Sometimes the past comes back to us. On the roads, especially far from big cities, you can find a German-made IFA Multicar. The GDR is a manufacturing country for a small, compact truck with a diesel engine. The IFA Multicar car interests us for a reason. We want to find out the capabilities of the "long-liver", the technical characteristics. Find out the basic requirements for a trailer. Get acquainted with the reviews of the owners and find out the possibility of purchasing it at the moment.

General information

The German IFA Multicar photo, which is in the article, has already left the IFA Multicar conveyor belt. At the peak of his fame, about 10,000 trucks were released from the factory conveyor per month. Almost 100,000 units. Before the start of the Olympic Games, held in the USSR, 20,000 units of German equipment were imported, which to this day works and is found on our roads despite the retirement age.

At that time, the IFA Multicar 25 was equipped with a compact two-seat cab with an excellent control panel. Compact, maneuverable, he could squeeze into any alley or street of the city, village. The turning radius was only 5 (five) meters.

German truck IFA Multicar characteristics , which we have to consider, was designed on a station wagon platform, where it was possible to install equipment of different types. The multifunctionality of the model is indicated by 20 (twenty) variants of its execution. The IFA Multicar truck cost, which is posted on the Web, was produced as a van, a bulldozer.

A crane was often installed on it. Used as a dump truck. IFA Multicar the price of the photo, which is in sufficient quantity on the Internet, was equipped with a diesel 2.0 liter power unit in 45 selected German horses. Now about this in more detail.

IFA Multicar 25, truck modifications

The technique in question was produced in only two modifications:

1. Truck model M 2501.
2. Compact small truck М 25L 02.

It should be noted that there was practically no difference. The design, wheelbase and powertrain are like twin brothers. The only thing that distinguished them was the cargo platform. For the IFA Multicar model M 2501, thick sheet steel was chosen as the platform. This facilitated the repair work. It was dismantled very quickly. The IFA Multicar had one feature: a simplified procedure for loading and unloading various goods. This was possible thanks to the simple and quick opening of the tail and side walls. At the same time, the design of mounting the sides was simple, reliable and well thought out.

Unlike the М 2501 model, the М 25L 02 model has a higher side. This is their fundamental difference.

We deliberately do not focus on the exterior and interior of the truck, believing that this part of the technology is not of interest today. For those who are interested in the "interior decoration" of the cabin, designed for two passengers, we recommend looking for videos on the Internet.

IFA Multicar 25 Specifications

The performance IFA Multicar, which we are reviewing, was equipped with a small four-cylinder diesel power unit with a capacity of 45 hp. This was quite enough for the baby, because his weight was 1750 kg. Naturally, the use of diesel fuel as fuel made it economical.

Close ties between the two states and an established system of supply of spare parts ensured their stable price. Made repair work an uninterrupted process. Multicar model range , which we are considering consumed only 8 liters of fuel per 100 km on the combined cycle. Speed \u200b\u200bcapabilities were limited to the figure on the speedometer 50 km / h.

Dimensions:

• length - 4240 mm;
• width - 1850 mm;
• height - 2000 mm.

According to the data, the truck could easily fit in any garage. Overall dimensions give reason to speak about its compactness and maneuverability. Especially when it comes to movement within the city.

It is forbidden to start the engine at higher speeds at an air temperature below 0 0 C. A gradual warming up of the power unit is required. Failure to do so may result in damage or failure of the bearings.

The IFA Multicar characteristics we are talking about were very hardy and easily tolerated increased loads. The German comrades seemed to have created it for our roads. "Hodovka" was simply not killed. IFA Multicar, the model of the photo, which is posted on the World Wide Web, is equipped with a trailer with a ground clearance of 26 cm.

This distance from the ground made it easy to move on country and dirt roads, to overcome pits and bumps. The IFA Multicar, which is available on the Internet, was fitted with standard 13-inch wheels, and larger wheels were used to increase ground clearance.

The IFA Multicar trailer model M 2501 in question could take on board up to 1200 kg of various cargo. The trailer was especially appreciated by the rural population, on collective farms, on farms and small industries.

Service of a universal truck

Although, in the repair and maintenance of equipment does not cause inconvenience, you need to know and follow certain rules. Check and pay special attention to those components and mechanisms that most often fail.

These units include steering, truck electrics. Monitoring the level of brake fluid and technical oil in the power unit. Compliance with the rules of constant monitoring and verification can significantly extend the operation of the car.

