We are particularly looking forward to this project. Work on our first Barkas will begin in early 2025.
Encyclopedia
The Barkas B1000 was a versatile small van that was produced in the GDR from 1961 to 1991. It quickly became one of the most famous commercial vehicles in the Eastern Bloc and was used for a variety of tasks. The B1000 was used as a transporter, delivery van, ambulance, as well as in special versions such as fire engines or refrigerated trucks.
The Barkas B1000 was powered by a water-cooled three-cylinder two-stroke engine with a displacement of 992 cm³, which originally had an output of 42 hp. This engine was considered robust and easy to maintain, but by the 1980s at the latest it no longer met current requirements for performance and efficiency. The vehicle had a top speed of around 100 km/h and could carry a payload of up to 1,000 kg, making it a practical and versatile workhorse.
A striking feature of the Barkas B1000 was its forward-control design, in which the driver sat directly above the front axle. This design provided good space and optimal use of space in the interior. The Barkas was available as a panel van, flatbed truck, station wagon or bus and offered space for up to nine people.
The Barkas B1000 achieved cult status, especially in the new federal states, and is now considered a symbol of East German vehicle technology. After the reunification of Germany and the end of the GDR, production declined because the B1000 no longer met the new standards. Nevertheless, the Barkas B1000 is now a popular collector's item and can often be seen at classic car meetings.
With its robust design and versatility, the Barkas B1000 shaped road traffic in the GDR for over three decades and left a lasting impression in the history of commercial vehicles.
