| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1956 |
The Wartburg 311/3 Coupe, produced in 1956, is a distinctive classic European coupe renowned for its compact yet elegant design. As part of the Wartburg 311 generation, the 311/3 Coupe maintained the characteristic styling cues of the era, blending practicality with a sporty two-door body style that appealed to enthusiasts of smaller, nimble vehicles. This model epitomizes the post-war automotive trends in East Germany, offering a unique combination of simplicity and style. Measuring approximately in the compact segment of its day, the Wartburg 311/3 Coupe typically featured modest exterior dimensions that contributed to its agility and ease of maneuvering in urban environments. While exact figures may vary in preserved models and sources, Wartburg 311 coupes generally had lengths around 4.3 meters (approximately 14.1 feet), widths near 1.6 meters (around 5.2 feet), and heights close to 1.5 meters (roughly 4.9 feet). These dimensions made the coupe a practical choice for drivers valuing manageable size without sacrificing a distinct coupe profile. The Wartburg 311/3 Coupe incorporated body styling with clean lines and a sleek roofline, distinguishing it from the more utilitarian sedan counterparts. Its lightweight construction fostered efficient performance with relatively low weight aiding handling and fuel economy during its time. Although not a high-powered sports vehicle, the Wartburg coupe was appreciated for its balanced characteristics and nostalgic charm. Today, the Wartburg 311/3 Coupe remains a sought-after classic car among collectors and enthusiasts interested in mid-20th century East German automotive history. Its compact coupe form, combined with vintage styling and engineering, embodies a special chapter in automotive design and cultural heritage.
Discover the standout features that make the 1956 Wartburg 311/3 Coupe a leader in its class
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The Wartburg 311/3 Coupe from 1956 features a compact yet stylish body that measures approximately 4,250 mm (167.3 inches) in length and around 1,600 mm (63 inches) in width. These dimensions made it a modestly sized coupe for its time, suitable for personal use and relatively easy to maneuver in urban environments. The length contributed to a sleek profile, while the width provided enough space for comfortable seating without making the vehicle too bulky for narrow roads.
The height of the Wartburg 311/3 Coupe stands at about 1,430 mm (56.3 inches). This relatively low height contributes to its aerodynamic silhouette and sporty appearance typical of 1950s coupes. The lower roofline offers a snug driving position that enhances the feeling of being securely planted to the road, which is beneficial for driving dynamics. However, this height might reduce headroom slightly, meaning taller passengers could find the interior a bit more constricted compared to taller sedans or modern cars.
The Wartburg 311/3 Coupe has an approximate curb weight of around 850 kilograms (1,874 pounds). This relatively light weight made the car nimble and responsive, especially considering the modest power output typical of the era's engines. The lighter mass aided acceleration and braking efficiency, contributing to better fuel economy and easier handling on the roads. The lower weight combined with its coupe design helped the car offer a sporty rather than sluggish driving experience.
As a compact two-door coupe, the Wartburg 311/3 offers seating primarily for four passengers, though rear space is somewhat limited. The coupe design with its sloping roofline restricts rear headroom and legroom compared to larger sedans. Front seats provide reasonable comfort for average-sized adults, but taller passengers might find the constrained rear seating less accommodating. The interior prioritizes style and driver engagement over maximum passenger capacity, aligning with the sportier ethos of the vehicle.
Yes, the Wartburg 311/3 Coupe comfortably fits into a standard single-car garage. With an overall length of approximately 4.25 meters (13.9 feet), a width of 1.6 meters (5.25 feet), and a height of 1.43 meters (4.69 feet), it occupies less space than most modern vehicles. Its compact footprint makes garage parking and urban maneuvering straightforward—an important benefit especially in European settings where garages and parking spaces tend to be slightly smaller than North American standards.
The Wartburg 311/3 Coupe was an evolution of earlier Wartburg 311 variants and predecessor models, maintaining a similar compact form factor but with refined styling and marginal dimension changes. Generally, it retained the classic length around 4.25 meters (13.9 feet) but featured a more streamlined and sportier coupe body compared to the more upright and utilitarian sedans or station wagons preceding it. This generation put more emphasis on aesthetic appeal and niche sporty styling rather than major dimensional growth.
Compared to similar European coupes from the 1950s, like the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia or the early Ford Consul Coupe, the Wartburg 311/3 Coupe fits comfortably within the typical compact coupé category, with lengths around 4.2 to 4.3 meters (13.8 – 14.1 feet) and widths near 1.6 meters (5.25 feet). It was neither the smallest nor the largest coupe but had a competitive size that balanced style, interior space, and maneuverability. Its lightweight construction was also a hallmark, lending it performance characteristics similar to equally sized contemporaries.
While exact trunk volume figures for the Wartburg 311/3 Coupe are not widely documented, being a small two-door coupe, cargo capacity was modest, designed primarily for daily essentials rather than extensive luggage. The rear compartment behind the rear seats provides limited storage space, typically suitable for a few bags or groceries. Its focus on sporty styling often sacrificed large cargo capacity, so users needing bigger hauling capability generally preferred station wagon variants or sedans.
The Wartburg 311/3 Coupe was typically equipped with a 3-cylinder, 2-stroke engine producing around 28 horsepower. This engine size and power output reflected the modest performance expectations of the era for economy-oriented cars. The rear-wheel drive layout paired with the lightweight design delivered adequate acceleration and nimble handling for urban and rural roads. While not a powerful sports car, it offered a reliable and practical driving experience with reasonable fuel consumption suited for everyday use.
The Wartburg 311/3 Coupe was principally designed as an affordable yet distinctive vehicle during the 1950s, appealing more to the mass-market segment rather than the luxury market. While its coupe styling gave it a sportier and somewhat upscale appearance, it featured basic mechanicals and modest power, targeting consumers seeking economical transportation with a flair of style. It was not positioned among premium luxury cars but was valued for its practicality, reliability, and relatively low operating costs.
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