Nuances of operation

The versatility of the German truck lies in its versatility. It can become a reliable helper when clearing snow in winter. In autumn, it can be used to remove fallen leaves. He was involved in the repair work of the roadbed. Used when cleaning roads.

Trailer requirements

The use of a special trailer allows you to transport bulky cargo. There are certain parameters and rules for the operation and transportation of goods. No more than 800 kg can be placed on a single axle trailer. The multi-axis can withstand up to 2400 kg.

It is forbidden to transport cargo in a trailer with an empty body.

It is allowed to carry cargo with a 50/50 ratio of the filled body in relation to the hitch.

IFA Multicar owner reviews

The owners' opinions are unambiguous. It is not a ghost that roams our roads. The legendary German-assembled truck of the last century is still moving along them. There are many ads on the Internet for the sale of this technique. If there is supply, then there is demand. When IFA Multicar is sold, the photos must be posted without fail. You can see the condition, at least externally, of the proposed truck. There is an official dealer in the Russian Federation who supplies and sells this equipment. The IFA Multicar lineup will now be represented by the M27 and M31 variants. This means that we will see this technique on our roads and in cities for a long time to come.

Advantages and disadvantages of ultra compact technology

The IFA Multicar, which we will soon announce, had a number of positive properties:

• small maintenance costs;
• ease of repair and ease of maintenance;
• maneuverability.

Disadvantages of the model:

• the low speed that the truck could develop - 50 km / h;
• today the deficit of spare parts is actual.

Price

After reviewing ads for the sale of used equipment, you can draw certain conclusions. The car is displayed and sold. The average price in the post-Soviet space is $ 2,500. We are talking about transport from 2,000 to 5,000 kilometers in normal condition. Year of release 1985. Diesel power unit, manual transmission.

In custody

The extravagant look of the last century truck reminds us of what quality is. After all, he meets today on our roads. Carries out the transportation of goods, operated mainly in rural areas and small provincial towns. Nevertheless, he works. Although it becomes more and more difficult every year with spare parts, German trucks are in demand and are sold. Buyers are attracted by the low price and efficiency of the equipment. The ability to transport all kinds of cargo, including on roads with problematic surfaces.

The IFA W50 medium-duty truck was produced from 1965 to 1990 at the plant in Ludwigsfeld in the German Democratic Republic. For a quarter of a century, more than half a million trucks rolled off the assembly line of the plant, cars were massively exported to the countries of the socialist camp, as well as to the states of Asia and Africa. On the basis of the car, many modifications and add-ons were created. After the unification of Germany, the production of an obsolete model was recognized as unprofitable, and in 1990 the production of the truck was finally phased out.

History of creation

Sea trials of the first truck prototypes began in 1962. As a basic version, a machine with a lifting capacity of 5 tons was tested with a 90-horsepower 4-cylinder water-cooled engine. At the same time, an all-wheel drive version was tested.

Initially, they wanted to establish mass production of the truck at the car plant in the city of Verdau, however, this required a large-scale reconstruction of the enterprise. As a result, it was decided to adapt the production site in Ludwigsfeld, near Berlin, for the production of the new truck. The plant's capacities made it possible to produce up to 15 thousand cars annually. The first W50 trucks rolled off the assembly line in 1965.

The design of the car incorporated the ideas advanced for its time, and the traditional German quality and reliability contributed to the popularization of the model.

Tens of thousands of trucks were exported to the USSR. The niche of medium-duty trucks in the Soviet Union was occupied by the GAZ-53 and ZIL-130, and the German car won the competition from them due to better quality, cabover-free layout and fuel efficiency. Of the numerous modifications, a flatbed truck and a dump truck with the possibility of three-way unloading were supplied to our country.

Deliveries to the USSR and other countries of the truck continued until 1987. Then they wanted a new W60 truck to replace the outdated model, but the political cataclysms that followed soon, which led to the liquidation of the German Democratic Republic, did not allow the existing plans to be realized.

IFA W50 modifications

The family of trucks was represented by many modifications, differing from each other in wheel arrangement, dimensions, base dimensions, and cab concept. In addition to the most common flatbed trucks and dump trucks, the car was produced in versions of a long-base truck and an all-wheel drive tractor. Various superstructures were installed on the chassis - double-row cabins, mobile workshops, fire engines, isothermal vans. In most cases, these modifications were produced in small batches for special orders.

