If tatty two-stroke engines, plumes of blue smoke, little actual performance and no real comfort are the pillars of a great automotive experience, than by all means do step right up and buy this Wartburg. It’s a 353W model, built in 1977 in Eisenach, and it’s actually technically related to an old Polish car from the 1950s…
The 353 was deemed quite agile for its time, though not necessarily in a straight line, as its 3-pot two-stroke engine displacing 1 liter made just under 57 hp. The build quality is not as bad as you might expect, though, and it’s better than comparable Ladas of the time in every single conceivable way.
We imagine it’s an extremely rare sight on US roads, and it’s definitely bound to cause a stir wherever you may take it; people will not know what it is, but they certainly won’t appreciate the noxious fumes you leave them with as they wave you goodbye.
This particular one is for sale in Idaho, and the owner has set the ‘buy it now’ price in the eBay ad at $5,500, though if it’s not reached, it could go for less.
By Andrei Nedelea
Hat tip to BAT!
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