06/2025 1:00 pm
Yepper-pepper, it's a great little car; I don't have one in 1/43, but my 1/18 has loads of charm. 😎 😎 Thanks for the historical info.
28/06/2025 1:07 pm
Here are my IST Wartburgs, 313 Sport, 311 sedan, and 312 coupe, respectively. Love the two-tone paint. I had planned to give one to my most recent ex-boss, who lives in Wartburg TN, but the so-and-so didn't invite me to his retirement party!
28/06/2025 9:31 pm
Interesting how they kept a consistent styling theme throughout the range. I grew up in the mecca of imported cars, San Francisco peninsula, but I do not recall Wartburgs on the streets, Goliath, Lloyd, DKW, Borgward, Saab, Riley, Singer, Daimler, yes but not sure about Wartburgs.
This post was modified 9 months ago by John Quilter
John F. Quilter
Eugene, Oregon USA
28/06/2025 9:42 pm
And I always thought about importing a Hindustan Ambassador just so I could answer tons of questions in parking lots!
John F. Quilter
Eugene, Oregon USA
Topic starter
29/06/2025 3:52 am
@mg-harv IST by IXO made a great range of the Wartburg of the first genearation but sometimes there are little mistakes in details. For instance, 1957 Wartburg 313 Sport initially was painted only in 2 colors- red or white. Only several hundreds cars were produced since 1957 till 1960. 2 tone color schemes on Wsrtburg 313 appeared only in modern time when some owners repainted them.
Harv Goranson and Christopher Moroni reacted
29/06/2025 6:40 am
@fred-eliseeff OK Fred, now I'm confused....
1) What year(s) exactly is my Revell model?
2) Is it a 311, 312, or 313?
3) Are these colors factory correct?
THANKS! 😀 😀
Fred Eliseeff and Tony Perrone reacted
29/06/2025 10:29 am
@john-quilter Not surprising - none of the cars you listed were made in EAST Germany.
Christopher Moroni reacted
Topic starter
30/06/2025 4:19 am
@chris Your model is the1956 Wartburg 311 convertible. You can distinguish it by a radiator grille. In 1958 radiator grille changed and became the same as in my model. Colors are correct- most convertibles and coupes got 2 tone color scheme.
Wartburg 312 range got more powerful engine and some mechanical parts of the perspective Wartburg 353 which was introduced in 1966.
Hope that help.
Christopher Moroni reacted
30/06/2025 6:19 am
@fred-eliseeff Thank you Fred, yes that helps. 😀
Fred Eliseeff and Tony Perrone reacted
30/06/2025 6:25 am
It's different...that's for sure!
John Bono
North Jersey
Fred Eliseeff and Christopher Moroni reacted