Highlights

Highly detailed 601 built to 700RS Race Spec
Featured in episode 4 of Guy Martin's 'Guy's Garage' TV show
Very high specification including rebuilt 700cc engine
Current FIA Motorsport UK Rally vehicle passport
Extensive history including two box files of technical information
MOT valid to August 2026 with no advisories

The Appeal

If your first thought on the word ‘Trabant’ is of small, smoky two-door, two-stroke cars trundling around East Germany, think again. This car channels a whole different side to East Germany’s People's Car.

In period, the Trabant was extensively developed by the factory for competitive racing and rally use, and this car is a homage to all that. Faithfully built as a replica of the factory 700RS race specification model it is a remarkable, perhaps one-off car that will suit serious petrolheads.

The car was bought by a former editor of Practical Classics, who recognised it was fitted with various non-standard factory features. He decided to evolve it, a process that gathered momentum and involved TV’s Guy Martin. The car was featured in Guy's Garage, where it was raced at Brands Hatch.

If you’ve seen the photos, you’ll have a sense of the specification. The car is fitted with a rebuilt 700cc engine running a SU carburettor tuned on a rolling road by Guy’s friend ‘Paul The Carb.’ The extensive modifications comply with competitive regulations, and the car carries a FIA Motorsport UK Rally Passport. For road users, the MOT runs to August 2026 with no advisories. To enable the buyer to track the changes, there are two box files documenting the work.

Here is a chance to channel the spirit of motoring competition from the other side of the Berlin Wall. It’s a car that will entertain just as much as it draws attention. One not to miss.

History and Paperwork

First registered in 1989 the year the Berlin Wall came down
First UK registered April 2019
Three UK keepers since registration
Current keeper since June 2022
Featured in episode 4 of Guy Martin's 'Guy's Garage' TV show
Photographic evidence of the car with Guy and his team
Current FIA Motorsport UK Rally vehicle passport
MOT valid until August 2026 with no advisories
Two box files containing technical information and invoices from Trabant specialists
Purchased in Germany by an editor at Practical Classics magazine who recognised its factory-fitted racing components

The Condition

Classic Trabant beige paintwork with extensive decals and wider arches
Paintwork presents well with some localised marks and scuffs to note
Body appears in smart condition for its age, particularly notable for a Trabant
Built using steel with natural cotton fibres and resin
Small area of damage on rear wheel arch
Minor crack in one of the rear lenses as shown
Quad auxiliary headlights and other modifications suitable for rallying
Sits on steel wheels with wider track and Continental tyres
Period-correct rally livery presents well
Tidy underside that has been treated for long-term protection we are told
No structural advisories on MOT
Interior has been stripped back to reduce weight
Fitted with OMP Tre seats in blue with matching harnesses
Roll cage, timing instruments and auxiliary gauges fitted as shown

The Mechanics

Rebuilt 699cc engine
4-speed gearbox
Engine rebuilt some years ago
1½ inch SU carburettor by "Paul the Carb" during filming on Guy Martin's rolling road
Fitted with a sports clutch and lightened flywheel
Features an 800RS air intake system
Wartburg drive shafts
Upgraded with larger front brakes and finned brake drums
Custom large-bore exhaust system
Uprated thicker drive shafts and wheel hubs from the factory
Additional air intakes for cooling the larger finned brakes
Bespoke wiring loom with documentation
No advisories on MOT

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

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✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.