Catalog / Barkas
Barkas is a name that may be unfamiliar to many, but it holds a special place in the automotive history of the former German Democratic Republic (GDR). Founded in 1958, Barkas became a key manufacturer of light commercial vehicles in East Germany.
The Barkas story begins with the B1000 model, which was developed from the earlier Framo V901/2 van. Production of the B1000 began at the plant in Karl-Marx-Stadt (now Chemnitz) and continued until 1991. This van became a real icon of the East German car industry, thanks to its reliability and versatility.
Interestingly, the name ‘Barkas’ comes from the German word ‘Barke’, which means ‘barca’ or small vessel. This name was chosen to emphasise the payload and practicality of the cars.
In 1989, shortly before the fall of the Berlin Wall, an updated version was presented - B1000-1. It received a more modern four-stroke engine from Volkswagen, which significantly improved the performance of the vehicle. However, the production continued for a short time - only until 1991, when the plant was closed after the reunification of Germany.
During its existence, Barkas produced around 176,000 vehicles, making the B1000 one of the most mass-produced commercial vehicles in the GDR. These vans were used everywhere from the postal service to fire brigades.
Today, Barkas are not just a piece of automotive history, but also a collector's item. Many enthusiasts are restoring these vehicles, preserving the memory of an entire era. Barkas enthusiast clubs exist not only in Germany, but also in other European countries.
Interestingly, despite the cessation of production, spare parts for the Barkas B 1000 continued to be produced for several years after the factory closed, which testifies to the popularity and durability of these cars.
Barkas left a significant trace in the automotive culture of East Germany and today these cars are not just vehicles, but symbols of a whole era, reflecting the history and technological development of the GDR.
Estimating the value of a Barkas car today is an interesting challenge for collectors and connoisseurs of retro cars. Prices for these East German vans can vary considerably depending on a number of factors.
First of all, the price is influenced by the condition of the vehicle. Fully restored examples in perfect condition can cost between €15,000 and €25,000. Cars in good but not perfect condition are usually priced between €8,000 and €15,000.
An important factor is the rarity of a particular modification. For example, ambulance versions or fire trucks may cost more because of their uniqueness.
The year of manufacture also plays a role: late models with a four-stroke engine from Volkswagen are usually priced higher than early versions with a two-stroke engine.
It's worth noting that Barkas are gradually increasing in price as these cars become increasingly rare and valuable to collectors.
The most affordable examples of Barkas on the market are usually B1000 models in basic configuration and in need of repair. Prices for such cars can start from €3,000 to €5,000.
The price may vary depending on several factors:
It's important to note that even basic models can have differences in equipment, such as different interior trims or wheel radii, which also affect the price.
The most expensive Barkas are usually fully restored cars in perfect condition or rare special versions. Their value can reach 30,000 - 40,000 euros, and in exceptional cases even exceed this amount.
The following factors influence the high price:
Additional options such as rare paint options, special equipment or unique interior trim can also significantly increase the value of the car.