The car was also produced in an all-wheel drive military version for the armed forces of the GDR. In terms of its technical characteristics, the military truck was not much different from the base model.

Engine and transmission

The first batches of trucks were equipped with powerful 100 horsepower S 4000-1 diesel engines. A design feature of the W50 power unit was the presence of an engine brake system. When the accelerator pedal was released, the damper located between the muffler and the exhaust valve closed automatically, providing braking. Engine braking was especially important when driving on ice and mountain streamers.

In 1967, the car received a new 4 VD engine with 125 horsepower. In addition to the increased power, the diesel unit, manufactured under license from MAN, has received an improved direct fuel injection system. The new motor was distinguished by its economy. Only two cylinders of this engine were operating in idle and warm-up mode, which contributed to an increase in fuel efficiency.

The disadvantage of the engines was their layout. The bulky engine compartment was located under the IFA W50 cab, however, the design of the truck did not provide for tilting the cab forward. The hatch of the engine compartment was located between the driver's and passenger's seats, which created problems when servicing and repairing the power unit.

The engine was aggregated by means of a shaft with a 5-speed manual transmission with synchronizers in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th gears. Due to the autonomous arrangement of the unit on the frame in the under-cabin space, it was easily dismantled during repair.

Suspension and braking system

The design of the rear axle of the driving pair was distinguished by an original solution. For the sake of increasing the ground clearance to 30 cm and reducing the load on the main pair, the torque drive was supplied by means of wheel gears, and the main load fell on the beam. In this case, the main gear turned out to be paired.

As an option, a design with locking cross-axle differentials was offered. The all-wheel drive versions of the W50 were equipped with a transfer case with a reduction gear and a locking differential connecting the front and rear axles.

The dependent axle suspension was built on leaf springs. After another modernization, carried out in the mid-70s, the structure received an anti-roll bar. Telescopic shock absorbers provided suspension softness.

The braking system of a truck was also innovative for its time. To activate the front and rear drum-type brakes, autonomous hydraulic drives were used. The brake pedal was equipped with a pneumatic power-reducing force. A pneumatic parking brake was installed on the rear axle wheels. The brake system included a pneumatic outlet for communication with the trailer brakes.

An onboard vehicle with a carrying capacity of 5.2 tons could tow a trailer weighing up to 9 tons. The curb weight of the truck was 4.6 tons. The maximum travel speed is 80 kilometers per hour, diesel consumption is 17 liters per 100 kilometers.

IFA W50 Price

Despite the fact that a lot of trucks were exported to the USSR, most of them were decommissioned in the 90s. Note that shortly after the unification of Germany into Russia, a large batch of military versions of the truck arrived from the disbanded units of the GDR army, however, these vehicles soon began to fail due to the total lack of spare parts.

Today, cars in working order are extremely rare. However, they can still be purchased on the secondary market. These are mainly cars manufactured in the second half of the 80s. Depending on the technical condition and modification, their cost ranges from 100 to 300 thousand rubles.

The W50 truck has become an iconic vehicle for the countries of the socialist community. In terms of its technical characteristics, build quality, reliability and fuel efficiency, it was in many ways superior to its analogues. The car is already going down in history, and soon it can be attributed to the number of rare models. But even today, everyone who had a chance to operate a truck remembers this reliable and unpretentious car with a kind word.

Video

After the end of World War II, Germany was divided into four zones of occupation. In the territories occupied by the allies of the USSR, which eventually turned into the FRG (Federal Republic of Germany), they began to build a liberal market economy. In the Soviet zone of occupation, later called the GDR (German Democratic Republic), of course, they gave preference to planned centralized management ...

The Soviet Germans got a lot of enterprises, both large and small. Some have suffered greatly from the fighting and bombing, others less. But many components and assemblies were supplied to their conveyors by specialized manufacturers, such as, for example, the grandees Bosch and ZF, which ended up on the other side of the Iron Curtain. And now everything had to be released on our own.

Of course, all enterprises were promptly nationalized by 1947. From automobiles, Industrie Fahrzeuge Automobile was formed - the Association for the Production of Automobiles (abbreviated as IFA), subordinated to a single management. Now in the name of each of the factories that were part of the IFA, there are three additional letters - VEB (abbreviation Volkseigener Betrieb - "People's Enterprise"). Quite quickly, both slightly modified pre-war models and new items began to roll off the assembly lines. Among which, of course, there were cars - all-terrain vehicles, which at first went into service with the People's Police and the analogue of the internal troops of the GDR, and then, since 1956, with the National People's Army (NVA).

