After the successful production of formula racecars in the 1960’s, Heinz Melkus wanted to build a sports car which would be just as suitable on the street as on the racetrack. The idea was put into action in 1969 with the help of much enthusiasm, technical reasoning, and political “tricks” needed in the former DDR. Unusual in the DDR was the production of 101 sports cars (1969-1979) on an international level under the conditions of the socialist economy. That is part of what makes the MELKUS RS1000 so valuable today.
Of the original 101 cars produced between 1969 and 1979, atleast 80 are still in existence without much chance of being sold. Due to strong demand from enthusiasts and collectors, we decided to build a limited quantity using the technical specifications from 1979. This limited edition, dedicated to the late company founder Heinz Melkus, includes 15 cars that will once again be hand-built here in our shop. Three versions are being offered: Standard Series, Street-legal Race Version, and Full Race Version. Along with the production, spare parts are being made available for the vehicles still in existence. This includes parts which were not usable for quite some time, and kept many owners from driver out of fear for damage. Since not all of the parts from the Trabant and Wartburg series are even available, used parts are also being refurbished. We are already experiencing a steady wave of support with parts being offered. We would certainly like to say thank you for all the help.
The chassis is a traditional ladder frame with a roll bar integrated into the windscreen frame and behind the driver. The RS 1000 has independent front and rear suspension, coil springs, stabilisers and drum brakes. The gearbox is a 5-speed manual; the clutch is the same as in the Barkas B 1000. A water-cooled 992 cm3 AWE353/1 engine is used, which unlike the Wartburg engine, has three carburetors instead of one, as well as a higher compression ratio. This engine produces 51 kW (68 bhp) at 4500 min−1 and gives a maximum torque of 118 N·m (87 lb ft.) at 3500 min−1. Fibreglass was used as the body material.
Best Lap Times
Track | | Livery | Driver | Best Lap |
NO LAP TIMES HAVE BEEN SET IN THIS CAR! |