Old Trabant Gets Modern Interior Courtesy Of Vilner Garage

The Trabant was a mainstay of roads in East Germany with the production of the 601 model totaling over 2.8 million vehicles in its 28 years of production. It was basic transportation, but the Trabant was the only choice of automobile for many folks in East Germany. Now, Vilner Garage gives this modest machine a modern twist, and the result of this customization is quite an eye-catching creation.

The customizer starts with one of the last Trabants to come from the Zwickau, Germany, factory. Instead of the more common 500cc air-cooled two-cylinder two-stroke engine, this one packs a 1.1-liter four-cylinder out of a first-gen Volkswagen Polo. It runs through a four-speed manual.

Vilner Garage retains the Trabant's classic look but gives the exterior a modern touch by adding LED headlights. There's also a weird textile effect on the roof, wheel centers, and 21 logos on the doors – it's the new owner's favorite number.

The company puts an even bigger emphasis on modifying the interior. The upholstery now features a mix of plaid fabric and double-lined leather, which makes it especially soft. The hides have an Ivory color that matches well with the eggshell shade in the textile pattern. For contrast, there's Charcoal Black leather on the dashboard with contrasting white stitching. A sporty Momo steering wheel replaces the original austere part. The headliner is the same plaid pattern as on the seats.