Trabant 601
The smoke-belching symbol of East Germany, featuring a Duroplast body and a two-stroke heart.
- Power
- 26 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 21.0 s
- Top speed
- 62 mph
- Est. value
- $4k–$12k
About the Trabant 601
The Trabant 601 was the German Democratic Republic's answer to the 'people's car', remaining in production for nearly three decades with minimal mechanical changes. Its body panels were made of Duroplast, a form of plastic reinforced with recycled cotton waste from the Soviet Union, as steel was in short supply. The 'S' (Sonderwunsch) trim was the 'Special' version, featuring minor improvements like fog lights and a rear demister. Driving a 'Trabi' is a visceral experience defined by its column-mounted gear shift, lack of a fuel pump, and the distinct blue smoke from its air-cooled two-stroke engine.
Trabant 601 specs
The Trabant 601 produces 26 bhp (19 kW) and 54 Nm (40 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 21.0 seconds and has a top speed of 62 mph (100 km/h).
| Make | Trabant |
|---|---|
| Model | 601 |
| Trim | 601 S |
| Years | 1964–1990 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | East Germany |
| Engine | 0.6-litre two-stroke straight-two |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 594 cc (0.6 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 26 bhp (19 kW) at 4,200 rpm |
| Torque | 54 Nm (40 lb-ft) |
| 0–60 mph | 21.0 s |
| Top speed | 62 mph (100 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 615 kg (1,356 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 42 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Trabant 601 worth?
A typical Trabant 601 is estimated to be worth $3,500 – $12,000 (about £2,600 – £8,900).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Trabant 601 rarity in CarSpot
The Trabant 601 is a Common card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 13 out of 100. Everyday cars you can spot on almost any street. A Common card is worth 10 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Trabant 601 fun facts
- The fuel system is gravity-fed, requiring the driver to mix oil and petrol manually and check the level with a dipstick under the bonnet.
- Wait times for a new Trabant 601 in East Germany could reach 10 to 15 years, making second-hand examples more expensive than new ones.
- Duroplast was used because it was cheap and utilised waste materials, but it became an environmental problem as it is not biodegradable and difficult to recycle.
