Melkus RS 1000

Melkus RS 1000 is a sports car produced by Melkus. It is powered by a tuned, mid-mounted 3-cylinder 2-stroke 992 cm3 engine, similar to the one in the Wartburg 353, and features gull-wing doors. 101 cars were made between 1969 and 1979 in the Dresden factory.

Melkus RS 1000
Overview
ManufacturerMelkus
Production1969 – 1979 (101 produced)
AssemblyDresden, East Germany
DesignerHeinz Melkus
Body and chassis
ClassSports car
Body style2-door coupé
LayoutRMR layout
PlatformWartburg 353
DoorsGullwing doors
Powertrain
EngineAWE353/1 I3
(992 cm3, 51 kW)
Transmission5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2450 mm (96.4 in)
Length4000 mm (157.4 in)
Width1700 mm (66.9 in)
Height1070 mm (42.1 in)
Kerb weight690 kg (1521 lbs)
Melkus RS 1000
gull-wing doors
rear view

Technical description

The chassis is a traditional ladder frame with a roll bar integrated into the windscreen frame and behind the driver. The RS 1000 has independent front and rear suspension, coil springs, stabilisers and drum brakes. The gearbox is a 5-speed manual; the clutch is the same as in the Barkas B 1000. A water-cooled 992 cm3 AWE353/1 engine is used, which unlike the Wartburg engine, has three carburetors instead of one, as well as a higher compression ratio. This engine produces 51 kW (68 bhp) at 4500 min−1 and gives a maximum torque of 118 N·m (87 lb ft.) at 3500 min−1. Fibreglass was used as the body material. The top speed is 165 km/h.[1]

After the Wende

The RS 1000 did not have an immediate successor. However, in time for the 50 year jubilee a limited series of 15 RS 1000 have been made.[2] The first sports car of this series was presented on November 26, 2006. In 2009, the production of the indirect successor, the Melkus RS 2000 began. The production was halted in 2012 when Melkus registered as insolvent.[3]

A Melkus RS 1000 is featured in the music video for ATC's 2000 hit, "Around the World (La La La La La)".

References
  1. "Datenblatt Melkus RS 1000 AWE353/1". Archived from the original on 2017-03-19. Retrieved 2017-03-18.
  2. "Melkus lässt den Ost-Flügeltürer aufleben" (in German). 2010-08-14. Retrieved 2017-03-18.
  3. Legende stellt Insolvenzantrag
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