IFA P1 EMW 325/3... The first post-war off-road vehicle of the GDR, created on the basis of nodes and
units of the passenger car EMW 340 (developed at the former BMW plant).
A total of 161 copies were produced in 1952

ON THE LETTER "P"
If you do not consider the various prototypes and simplified versions of army passenger models (kübelwagens), then the first light SUV of the GDR was the P1 (aka EMW 325/3), whose small-scale production was established at the former BMW factories in 1952. Under the hood was an inline six-cylinder engine with a working volume of 2.0 liters and a capacity of 55 liters. from.

The next model, P2M, was created by the engineers of the former Horch plant, but was produced at the Barkas plant from 1953 to 1956. The all-terrain vehicle was equipped with an in-line "six" 2.4 liter with a capacity of 65 liters. from. and accelerated to 95 km / h. Due to the torsion bar independent suspension on the trailing arms, it was distinguished by a solid ground clearance of 300 mm. On the basis of this all-terrain vehicle, amphibians P2S were built.

The last East German SUV was the P3 (1961-1966), produced first by VEB Sachsenring Automobilwerke Zwickau (formerly Horch) and then by VEB Industriewerke Ludwigsfelde (formerly a Daimler-Benz subsidiary). The car had the same engine as its predecessor, but boosted to 75 hp. with., with a different suspension - a completely independent torsion bar, in front on triangular wishbones and with a ground clearance that has grown by another 30 mm.

IFA P3.
The most massive and most perfect of the East German
sUVs. (1961-1966 years)

STRONG LIKE OAK
In 1949, the nationalized company Phänomen resumed production of the Granit 1500, renaming it "27". Under the hood was a 2.7-liter gasoline engine with a capacity of 50 liters. from. This air-cooled engine features four in-line cylinders. It is curious that the engineers of the plant did not recognize other designs until the plant was closed in 1991.

In 1951, an all-wheel drive modification appeared. Moreover, some of the Granit received an open passenger body. In 1953, the Garant 30 model came to replace, offered with two three-liter engines: a 52-liter diesel engine. from. and gasoline at 55 liters. from. (both at 2600 rpm).

In 1957, Phänomen was renamed VEB Robur-Werken Zittau. Translated from German Robur - "oak". This, apparently, was supposed to hint at the strength and reliability of the car. For some time, the modernized Granit was produced under the new brand, until in 1961 the Robur LD / LO series appeared with a carrying capacity of 2-2.6 tons with a non-folding cab above the engine. Like its predecessor, the hoodless Robur came in two versions. The first - with a diesel engine with a working volume of 4 liters and a capacity of 68 liters. from. at 2600 rpm. The second one is with a gasoline engine (3345 cm3, 75 hp). Speed \u200b\u200b- 75-80 km / h. After the unification of Germany, the car received a 73 hp Deutz diesel. with., of course, air cooling. But it was released for a short time.

Robur means oak.
This model was produced without any significant changes in appearance for exactly 30 years.

A FAMOUS STRANGER
As the light truck models, as well as the cars of the association acquired their own names during the 50s, the abbreviation IFA became firmly associated with medium trucks and received brand status. At the same time, there were many rear-wheel drive models. But there are only three all-wheel drive.

The first was the IFA G5 (1954-1964), adopted by the NVA. The three-axle "five" was distinguished by a six-cylinder diesel engine with a volume of 9 liters and a capacity of 120 liters. from. and could accelerate to 60 km / h. The carrying capacity corresponded to the figure in the title. The truck was produced by the Ernst Grube enterprise in the city of Verdau in two versions: with a folding windshield and a canvas awning and with a closed cab.

Then in 1965, the G5 was replaced by the IFA W50L, familiar to many from Soviet childhood, with a carrying capacity of 5 tons. The letter W in the name meant the place of development - Werdau (the plant itself was later redesigned for the production of trailers). And letter L is the place where the car was released, the city of Ludwigsfelde (Ludwigsfelde). For the sake of a new truck, the P3 SUV had to be discontinued.

