1959 Wartburg 311 Convertible

The 1959 Wartburg 311 Convertible was one of East Germany’s most stylish exports, built by VEB Automobilwerk Eisenach. Its most common engine was a 992cc three-cylinder, two-stroke unit producing about 37 horsepower—small but adequate for a lightweight car. Production of the 311 Convertible was limited, with only a few thousand made during its run, making it far rarer than the sedan or wagon versions. Against Western competition like the Volkswagen Beetle or Renault Dauphine, the Wartburg was roomier and smoother riding, but its smoky two-stroke and lower build quality held it back. In its day, it was popular in Eastern Bloc countries and occasionally reached Western Europe as an affordable oddity. Today, however, it’s a true collector’s curiosity, prized for its rarity and Cold War mystique. Celebrity owners included race driver Heinz Melkus, who tuned Wartburgs in competition. Weird fact: its doors could be removed and swapped front-to-back without modification—a quirk of its symmetrical, interchangeable body panels.

Added 18 Sept 2026