A few months ago, I mentioned that my husband and I were taking a trip to the birthplace of the Porsche.  In October, we did just that!

We started in Munich, catching the last bits of Oktoberfest, and then we drove the Autobahn down to the Bavarian Alps before finally heading up to Berlin.  Though we didn’t get a chance to visit Stuttgart on this trip, we did have a fairly unique car experience – we were able to drive a vintage Trabant (aka “Trabi”).

When driving around Germany, it’s not unusual to find a plethora of luxury cars – most notably a slew of all types of Porsches racing up and down the famed Autobahn.  Even in Berlin, these cars dotted the city streets alongside cyclists and pedestrians, but the most surprising view was seeing a Porsche parked next to a Trabi.

First created in the 1960’s, the Trabi was the most purchased car in East Germany between the 60’s -90’s.  Millions of these cars were produced, with the design remaining mostly unchanged throughout the period. Porsche’s arguably most popular car, the 911, was created roughly around the same time in 1960s. Given the proximity of their initial creation and production, I couldn’t help but compare the 911 to the Trabi during our experience.

When we arrived at Trabi World nearby Checkpoint Charlie, we were asked to sign an insurance waiver and do a quick “tutorial” on the shifting mechanism.  The transmission was a 4-gear manual, with a clutch that needed a little TLC to move and stay in place.  After no more than 10 minutes, we were considered “experts” and thus began our Trabi experience.

Trabi World, has done an exemplary job of preserving these vehicles, ensuring that each driver has an authentic experience.  Upon entering the vehicle, the upholstery was beautiful and at first glance had the makings of a decent looking car, that is until you looked at the roof of the interior.  The best words I can find to describe what I felt while running my hands over the roof is cardboard covered in a silicone paint – though to be honest, it may slip past most drivers.

 Overall, the car did feel very sturdy, but the questionable build quality became apparent once we began driving as the shocks felt nonexistent.  While it certainly was not the easiest or most comfortable drive, it was a blast and certainly attracted quite a bit of attention from pedestrians as these iconic cars suddenly emerged and drove past.

Overall, the car did feel very sturdy, but the questionable build quality became apparent once we began driving as the shocks felt nonexistent.  While it certainly was not the easiest or most comfortable drive, it was a blast and certainly attracted quite a bit of attention from pedestrians as these iconic cars suddenly emerged and drove past.

Though we never went above 45 miles per hour, driving through Berlin in one of these vehicles was quite the experience.  Our route weaved in and out of the borders of West/East Berlin (where the cars were once prominent), all the while our guide gave us the history of the cars and the city – all through a one-way radio installed in the dashboard of our car.

One element of the whole experience that stood out was that while we were driving in the Trabi, our guide was driving in an e-vehicle.  The tour operators are not allowed to drive Trabis because of emissions violations (a special permit was granted for the tour).

German cars have quite the history and indeed have come a long way. I was surprised to find out that the Trabi was actually produced well into the 90s. Andreas’ had on his CVR Club Race sweatshirt as we drove the Trabi, the irony was not lost on us and we soon discussed the differences of the two brands.  Considering the mechanical ingenuity and prowess that Porsches’ possess, I wondered how the most “popular” car (in East Germany) compared with a modern day 2022 Porsche 911: 

Experiencing the Trabi was truly a one-of-a-kind car adventure. There are estimated to be only 20,000 of these vehicles left of the millions that once roamed the streets of Germany.   Our tour operator even joked that our 0 – 60 mph would unfortunately not be achieved by sundown. 

Comparing the specifications of the modern Porsche to the Trabi highlights the storied history and developments in Germany’s automotive industry throughout the years.  Change is a constant and we see that with the auto industry, the seasons and with now with CVR.

In this month’s Straightway, President Allen Fossbender discusses all the upcoming changes to the CVR board as we begin to turn our attention towards the future.  Speaking of the future, the annual event is right around the corner – find out how to register for the November 20th event within Alan & Caroline Davis’ Special Events Column.   And read up on the future of Club Race in Joe Kunecki’s column.

Though the year is winding down, there are several past highlights also featured within this issue, including a gallery recap of “Coffee with Wayne Carini”, DE’s trip to Watkins Glen, and the 49th People’s Choice Concours.   Be sure to also read Noelle Tamon’s ,”A Brief History of How the 356 and 911SC Targa became Dutch Police Cars” which sheds a bit more light on the storied history of Germany’s auto. 

Enjoy this edition which looks to the past and future.

Caroline