Hello all, long time lurker and long time retro enthusiast. I thought maybe it's time I made an account and became a part of my favourite car community proper!
I though I'd share with you my latest purchase, a 1990 Trabant P601 Special from Hungary. I've wanted one of these cars for a long while now and whilst searching eBay I came across this one that was being sold by a Hungarian chap. After some negotiation he kindly agreed to bring it all the way from Hungary via his place in Slough all the way up to my little part of the world in Glasgow. I couldn't believe it when I seen it in the flesh, she was minted! Totally! Solid as a rock, excellent paint, tidy engine… the only thing to note was a small welding repair to the drivers floor but Hungary must have some good welders and fabricators as it's a smashing job.
Here she is;
Check out that hideous vinyl floor! But those seats are heroic I think… the girlfriend hates them!!
Original plans were to go for a slightly modded look, you know the one, lowered and fat wheels and roof rack etc but when I seen her in the flesh I couldn't bring myself to do it. I've always been a stickler for standard, infact, I've never modded one of my retros before. I had fancied a bash at it with this but I'm happy to keep her going as she is.
First job was to get shot of the vinyl flooring. And in true communist style I sourced some off-cut of some lovely brown carpet (as purchasing high quality items is aspirational and therefore forbidden) and voila
Next job was to get her to the MOT station so I can begin the registration process. The plates that are one her are just an old set I had lying around from a previous motor that I stuck just to take the bad look of her.
Check out the rear camber! It's because the late models had coil springs on the rear instead of a leaf. In order to meet the demand of possibly having four people and luggage on board means the springs are quite a high rate so that when the car is empty is pushes the suspension to the shape you see. Apparently a common solution is to cut one coil off but I'll consider this later.
Back from the MOT station with a PASS!!
A recent trip to Berlin heralded this...
And a couple of souvenirs...
Now I'm just waiting on the registration coming back from the DVLA so I can get her on the road! I've also ordered a care package from Trabant Welt in Zwickau, Germany with lots of service and accessories goodies to keep me going.
Once she's on the road I really do need to give some attention and time to my other lovely
Who is sitting very forlorn at the moment after being neglected since winter.
Cheers guys and I'll keep you posted!
I though I'd share with you my latest purchase, a 1990 Trabant P601 Special from Hungary. I've wanted one of these cars for a long while now and whilst searching eBay I came across this one that was being sold by a Hungarian chap. After some negotiation he kindly agreed to bring it all the way from Hungary via his place in Slough all the way up to my little part of the world in Glasgow. I couldn't believe it when I seen it in the flesh, she was minted! Totally! Solid as a rock, excellent paint, tidy engine… the only thing to note was a small welding repair to the drivers floor but Hungary must have some good welders and fabricators as it's a smashing job.
Here she is;
Check out that hideous vinyl floor! But those seats are heroic I think… the girlfriend hates them!!
Original plans were to go for a slightly modded look, you know the one, lowered and fat wheels and roof rack etc but when I seen her in the flesh I couldn't bring myself to do it. I've always been a stickler for standard, infact, I've never modded one of my retros before. I had fancied a bash at it with this but I'm happy to keep her going as she is.
First job was to get shot of the vinyl flooring. And in true communist style I sourced some off-cut of some lovely brown carpet (as purchasing high quality items is aspirational and therefore forbidden) and voila
Next job was to get her to the MOT station so I can begin the registration process. The plates that are one her are just an old set I had lying around from a previous motor that I stuck just to take the bad look of her.
Check out the rear camber! It's because the late models had coil springs on the rear instead of a leaf. In order to meet the demand of possibly having four people and luggage on board means the springs are quite a high rate so that when the car is empty is pushes the suspension to the shape you see. Apparently a common solution is to cut one coil off but I'll consider this later.
Back from the MOT station with a PASS!!
A recent trip to Berlin heralded this...
And a couple of souvenirs...
Now I'm just waiting on the registration coming back from the DVLA so I can get her on the road! I've also ordered a care package from Trabant Welt in Zwickau, Germany with lots of service and accessories goodies to keep me going.
Once she's on the road I really do need to give some attention and time to my other lovely
Who is sitting very forlorn at the moment after being neglected since winter.
Cheers guys and I'll keep you posted!