Trainees save a rarity: The last Trabi in Zwickau with street approval!

Trainees save a rarity: The last Trabi in Zwickau with street approval!

A small automotive historical sensation is brewing in Zwickau. Salem Hodaifa, 27 years old and has lived in Saxony for over ten years, has fulfilled a long-held dream: He is the proud owner of a Trabant 1.1 from the “Last Edition” series. This classic, which almost ended up in the press, has now even received road approval. How did this come about and what makes this model so special?

The Trabant 1.1 is the fourth and final production model in the Trabant range, produced between May 1990 and April 1991. Along with Salem, many car lovers dream of this rare small car, which only makes 39,474 units. Particularly strange: After most Trabant 1.1s hit Polish and Hungarian roads, sales in Germany remained rather weak. In 1990, the price of the limousine at DM 10,887 was simply too high for many people - a fact that makes the Trabi even more valuable as a valued collector's item today.

Technical characteristics and history

The Trabant 1.1 impresses with its technical details. Powered by a water-cooled four-cylinder OHC gasoline engine (a licensed version of the VW EA 111), it produces 30 kW (41 hp) and a top speed of 125 km/h. Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 22 seconds, it proves to be a true small car monument. The thermoset body and independent suspension contribute to the special construction, while the sedan also boasts a spacious trunk of 420 liters - ideal for any adventure!

The history of the Trabant goes back to 1958. It was long considered a symbol of mobility in the GDR and, alongside the Zaporozhez, was the only widespread small car for ordinary consumers. Over the years, the “Trabi” became both an indispensable companion for many people in East Germany and a nostalgic object of desire for many car fans. So it's no wonder that the Trabant 1.1 is also very popular with classic car lovers in modern times.

Nostalgia and future

Even though production of the Trabant ended in 1991, the fascination for this car lives on. Today there are many clubs and meetings where the old treasures are presented. There were still 40,826 Trabants registered in Germany on January 1, 2024, which shows how popular these cars are. Trabants were particularly successful in motorsport until the 1980s and had their place in the automobile racing circus with numerous class victories.

For Salem Hodaifa, his newest addition is not just a car, but a piece of history that he drives with pride. Interest in vehicles like the Trabant 1.1 remains unbroken, and it is clear: these mobile companions will continue to hold a special place in the hearts of many car fans in the future. Who knows, maybe one day his dream will be lived by others and the old feeling of freedom and adventure as a “Trabi” driver will be rekindled.

For more information about the legendary Trabant, take a look here: Free press, Wikipedia and Wikipedia.