East Germany attempted to break into western automobile markets as early as 1948 with export versions of the former DKW F8 car. Initially this was successful as Auto-Union-DKW was struggling to establish itself in West Germany and did not have the resources to restart their own automobile production. However, once DKW was re-established in the 1950s, it initiated legal action against the East Germans for patent violation. Ultimately, this led VEB-IFA to withdraw from the major western markets. Once newer vehicles entered the East German market, such as the Wartburg and Trabant, the East Germans tried again. Both the Wartburg and Trabant managed to gain a toe-hold in Britain due to their very low price, but were never a significant competitor to English or continental brands.
It was only after DKW was replaced by Audi in 1965, that a new crack opened up for the East Germans in Britain. As in Germany, there was a hard-core remnant of customers who were steadfast in their enthusiasm for two-strokes. VEB-Wartburg had continued the development of DKW's two-stroke motor heritage and their new 353 Wartburg Knight was powered by a 1000cc triple cylinder two stroke, with an output of 50 horsepower. These cars were not primitive in the manner of the post-war predecessors; they were modern, with excellent fittings, and for sale at an extremely reasonable price. The Knight Estate was particularly popular due to its utility. I know of former owners who fondly remember this car as 'the best car they ever owned' - in the 1980s.
British DKW Club reviews:
https://dkw-gbclubarchive.blogspot.com/2019/08/two-stroke-july-1971.html
https://dkw-gbclubarchive.blogspot.com/2019/08/two-stroke-sept-nov-1971.html
https://dkw-gbclubarchive.blogspot.com/2019/08/two-stroke-april-june-1971.html
https://dkw-gbclubarchive.blogspot.com/2019/08/two-stroke-june-1973.html
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