1989 Trabant 601 S 600cc two-stroke

Summary:

Makes you love it, I would kill anyone who ever hurt it...

Faults:

Running restoration, so varied works required.

Simple, easy welding repairs x2.

Replaced ignition coils, battery and spark plugs.

General Comments:

Makes you wonder why other cars have so much stuff in them; this is like owning a steady reliable wee pony.

Anything can be fixed quickly and cheaply, and it will always put a smile on your face. The steering/handling is Mini-like, but with less power.

Great classic, particularly a great first classic.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th January, 2014

13th May 2014, 07:38

What is "classic" about it?

In reply to 13th May 2014, 07:38

13th May 2014, 15:34

What is classic about it? Read up on the history of the car and how long it existed for, so you know why the reviewer feels that way.

In reply to 13th May 2014, 15:34

23rd Nov 2018, 01:14

Quite familiar with the history of this car. It was the only car available to those who obtained one, and they felt fortunate to have it only because it was (barely) better than nothing.

It is hard to imagine why anyone would pay any amount for one now, let alone how it could inspire anything close to the feeling expressed in the title of this review!

In reply to 23rd Nov 2018, 01:14

24th Nov 2018, 07:21

Firstly, owning a car like a Trabant is something you either "get" or you don't. As a former Wartburg and Lada owner, I very much "get" what the original poster felt about his car.

Secondly, the Trabant was far from the only car available in the GDR, but it was easier and cheaper to get hold of than other options. Just take a look at photos from the GDR in the 1980s to see the range of cars available (many imported from all over the communist world) - Skoda 100s and 110s, Wartburg, Lada, Dacia, Moskvich, Polski Fiat 125s and 126s, FSO, Barkas vans, even the odd Oltcit.

27th Nov 2018, 12:45

Trabants don't rust... they rot.

In reply to 27th Nov 2018, 12:45

1st Dec 2018, 17:51

Well the floor panels and the sills can definitely rust, as can the fuel tank! Had to do all 3 of those on my friend's restoration job.

1988 Trabant 601

Summary:

Erm..

Faults:

Alternator belt snapped and it threw one of the spark plugs out!... I just screwed another in, and was able to continue!

General Comments:

Always started, real head turner (probably due to huge plumes of smoke coming from the exhaust!).

Sad to see it go, will be buying another!

Average fuel economy, probably 30-40mpg, very dangerous filling up with fuel as tank is under bonnet and the engine is hot!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st June, 2008

1981 Trabant 601 de-luxe 595cc two-stroke

Summary:

Cheap, cheerful, reliable and robust

Faults:

The nearside rear wheel came loose whilst towing and fell off, but this did very little damage.

One of the cylinder head gaskets blew which took about 10 minutes to repair.

The inside of the front nearside door started to show signs of rust after 20 years.

General Comments:

This is the most fun car I have ever owned, it is easily repairable if it does go wrong.

The Trabant is capable of towing a small caravan which is ideal for me as I don't like camping at rallies.

The fuel consumption is excellent and does not, contrary to popular belief, pollute as much as was reported by the motoring press in 1989 when Trabants first came to the attention of westerners.

Spare parts for this car are very cheap and easily obtainable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th January, 2004

1975 Trabant 601 601S 0.6 2 cylinder 2 Stroke

Summary:

The best thing since sliced bread!

Faults:

The exhaust bracket up front snapped. Easily replaced.

Rear wheel cylinder leaked fluid and was replaced cheaply via the Owners Club.

Windscreen washer motor was seized when I got car. Stripped it apart, freed it off very easily.

General Comments:

Fantastic little car. I had one before (1988 model 601) and sold it. Wished I hadn't so searched the UK for another and found this one.

Great to drive, turns heads where ever I go.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd December, 2002

1988 Trabant 601 0.6 two stroke

Summary:

Don't mock until you've had one

Faults:

Brakes always failed the MOT.

Starter motor failed, fitted a new one.

Front and rear lights, earth problems, now fixed.

Door lock does not work.

Other car hit the passenger door, had to replace a panel and respray.

General Comments:

Nice little car for both town and long distance. Have always found it confortable.

Lots of room in the front, no room in the back!

Always starts, always gets people asking questions, always fun to drive and work on.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th September, 2001

16th Nov 2010, 08:38

I've just put new brake shoes on all round, and the brakes are great.