Wartburg (marque)

The Wartburg was an automobile marque that originated in Eisenach, East Germany, during the Cold War era. Production began in 1898 under the name Fahrzeugfabrik Eisenach (FFE), later becoming known as Dixi, and eventually BMW (under license) before transitioning to the Wartburg name after World War II. The marque is named after Wartburg Castle, a prominent landmark overlooking the town of Eisenach.

Wartburgs were primarily known for their two-stroke engines, a design that differed significantly from the four-stroke engines common in Western cars. The most well-known model was the Wartburg 353, produced from 1966 to 1988. The 353 featured a three-cylinder, two-stroke engine and front-wheel drive. While considered relatively robust and simple to maintain, the two-stroke engine produced significant emissions and was less fuel-efficient than contemporary four-stroke engines.

The Wartburg was a common sight in East Germany and other Eastern Bloc countries, often serving as a practical and affordable family car. Exported to various countries, including some in Western Europe, it was generally perceived as technologically behind Western vehicles.

Following German reunification in 1990, production of Wartburg cars ceased due to a lack of competitiveness in the unified market. The factory in Eisenach was subsequently taken over by Opel. The Wartburg remains a significant symbol of East German automotive history and is now primarily a collector's item.