Northeim Trabi collector: Five treasures from the GDR on four wheels!

Northeim Trabi collector: Five treasures from the GDR on four wheels!

Northeim, Deutschland - in Northeim, a fascinating piece of history on four wheels: Thomas Heckel, a passionate Trabi collector, has five driving Trabants from different years of construction! These "plastic bombers" are not just cars, they are living memories of the time of the GDR. While the streets were once flooded by these iconic vehicles, today only 34 Trabis are registered in the Northeim district. Heckel, who has lived in Northeim since 2000, bought his first Trabant in 1994 for Läppische 50 euros and has been a loyal fan since then.

Heckel's collection includes a unique Trabant P50 from 1958, the oldest known driving model worldwide! With its original aero blue lacquer and the robust construction, this Trabi is a real collector's item. "I discovered him as a barn find, the body was totally rusted," Heckel recalls the elaborate restoration. In addition to the P50, he also has an NVA bucket car that is used as a convertible in summer, and a four -stroke engine that belongs to a zero series and was only spent on former employees of the Zwickau plant.

a life for the Trabi

Heckel is proud to document the development of these vehicles. "A lot has changed technically, even if it doesn't look that way at first glance," he explains. His trabis are not only in good shape, they are also ready for adventure! Heckel even goes with them on vacation to the Baltic Sea, equipped with a special folding tent trailer. Despite his passion, he currently has no plans to buy more Trabis. "I want to drive more and screw less," says the 48-year-old, who regularly drives to Trabi meetings and revives the nostalgic memories of the GDR.