In 1957 the Phänomen ("Phenomenon") was renamed to VEB Robur-Werken Zittau

The new IFA W50L quickly acquired all-wheel drive versions: W50LA and W50LA / A (allrad - "all-wheel drive", armee - "army"). The machine was both conservative and modern in design. A conservative element is a non-folding cockpit with a design from the late 50s. And the modern chassis was with a pneumohydraulic dual-circuit brake system, a pneumatic parking brake and a rear differential lock. In this case, the axle shafts were removed from the rear axle beam and transmitted torque through wheel gears. "Army men" were additionally equipped with a central tire inflation system.

Eternal IFA. Models L60 (top) and W50LA (bottom) were produced from 1965 to 1991

Initially, IFA received a four-cylinder vortex-chamber diesel engine with a working volume of 6560 cm3 and a power of 110 hp. from. In 1967, it was replaced by a more advanced direct injection engine with the same displacement. Power has grown to 125 hp. from. at 2300 rpm. The speed varied from 70 to 90 km / h, depending on the transmission. With subsequent upgrades, the engine acquired a pneumatic engine brake and a system for shutting off half of the cylinders at low speeds. The gearbox is five-speed. All-wheel drive versions were equipped with a power steering.

The car was actively exported, and the lion's share went to the USSR. However, all-terrain trucks with a connected front axle were almost never delivered to the Soviet Union. At the same time, IFA W50 LA and LA / A, for example, were actively used by the Iraqi army in the first Gulf War in 1990. Most of these cars burned out in the desert ...

Nosed.
The G5 off-road truck was first adopted by NVA

In 1971, a prototype was built with a 6 × 6 wheel arrangement and a 180-horsepower six-cylinder diesel engine. But he never got into the series. And the base model stayed unchanged until 1987, when the IFA L60 replaced it.

"Sixty" was distinguished by a new six-cylinder diesel engine (9160 cm3, 180 hp), a four-speed gearbox with a splitter, permanent all-wheel drive with a central differential lock and an updated cab, which was now reclined forward. In 1991, the car was discontinued as obsolete. Instead, the new - the old owner of the Daimler-Benz enterprise - launched the production of light trucks.

Mini-trucks Multicar managed to serve as in NVA (model M25),
and in the Bundeswehr (Mungo). He even fought in Afghanistan

Bigger and more powerful.
Multicar M26, produced in the 90s of the last century, was distinguished by a new
front end design, larger wheels and IVECO engine

DIESEL ANT
The only car plant that benefited from the unification of Germany was VEB Waltershausen, better known as Multicar. He started in 1951 with a simple DK3 Dieselameise self-propelled cart (literally "diesel ant"). Then, in 1958, the cart grew into an ugly micro-truck DK4, which received its own name - Multicar. In the form in which it was remembered by Soviet citizens, Multicar began to be produced only in 1974. And in the USSR, the M25 model was supplied (1978-1992). She, despite the miniature size (length 3.7 meters), could transfer 2 tons and was optionally equipped with all-wheel drive. A small diesel engine (1997 cm3, 45 hp. Speed \u200b\u200b- 50 km / h) was hidden under the reclining cab.

The Multicar 25 was like a miniature Unimog. It was used by utilities with pleasure, because thanks to its small size and excellent maneuverability, the 25th could go almost everywhere. There were no analogues in Germany, so the production was continued. In 1993, an upgraded M26 with a 90 hp Iveco diesel engine appeared. with., then came the time of the model M27 and heavier Fumo and Tremo. And for the Bundeswehr in 2005, they even released an armored Mungo.

Not many car enthusiasts know or at least once heard about the IFA W50. This transport was produced from 1965 to the 90s of the last century. Production ended 17 years ago in the GDR, and you can still find buy and sell ads on the Internet.

During its existence, the car came out with a circulation of 571,800 copies, which was considered a very successful result for one model of that period.

Brief history of the series

The market needs in the post-war period were very simple: the truck had to be oversized, load-carrying, convenient and “all-terrain”. This model was able to conquer not only the local market, but also gained recognition in many countries of the Soviet Union and closest neighbors.

IFA stands for the industrial association of automakers of the GDR, the W in the name refers to the place of development of the model - the city of Verdau, 50 is the carrying capacity of the car (in centners), and the optional prefix L is the place of production - Ludwigsfeld.

