Wartburg 353

Wartburg 353
File:AWE Wartburg 353W, Verkehrszentrum des Deutschen Museums.JPG 1986 Wartburg 353W
Overview
Manufacturer	Wartburg
Production	1966-1991
Assembly	VEB Automobilwerk Eisenach, Eisenach, East Germany
Designer	Hans Fleischer, in cooperation with Clauss Dietel and Lutz Rudolph
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door saloon 5-door estate 2-door coupe utility (pickup)
Layout	FF layout
Related	Warszawa 210
Powertrain
Engine	993 cc two stroke straight-3 (42 kW)
Transmission	4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,450 mm (96.5 in)
Length	4,220 mm (166.1 in)
Width	1,640 mm (64.6 in)
Height	1,490 mm (58.7 in)
Curb weight	920 kg (2,028 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	Wartburg 311
Successor	Wartburg 1.3

The Wartburg 353, known in some export markets as the Wartburg Knight, is a medium-sized family car, produced by the East German car manufacturer Wartburg. It was the successor of the Wartburg 311, and was itself succeeded by the Wartburg 1.3.

The Wartburg 353 was produced from 1966 to 1988, becoming the model with the longest-ever production run. During its lifetime it saw several changes and improvements, the most recognizable of these coming in 1985 with a front facelift (as pictured here), slightly different layout around the engine block and a new carburetor.

The Wartburg 353 was the creation of the former German BMW production facilities (called EMW under Soviet occupation). It was based on a 1938 design, and powered by an engine with only seven major moving parts, crankshaft included. Popular saying among owners hence that one drives a car but only maintains a motorcycle.

Domestically, it was used for government transportation, sometimes as a police car. Delivery of consumer builds often could take ten to fifteen years.

Like other Eastern European cars, it was known for its low price and comparatively well-equipped design. Because of its forward centre of gravity and front-wheel drive, the car had specific road handling, sometimes displaying significant understeer, especially in wet conditions. Wartburgs were exported to most continental European markets and also to the UK, Cyprus, Malta, and South Africa (no doubt helped by the fact that right-hand drive models were already being produced for the UK.)

Engine and transmission

File:Green car in Ireland.jpg

1984–1988 Wartburg 353 Tourist in Ireland

The Wartburg 353 was very agile for its time, powered by a 1-litre displacement, 3-cylinder unit that took almost two decades to refine. While developing about 55-57 bhp (depending on the carburetor type) its two-stroke engine design provided more than 100 N/m of torque (106 N/m in the last version). Typical figure for quite larger four-stroke engine at that time, it accelerated the less than a ton vehicle pretty decently even by modern standards. The transmission was equipped with a freewheel, obviating the need to use the clutch between gears. This turned out so popular with owners that it has become almost symbolic for a 353, along with the gear stick on the steering column. Designed as a fuel efficiency measure and as means of protecting the engine from oil starvation, the device disabled engine braking; the car effectively coasted whenever the throttle was released. Drivers had the option of turning the freewheel off through a switch under the steering column to benefit from engine braking. Useful since the front brakes were prone to overheating and fading. However, most drivers never disabled the freewheel, because it made shifting gears significantly easier and smoother, though not quicker.

It is notable that even today the 353s are customized for reaching speeds well about 200 km/h (125 mph), whereas the original design called for critical speed of 150–155 km/h and 12 seconds to accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph), which was dealt with in second gear due to the high-rev engine. It was available both with 4+1 and 5+1 steps gearbox.

Popularity

The 353 was an immediate success throughout the Eastern bloc, and with good reason; for approximately the same price, it significantly outperformed Soviet vehicles of its class in almost every aspect: safety, drag, acceleration, top speed, fuel efficiency, ergonomics, handling, ease of use, maintenance, trunk and inner space, off-road capability, and even dynamics, despite its less powerful engine. Evidence of the latter are multiple rally wins it scored over the course of decades, whereas the more powerful Ladas and Moskvitches usually failed to achieve success.

