EMW 340 1951

EMW, which stands for Eisenacher Motorenwerk, was an East German automobile manufacturer that produced cars from the late 1940s to the early 1950s. The company was based in Eisenach, in what was then East Germany. EMW cars were closely related to the pre-World War II BMW cars and were essentially a continuation of BMW's operations in Eisenach.

One of the most significant export markets for EMW cars was the Soviet Union. During the early years of the East German Democratic Republic (GDR), the Soviets supported the revival of automotive production in the region. As a result, many EMW vehicles, such as the EMW 340 and the EMW 327, were exported to the Soviet Union. These cars were seen as a symbol of East German-Soviet economic cooperation during the early years of the GDR.

It's important to note that EMW's car production was relatively short-lived, as the company faced various challenges and changes in the East German automotive industry. Eventually, the Soviet-influenced regime in East Germany led to the creation of the state-owned enterprise IFA (Industrieverband Fahrzeugbau), which took over the production of vehicles in the region.

While the Soviet Union was a significant export market for EMW cars during the early post-war years, the company's history is closely tied to the political and economic developments of the time, and its production and export activities were relatively limited in comparison to larger Western automakers.

The EMW 327 coupe and cabriolet models are indeed interesting, as they were direct successors to the pre-war BMW 327. Here's a brief overview of the history of these vehicles:

1. Pre-War BMW 327: The story of the EMW 327 begins with the BMW 327, which was a luxury sports car produced by BMW in the late 1930s. It was known for its elegant design, quality craftsmanship, and performance. The BMW 327 featured a straight-six engine, and it was available in both coupe and cabriolet (convertible) versions. The 327 gained popularity for its stylish appearance and driving dynamics.

2. Post-War Transition to EMW: After World War II, the BMW factory in Eisenach, Germany, fell under Soviet control. The Soviets took over the factory and continued producing cars using the pre-war BMW designs. However, because of various political and economic factors, the factory was eventually taken over by the East German government, and the name "BMW" was no longer used. Instead, the cars produced in Eisenach were branded as "EMW" (Eisenacher Motorenwerk) from 1952 onwards.

3. EMW 327 Coupe and Cabriolet: The EMW 327 coupe and cabriolet models were essentially direct continuations of the pre-war BMW 327. They retained the classic design, elegant styling, and the six-cylinder engine of their BMW predecessors. The EMW 327 was produced in Eisenach from 1952 to 1955. These cars were seen as a nostalgic link to the pre-war BMW luxury cars and were often favored by the East German political elite and other dignitaries.

4. Engine and Performance: The EMW 327 was powered by a 1.9-liter inline-six engine, which produced around 55 horsepower. This engine provided respectable performance for its time and a smooth driving experience.

5. Legacy: The EMW 327 holds historical significance as a transitional model from pre-war BMW to post-war EMW production in East Germany. These cars are highly regarded for their design and craftsmanship. They are also considered collector's items today, with restored models sought after by enthusiasts.

The EMW 327 coupe and cabriolet, with their design lineage dating back to the pre-war BMW 327, represent an interesting chapter in the history of East German automobile production during the early post-war period.