Technical features and dimensions

The main design feature of the ifa w50 is the engine located under the cab. Despite the fact that this significantly reduced the dimensions of the car, it caused a lot of difficulties associated with repairs, since the cab did not recline. The original model included:

• Diesel engine with water cooling system;
• Torque - 422 Nm (1500 rpm);
• Leaf springs, dependent suspension;
• Ground clearance - 30 cm;
• Drum brakes, hydraulic.

High ground clearance due to the special design of the bridge

This equipment did not differ in efficiency, fuel consumption (up to 25 liters). But the model was frisky - the maximum speed of the car is 83 km / h, which is a very good indicator. In total, there were two modifications: W50L - a regular truck, W50L / K - a dump truck.

The engine was eventually accelerated to 125 horsepower. The power unit has got a motor stopper. The ability to activate only 2 of 4 cylinders at low revs was introduced. This made it possible to reduce fuel consumption. The suspension was supplemented with telescopic shock absorption and longitudinal stabilizers.

Main dimensions:

Outcome

A truly unique fact is that many Ifá trucks still function today, despite the lack of factory parts and time. This model and its successor, the L60, set the bar for quality, increasing power to 180 horsepower and lifting capacity to 6 tons. Even in the harsh Russian outback, cars continue to function.

The history of these cars is inseparable from the history of the second half of the last century - the era of confrontation between East and West. Now, probably, not all young people know what was hidden behind the abbreviations of the German Democratic Republic and the Federal Republic of Germany. The lifespan of the East German trucks Robur and IFA almost exactly coincided with the history of the Berlin Wall - from its construction to its demolition ...

In those distant times, when we were educated in the old Soviet school, we were taught: the GDR lags behind the FRG quite a bit in terms of production and living standards, but only because East Germany was mainly agrarian before the war, and West Germany was industrial. And we believed that for a while. But it was enough just to compare the facts a little and delve into history to figure out: after the partition of a unified Germany, all the plants of the Auto Union concern, the most powerful car manufacturer in the Reich along with Daimler Benz, were found in the Soviet zone of occupation - the BMW enterprise in Thuringia (cars in Munich began to be produced only in 1951) and a dozen more smaller enterprises. Among them was a plant that produced light trucks under the Phanomen and Garant brands. It was here, in Zittau, in southeastern Saxony, in the late 1950s that the Robur brand was born.

Creating new models (the previous ones were, as a rule, only slightly modified pre-war ones), the East Germans abandoned the old names. In extreme cases, they returned to the very ancient and neutral from the point of view of the memory of capitalism and the previous owners of factories. So, in 1955 they remembered the name of the castle near Eisenach - "Wartburg". And the truck was named Robur - "oak". However, it is possible that the authors had in mind the novel by Jules Verne "Robur the Conqueror". It is also suitable, especially considering, as they used to say then, "the international situation."

In the vast family of the VEB Robur Werke plant (VEB is a national enterprise, but what else?), An all-wheel drive vehicle of the LO / LD 1800 family was laid. 75 hp, five-speed gearbox and transfer case with low gear. The front axle was connected forcibly. In terms of characteristics, Robur is close to the GAZ-63, but the German car with a cab over the engine looked more modern. Depending on the equipment installed on the all-wheel drive chassis, the car developed a maximum speed of 80–85 km / h.

The production of Robur was launched in 1961, when, after a threatening confrontation between American and Soviet tanks, a wall was hastily begun to be erected between the western and eastern parts of Berlin. It's time for four-wheel drive cars ...

Older brother

In the German Democratic Republic, since 1953, they have been making another four-wheel drive truck. The heavy bonnet car with 6x6 wheel arrangement was called IFA G5. The cars were built at a plant located in KarlMarx-Stadt (Chemnitz), and structurally they had practically nothing in common with the more famous IFA W50. A six-cylinder naturally aspirated diesel engine with a volume of 9.0 liters developed a maximum power of 120 hp. The declared carrying capacity was 5150 kg (off-road - 3650 kg). In 1957, the car was slightly modernized. The maximum power of the IFA G5-II power unit remained the same, but the maximum torque increased from 461 to 538 Nm. Until 1964, about 10,000 copies were made.

Three letters

Most likely, not without looking back at the political events at the very beginning of the 1960s, another four-wheel drive truck was created in the GDR - a class higher than the already produced Robur. The company and, accordingly, the cars themselves were named IFA, which meant only the "industrial association of car manufacturers", which, by the way, then included all the enterprises of the automotive industry. The very same plant for the production of IFA trucks was located near Berlin, in Ludwigsfeld. The first prototype was launched for testing in July 1962. The car went into production in 1965.