In reality, any Lada (even the lowly 2101 / 21011) was a much more expensive (8,648 DDR marks for the Wartburg vs. 10,507 for 21011 and 12,393 for the 2103 in 1977) and upscale vehicle with vastly superior performance and interior appointments compared to the Wartburg, especially the upper-tier models (2103, 2106, 2107), which bettered the Wartburg about in every aspect mentioned above. The Wartburg, with its cramped, poorly finished interior, crude and noisy engine, which, just as all primitive two-strokes, consumed more gas than 4-stroke engines of much larger displacement (excessive fuel consumption was the main official reason for substituting it with a 4-stroke unit), was only comparable to the older, OHV 1360 cc-powered Moskvich 408 / 2138 models, which possessed nearly similar power-to-weight ratio (55 hp / 990 kg vs. 57 hp / 920 kg). The citizens of DDR were very quick to move up from the Wartburg to Ladas if they had such a chance. However, after 1980, although performances of Wartburg 353 was good, models manufactured after 1980 were fairly unreliable, the engine failing quite quickly due to bad bearings. Rust was also a major enemy for many post 1980 models, as it was rusting fairly quickly. However, Wartburg 353 was heavily outdated in the 1980s as it was based on the IFA F9 and DKW from the late '40s which was also the base for its successors, 311 and 312, some of the components of these older models being compatible with the 353 and even 1300. The two stroke engine, although fairly good regarding the performances, was unreliable and, in the '80s was heavily outdated, polluting and noisy limiting the possibility of exports in the west. Pollution and unreliability of the 2 stroke engine lead in 1989 to the adoption of the 1,3 liters 65 hp engine from VW.

The Wartburg 353 was commonly nicknamed "Trustworthy Hans" or "Farty Hans" by owners due to its durability and copious exhaust emissions, especially when cold and/or overoiled. Noteworthy characteristics of the model are: simple design, dependability, occasional and cheap maintenance, strong chassis-based car frame, front-wheel drive, rear wheel ABS regulator, a 525-litre trunk, innovative electronic gauges fitted after 1983. Disadvantages in terms of passengers' comfort are well known too: lack of any sound dampers led to significant engine feedback in the coupe which itself was in turn very boomy and reverberating, leading to another nickname, "The barrel". This left very few Wartburgs equipped with stereo because it was not possible to enjoy that at volumes most people do, over the engine noise. Suspension provided for sensibly different handling and comfort when the car was empty over when it was carrying passengers and luggage. Owners' accounts are that both control and smoothness went better the more the car was loaded.

It was also available as a pickup version named WARTBURG 353 TRANS, but was not very successful, mainly due to limited payload ( only 450 kg) and low volume of transport. It was mainly used for small deliveries.

Production

Over a million Wartburg 353s were produced overall. Production figures (1966–1988):

• 1966–1975 Wartburg 353, 356,330
• 1975–1988 Wartburg 353 W, 868,860

Model Development

The transition model Wartburg 312 with the body of the Wartburg 311 and the frame of the later Wartburg 353 was on September 1, 1965. the VIN introduced 65,533. From June 1, 1966, vehicles from VIN 1:30 001 received the new body, associated with a change in the type designation of "1000" to "353". A new transmission received since July 1, 1966 all vehicles from chassis number 001 02:14.

The introduction of the hatchback Wartburg Tourist with the VEB Karosseriewerke Halle (Saale) made body was carried in 1968. tailgate and rear fenders were made of glass fiber reinforced plastic manufactured. First, the tourist was manufactured with closed C-pillar, 1970 has been a forced ventilation system with air outlets in the C-pillar introduced.

From chassis number 474 took place on 6 May 04:10 1969 introduction of the new engine type 353-1 with 36.8 kW. Since March 3, 1975 / From Chassis No 10.06 948 the vehicle was as Wartburg 353 W with disc brakes front and produced many detail changes. The body remained unchanged.

From 17:20 VIN 932 to the vehicles produced since June 14, 1982 possessed a carburetor type Jikov 32 Sedr with pre-heated intake mixture (by the upgrading of older models is not recommended), new brake drums rear and H4 headlights .

From 2 January 1984 to the "S" instead of the previous version "de luxe" was produced from VIN 19:00 401. The special design was characterized by matt black PVC door window frames, fittings trim with imitation leather in wood grain, trunk liner, fog lights ( fog lights and -schlusslicht ) two-tone horn, stick shift / steering wheel circuit, heated rear window and a Malimo corduroy interior. In addition, all models which until then had chromed body parts were black plastic powder coated. This is a sign of shortage of raw materials the East German economy and as an attempt to keep up with the prevailing taste step.

From VIN 20:24 100 the hitherto all predecessors (including the DKW) built behind the radiator has been moved forward in the produced since June 30, 1985 vehicles. Therefore, the body was given a new front midsection without a separate "Grill" with revised headlights.

Competition

The 353 was campaigned extensively, mostly as a rally car. For instance, a 353 driven by Niebergall and Froman finished tenth overall in the 1976 Acropolis Rally. Its best world championshop rallying result was a second place in the 1973 Polish Rally, three hours behind the winner. Only one more car reached the finish. The 353's last World Rally Championship result was at the 1993 1000 Lakes Rally, where Alpo Saastamoinen finished 53rd overall and fifth in class (A/5).

