DDR cars in 1/43 scale

As I ptomised I start a topic about DDR cars. Here I hope to systemate history of the East German cars and try to answer questions about them.

First of all after the WW2 Germany was divided into several sectors. In 1949 were created 2 countries- Federal Republic Germany- FRG West Germany and Deutche Democratic Republic- DDR East Germany. Very interesting that Berlin was also divided into 2 parts- East Berlin, a capital of DDR and West Berlin, an independent state.

In 1990 DDR ceased to exist and Germany became unified again. Though we should to concentrate on cars produced from 1949 till 1990.

The first DDR car was introduced in October of 1949. It became BMW 340 based on the pre- war BMW 326 4dr saloon.

A small note- Eisenach where BMW was producing all cars was included to DDR. Though East Germans went on producing this brand.

At the same time in FRG West Germans started producing BMW 501 in Munich.

As a result there were 2 BMW brand indeprndent from each other. At least in 1957 the Court made a verdict that only Munich had a right for using BMW brand.

Eisenach had to create EMW brand replacing blue colors on the badge to red.

BMW/ EMW 340 was a classic prestigious post- war car. It had 6 cylinder 55 h.p engine, many cars were on the state service and also were being exported. There were several modiications equipped with diffeent bodies. Standard limousine was called EMW 340/2.

Its 1/43 replica was made in diecast by PCT in IST range. IST subbrand was producing  cars of the Eastern block. This is nice and neat model completed with photo- etched windscreen wipers. Thus casting also was used for different partworks.