ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

Wartburg 353

The Wartburg 353, also known as the Wartberg Knight in some countries, was a mid-low-class car produced by Wartburg from 1965 to 1989. The model's name underwent changes during its production period; initially, it was referred to as the Wartburg 1000 Typ 353, but it adopted the name 353 from 1967.

Genesis and Design

The development of the Wartburg 353 began in 1962 with studies led by young designer Clauss Dietel. The goal was to create a new model that would incorporate improved technical aspects, particularly safety and comfort features. This led to the design of independent suspension systems on both axles, which became a distinctive feature of the car. The engine choice fell on two-stroke units, considered anachronistic in Western Europe but common in German Oriental cars.

The body shop was the result of joint efforts by three designers within AWE: Hans Fleischer (author of 311's lines), Rudolph Lutz, and Clauss Dietel himself. This collaboration resulted in a car that combined the outgoing model's body with the new chassis and engine from 1 liter of cylinder capacity.

External Design and Interior

The Wartburg 353 had a slightly more compact body than its predecessor, 311, due to a reduction of 13 cm on one side. The launch on June 1, 1966, marked the beginning of the car's commercial career, which was short-lived compared to other models.

Performance and Features

The Wartburg 353 featured a three-cylinder two-stroke engine, similar to that used in SAAB 93,95, and 96. This design provided a smooth drive experience, described by owners as comparable to a six-cylinder four-stroke engine. The car's performance was notable for its fuel efficiency and the absence of engine braking due to oil starvation concerns.

The Wartburg 353 had an impressive acceleration rate, reaching 155 km/h (93 mph) with only 12 seconds to reach 100 km/hour (62 mph). This was achieved in second gear, thanks to the high-revving nature of its smooth-engine design.