Melkus RS-1000: The Forgotton Gullwing

[NightFlyer]

Nice video summarizing an interesting car built in the DDR. Note that the doors appear to use a springed hinge assembly, similar to that found on US auto maker's trunks. Worth about 4 times the average good condition DeLorean - $82k. And ya gotta love the simplicity of the two stroke engine (not to mention Wartburgs reputation for tank like durability and reliability). I'd love to own one - perhaps someday! :smile:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17b8A1myzXU

[Totally 80s]

Very cool car, thanks for posting that.

[Michael]

I like it! Then again I like any car that's not the typical vette, camaro, TA, mustang, mopar, cookie cutter muscle car.

[PB Co]

Great video. I had no idea this car existed.

Surprised to hear it arrived after the DeLorean. Fiberglass body, metal skin, gull wing doors... familiar stuff but to me it looks like a 1960s DeLorean.

[Jonathan]

Neat. Had never heard of that car until now.

Looks like it has some oddball stuff about it that might make owning one less attractive than just admiring it from a distance.

Anyone else think the twin gas tanks to the outside of each seat is a bit of a "T-bone" accident/disaster waiting to happen?

[PB Co]

Nah, that wood board that adjusts your seat height will save you. Let's not forget the plywood in our own cars.

The dual gas tanks is curious. Does the original motor draw from both at the same time or is one considered to be a reserve that can then be 'switched' over?

[pk2678]

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the Melkus and the DeLorean:

2765327654

The pictures have been taken during a classic car meeting in Wiesbaden, Germany in 2012.

--Peter

[Mark D]

Wow and I thought that DeLoreans were low to the ground.

[Domi]

The doors looks so small next to the DeLorean :smile:

[NightFlyer]

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the Melkus and the DeLorean:

2765327654

The pictures have been taken during a classic car meeting in Wiesbaden, Germany in 2012.

--Peter

These pictures are INCREDIBLE - thank you so much for sharing them :thumbup:

[NightFlyer]

Anyone else think the twin gas tanks to the outside of each seat is a bit of a "T-bone" accident/disaster waiting to happen?

T-bones didn't happen in the DDR, thus it wasn't a concern 8)

The worst part is that being mounted where they are means that a fuel pump in necessary. Should have went with a gravity fed system like Trabant used :thumbup:

For comparison purposes, the engine of the Wartburg 353 had 7 moving parts, where as the engine of the Trabant P601 had only 3 moving parts.

[NightFlyer]

I only became aware of the Melkus when I saw it featured in the music video to ATC's Around The World (La, La, La, La) back in undergrad - fond memories :cool:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRvGZffXhfk&feature=kp

[refugeefromcalif]

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27653&d=1401211636

I can't imagine trying to get out of that car with doors that low. (I assume that's as far as they open)?

George

[refugeefromcalif]

Surprised to hear it arrived after the DeLorean. Fiberglass body, metal skin, gull wing doors... familiar stuff but to me it looks like a 1960s DeLorean.

According to Wikipedia, there were 101 made between 1969-1979.

George

[pezzonovante88]

Interesting car. I must admit that I've never heard of it.

[NightFlyer]

The sound of a proper super car :biggrin:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrZZUD3vr5o

[NightFlyer]

And this is what happens when a Melkus club invades your car show:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBHz8llwDH0

[SIMid]

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27653&d=1401211636

Looks as low or even lower than a GT40.

Kinda of looks a little like a Lotus Elan/Europa.

[pk2678]

<snip>

I can't imagine trying to get out of that car with doors that low. (I assume that's as far as they open)?

George

Yes. That is as far as they open.
--Peter

[Mark D]

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27670&d=1401312606

[PB Co]

I watched it again, could have sworn the first view the guy said it was an '84. Perhaps he was referring to the motor.

Worrying about bouncing lovers after a latch adjustment seems trivial compared to a car where the entire back might open while driving if you haven't properly adjusted a cable.