Little illustrates the difference between West Germany and East Germany as much as the cars of the respective states. With the reunification 30 years ago, the streetscape in the new all-Germany changed visibly. 2-stroke cars rattled through Hamburg, Porsche and Mercedes raced towards the East.
East Germany also used to have more luxurious sedans. Some were imported from the West, while others were bought from other Eastern states. All in all, they were much rarer than in the West. But no less beautiful. Below are five great cars from East Germany. We explain what they once meant to East Germany and what became of the manufacturers. And how much used examples cost today.
Western European manufacturers’ cars were rare in East Germany. Still, they existed: Western Germans could give gifts to their East German family members or friends through the Genex catalogue. From 1956 to 1990, the catalog contains models from Lancia, Fiat, Ford and VW. However, only a significant number of the VW Golf 1 made it into East Germany and into a free sale.
Volkswagen delivered 10,000 units in 1978, and the compact cost up to 31,500 East Marks, which was three times as much as a Trabant. In addition, the purchase price is preceded by another hurdle: East Germany management only makes the offer to selected people.
The Golf was too expensive for many of those selected. The VW only sells after a significant price reduction of 10,000 Ostmarks. That may be one reason why the East Germany grandees do not pursue the loose plan for license production. Volkswagen gains only limited access to the East Germany market. So the original deal was kept: in return for the five-digit number of Golf models, sheet metal presses, tooling and components for a planetarium were shipped to the West.
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According to contemporary witnesses, VW manufactured the windows, and some of the panels were thinner than in the original. A gasoline or diesel engine with 50 hp is used for propulsion. The prices, ranging from 2,900 to just under 20,000 euros, show that the Light Golf has a cult following – and in some cases, is still affordable.
