Trabant GTI Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

I think a picture here of this old Trabant (leading brand in former East Germany from 1958 to 1990) is mostly for those who have owned one or those who have been unlucky enough to drive just after one for some time - incredible smoke and smell.

Here some small data of the Trabbie:
The two cylinder two-stroke-engine with almost 600ccm reached a top-speed of about 110 km/h (after 5 min. patience) without wind.
But as for every car, this was not recommended to be driven for a longer time.
The normal speed on motorways was usually between 80 and 90 km/h truck-like, and with luck you came always from A to B without ANY technical problem.
The need in petrol-mix (1 liter oil in 50 liter petrol) was on average 7.5liter/100km.

I think the asked price for the special(used) version on the picture was something like 750 DM (ca. $475) back in 1995.

Still you find them around and there are many Trabant Clubs, most of course in Germany, but also other places in Europe.

nwoehnl has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

emax (895) 2003-12-12 5:10

Legendary oldtimer. In my country it was very rare and I dont seen them much on the roads, but I know that on the east it was very popular. Interesting note. Its incredible that from that time its past just a good 10 years. Nice shot.

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dsidwell (9745) 2003-12-12 11:43

Fascinating notes and car! My lawn mower has a larger engine that this auto! I like the point of view here--it is classic for a car shot. The image seems a little grainy or misty, though.

timmiles (0) 2003-12-19 5:58

I've seen trabants before and found them far more interesting to look at than flashy cars like ferraris and lotuses etc! Maybe I am imagining it but there seems to be a hue and kind of soft focus that looks like a vintage photo - just right for the subject.

Edit - I have added a workshop for fun - I hope you like it.

[workshop] [compare]

Genna7 (415) 2004-06-28 2:53