Model range

• Sedan, four-door
• Kombi, four-door ("Tourist") (Estate/Station wagon)
• Pickup, two-door ("Trans") (coupe utility)
• Prototypes / Special vehicles
  • Wartburg 355
  • Wartburg with gas turbines -drive
  • Wartburg Rallye Trans (Quantity: 3 (2 × original / 1 × replica))
  • Wartburg 353 Rally Duo, prototype with two engines (quantity: 1)
  • Wartburg 353 WR, rally car according to the rules of the group B
  • Wartburg 353 W460, rally car
  • CMEA car 610 M
  • Wartburg 360 (similar to the Audi 80 in appearance)
  • Wartburg 400 (bucket Wartburg for NVA )
  • Wartburg 760 (nicknamed the "pot-bellied pig", this was a projected collaboration with Škoda meant to replace the 353 as well as the Trabant and the Škoda 100)

Special Editions

File:Wartburg 353W Tourist-based ambulance.JPG

Wartburg 353W Tourist-based ambulance

MED-ambulance emergency vehicle of the Red Cross of the GDR in the field of rapid medical aid (SMH), the urgent medical aid (DMH) and the urgent house call service (DHD) with a total of 100 vehicles, of which four are in the service of the National People's Army (NVA)

Melkus RS1000 a sports car from Melkus.

Gallery

• Wartburg 353 Jaslo.JPG

  Early Wartburg 353 with chrome grille and bumper

• Wartburg 353 W.jpg

  later model with black radiator grill and bumper

• Wartburg 353 W, Helsinki (front).JPG

  Wartburg 353 W Limousine

• 

  Volkspolizei Wartburg 1.3

• Wartburg 353-400 Trans.jpg

  “Trans” model, for export only

• Wartburg 353-400 green vl TCE.jpg

  prototype for military use

• Bundesarchiv Bild 183-1983-0305-009, Berlin, 23. Pneumant-Ralley, Auftaktrennen.jpg

  Rally version

Specifications: Wartburg 353

• L / W / H: Limousine: 4,220 / 1,640 / 1,495 mm; Tourist: 4,380 / 1,640 / 1,495 mm; Wheelbase: 2450 mm
• Engine: two-stroke three-cylinder gasoline engine liquid cooled,
• Displacement: 992 cm³
• Performance: 37 (until 1986) / 42 kW / 50 (until 1986) / 55 hp
• Torque: 100 (to 1986) / 106 Nm at 3000 / min
• Fuel: Two-stroke mixture 1:50 min 88 RON
• Carburetor: downdraft carburetor BVF-40, from 1982 carburetor Jikov 32 Sedr
• Transmission: four-speed gear train / one reverse gear fully synchronized,
• Freewheel in all gears, manually blockable
• Clutch: single-plate dry clutch with torsion type: T 10-12K
• Chassis: Independent suspension, front driven wheels 13 "tires 165 SR-13, 175/70 R13 or 185-SR 13
• Turning circle: 10.2 m
• Brakes: lockable handbrake, Simplex rear drum brakes, disc brakes front
• Accumulator: 12 V / 38 Ah (from 1981)
• Ignition: breakers, each cylinder an ignition coil; electronic ignition retrofit
• Wiring: DC Alternator 12 V / 220 W, from 1975 alternator 12 V / 588 W
• Head Lights: 1978 H4 halogen headlights 60/55 W
• Trunk: 525 liters (sedan); L / B / H 1940/1300/860 mm (Tourist)
• Total mass of empty / payload / total load: Limousine 920 kg / 400 kg / 1320 kg; Tourist: 970 kg / 440 kg / 1410 kg

Specifications: Wartburg 353 WR

• Three-cylinder two-stroke engine with 110 hp at 5500 / min and a torque of 142 Nm at 4200 / min, engine capacity 1147 cc, three BVF flat current motorcycle racing carburetor, three modified Trabant air filter, power-optimized exhaust system depending on the application range, top speed 172 km / h, 1:40 mixture of modified 62-liter tank
• Five-speed transmission with lockable freewheel
• reinforced closed box section frame, tuned coil springs with gas pressure shock absorbers, internally ventilated disc brakes, rear drum brakes, 6J13-cast magnesium wheels with 185/60 R13 tires
• Length 4220 mm, width 1642 mm, height 1465 mm, empty weight 815 kg
• Body parts, GFP fenders front and rear, GFP bumpers, GFP-bucket seats
• Safety roll cage, removable auxiliary lights, tachometer, sports belts

See also

• Nissan Rasheen a very small and short 4WD that is often compared to Eastern European cars in design, particularly the Wartburg 353,