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1,400 Trabant Enthusiasts Gather for 30th Anniversary Celebration in Anklam
Over 1,400 aficionados of the legendary East German Trabant car brand have convened in Anklam this year to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the international Trabant meeting, with nearly 700 Trabant vehicles in attendance. The event, held at the Anklam airport grounds since 1995 and organized by Jens Rüberg, attracts fans from as far as the United Kingdom and Ukraine.
"In 1995, 308 Trabants attended the first meeting," Rüberg noted. The week-long celebration, which began on Wednesday and concludes on Sunday, features a diverse array of activities designed to cater to all tastes.
The schedule includes a variety of races, evaluations, and community events aimed at showcasing the Trabant's distinct character. Participants with more powerful engines can engage in the eighth-mile acceleration race, divided into ten categories. Meanwhile, vehicle assessments will take place in seven categories, including Trabant models customized as jeeps or cabriolets.
Additional activities include a Mifa folding bike race, a "Sexy Car Wash," a schlager party, and a beer king competition, where the winner is determined by their ability to hold the most beer cans for a minute.
While other East German cars, such as Wartburgs and Barkas, are present, Rüberg estimates that approximately 80% of the assembled vehicles are Trabants. A highlight of the event is the group tour on Saturday, featuring around 100 Trabants, creating quite a stir in the town of Anklam.
The original Trabant rolled off the assembly line on November 7, 1957, at the VEB Sachsenring Automobilwerke in Zwickau. Production continued until 1991, culminating in the production of over three million units. Despite waning enthusiasm in recent years, the Federal Motor Transport Authority reported around 34,800 registered Trabants in Germany in 2010, affectionately referred to as "Rennpappe" by enthusiasts.
For more information on the event's program, visit https://www.trabant-treffen-anklam.de/.
[1] Anklam, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: Background and Essential Information[2] Simson Club: Understanding the Role in the Trabant Community[3] Uwe Fiebig and the "Monster Trabant": A Fascinating Case Study in Trabant Modification
- The community policy at the international Trabant meeting requires participants to adhere to rules regarding conduct, vehicle modifications, and event participation, ensuring that the event remains safe, enjoyable, and respectful to all involved.
- Employment policies within the Trabant community encourage individuals to share their skills and knowledge related to the restoration, customization, and maintenance of Trabant vehicles, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment among enthusiasts, while also promoting the preservation of this iconic lifestyle symbol.
