Ossi 700

1959 Ossi 700 on display

798cc I3

998cc I4

The Ossi 700 is a compact passenger vehicle produced by the now-defunct East German marque Ossi between 1956 - 1991. Ordered to be produced by the communist government in the German Democratic Republic and remaining in production for almost 40 years, the 700 became a well-known symbol of East Germany and the Eastern Bloc as a whole.

## History

Beginning life in the mid-1950's, the Ossi 700 was envisioned as a compact, durable and cheap mode of transport for a working class citizens of the Eastern Bloc. During its introduction, its 28-horsepower 648cc Inline-3 engine was seen as simple, but adequate by the standards of the time. Exports were popular, especially to countries ravaged by war which were in need of cheap transportation. Many were exported to countries such as Norway, Japan, the United Kingdom, among others.

The early 700-models from the 1950's and 60's used ample chrome and detailing to amplify its styling, which was seen as contemporary and inoffensive. It wielded large, chromed bumpers as well as chrome-hubcapped wheels, rounded off by two small yet distinct fins on the back, which led off into a rather sharp rear design.

Originally slated to be put out of production by the late 1960's, East Germany's growing economic problems caused the 700 to continue production, avoiding the development costs of a new model.

In the late 1960's, the 700 was "refreshed", featuring thinner bumpers, plastic headlight surrounds and trim, and new wheels. The interior also received minor updates, namely a new steering wheel, shoulder seatbelts as well as new options becoming available. To most, the 700 remained seemingly mostly unchanged, though being one of the only options on the East German market, its sales were hardly affected.

Criticisms of the 700 started becoming apparent in the mid-1970's, when the car was beginning to become increasingly outdated even by Eastern Bloc standards. This also started becoming apparent in the car's quality, which notably dropped off through the 1970's and 80's as the GDR's economy suffered.

The 700 was refreshed yet again in the early 1980's, this time featuring much more body-colored and plastic trim, abandoning chrome almost entirely. What chrome was left on the car was replaced by untreated steel, which rusted easily. The bumpers were changed to appear more modern, however they were strongly contrasted by the car's now archaic double-round-headlights and strikingly 1950's design. The interior also received another update, this time featuring headrests and once again a new steering wheel.

## Significance

Though the Ossi 700 became a symbol of the stagnant economy in the GDR, its massive production numbers has resulted in popularity among its enthusiast community. Early models especially can be coveted, and later models are both seen positively and negatively by former citizens of the GDR. Its stubby, outdated appearance, poor driving capabilities and archaic engine became the center of many jokes.

Popular examples being; "What does "700" stand for?"

* 700 cars delivered, 0 customers satisfied.
* 700 facelifts and trim levels, 0 differences.
* 700 escape opportunities (referring to the Berlin Wall, as well as the escape attempts using neighboring countries' borders).