The four-wheel drive car with a nice cab above the engine had a base of 3200 mm. (Later, extended versions appeared.) The 5.65-liter diesel engine developed 125 hp, which is very solid for this class (carrying capacity 4500-5000 kg). Together with the engine, a five-speed gearbox with synchronizers in the second and fifth gears and a two-stage "razdatka" worked.

The creators used many original technical solutions in the IFA W50LA design. The motor and gearbox were not in a block, but separately, which facilitated the assembly and disassembly of the units. Brakes - hydropneumatic with independent circuits for the wheels of the front and rear axles. Interestingly, the parking brake had a pneumatic drive, and the compressor, which provided air to the pneumatic booster of the service brakes, was able to supply air to the trailer brakes.

The IFA's ground clearance is very serious - 300 mm. There were versions with different main pairs, single or dual slope rear wheels. Cars began to enter the state institutions of the GDR and, of course, the people's army. Against the background of Soviet and many foreign counterparts of those years, the IFA W50LA design looked pretty decent.

Economy in Soviet style

As usual: designs that were sufficiently progressive for their time in the socialist countries were mass-produced for decades, convincing consumers, and in general themselves, that the car is so good that it requires only light modernization. The people's states had, of course, more important things to do than a serious modernization of cars (even four-wheel drive). The consumer had no choice, so the demand was stable.

Trucks IFA and Robur were no exception - they were also produced, practically unchanged, for two decades. Cars have overgrown with dozens of modifications. On-board trucks and dump trucks were made on all-wheel drive chassis, a wide variety of equipment and "booths" were installed. Many four-wheel drive trucks served as firefighters. East German cars were sold to more than two dozen countries. True, of course, mostly socialist and the so-called developing ones. They also worked in the republics of the USSR.

Robur was considered exclusive. IFA met more often. The first batch of 4000 of these machines was delivered to the USSR back in 1971. True, there were few four-wheel drive vehicles. Drivers appreciated the German trucks for their good dynamics and brakes (the latter, however, are laborious to maintain and repair), as well as a warm cabin. The German diesel engine worked reliably, but it didn’t cause much enthusiasm among the Soviet drivers. Diesel, unlike gasoline, was not in demand among private traders, which means that the driver was deprived of additional income.

In the first quarter

Years passed, and trucks from the GDR received only minor and often completely insignificant changes. Since 1973, updated Robur has been released. IFA, which was being built in almost 50 versions at the time, received an anti-roll bar in the front suspension design.

In 1975, the prototypes IFA L60 and Robur O-611 were built with more spacious, but scary cabins. So a quarter of a century has passed, which now sometimes seems to be an eternity ...

The last five years

Finally, in 1985, the modernized Robur LO / LD2202 family saw the light. Outwardly, it differed little from its predecessors, but it was equipped with an atmospheric air-cooled diesel engine. The engine, however, was clearly weak for a truck: with a working volume of 3.9 liters, the maximum power developed only 68 hp. The car lost to the "gasoline ancestor" and the maximum torque value - 216 Nm versus 225. The only advantage was efficiency.

Two years later, the IFA L60 appeared. The cockpit, once created for the 1975 prototype, was successfully forgotten, only slightly changed the serial one, known since 1965. But the new 6-cylinder diesel with a volume of 9.16 liters developed an impressive 180 hp. The gearbox has become an eight-speed, fully synchronized. Payload increased: the maximum chassis load was 6750 kg. The center differential was rigidly blocked.

Everything seems to be nothing, but before the Wall was demolished, the construction of which almost coincided with the birth of four-wheel drive trucks in the GDR, there were only two years left ... In 1986, the republic's automobile industry produced 45,305 trucks - a record in its entire history, in 1989 - 39 572, and in 1990, a rapid collapse began and an advertisement from Ludwigsfelde appeared in the newspapers about a total sale of the remaining trucks on a cheap basis. By that time, almost 572,000 IFA were made, all-wheel drive, however, much less. That is why nowadays - after a quarter of a century - such IFA and Robur have survived at all. This means that the interest of collectors is guaranteed. Not everyone, of course, will understand the passion for "socialist" trucks. But for some they are documents of an already forgotten era. What? No worse than many others ...

text: Sergey KANUNNIKOV
photo from the author's archive