The Trabant was known as the “people’s car” throughout Eastern Europe during the Cold War. Manufactured by HQM Sachsenring GmbH, a Communist Party controlled state monopoly, the car was emblematic of life behind the infamous Iron Curtain. The car’s were undependable to say the least, prone to smoking and burnt out engines.

However, following the fall of the Berlin Wall, they became a well known kitsch symbol for reunited Europe, exemplified by Irish band U2’s use of them on their Acthung Baby album and ZOOTV Tour.