WARTBURG · WARTBURG KNIGHT · Cars
WARTBURG KNIGHT Ultra-rare
As of 2025 Q4, 25 WARTBURG KNIGHTs remain registered in the UK — one of the rarest cars in Britain on today's roads. Numbers are at their highest recorded level since the model first appeared in our data in 2014 Q3. Unusually, the numbers are actually rising — up 2 (8.7%) over the past year, as imports and barn-finds rejoin the register faster than cars leave it. In all, the WARTBURG KNIGHT is rarer than 72% of the 2,408 UK car models we track, putting it firmly in 2025's endangered class.
Survivors over time
How rare is it?
Genuinely rare — only 25 left on UK roads.
Rarer than 72% of the 2,408 UK car models we track.
Trend
About the KNIGHT
The Wartburg 353, known in some export markets as the Wartburg Knight, is a medium-sized family car produced by the East German car manufacturer AWE for their Wartburg brand. It was the successor of the Wartburg 311 and was itself succeeded by the Wartburg 1.3. The Wartburg 353 was produced from 1966 to 1988, becoming the Wartburg with the longest production run. During its lifetime, it saw several changes and improvements, the most recognizable of which came in 1985 with a front facelift (as pictured here), a slightly different layout around the engine block, and a new carburettor.
WARTBURG KNIGHT — questions & answers
How many WARTBURG KNIGHT are left in the UK?
As of 2025 Q4, 25 WARTBURG KNIGHT were still registered in the UK — 16 licensed and on the road, plus 9 declared SORN (off-road). The figures come from official DVLA vehicle licensing data.
Is the WARTBURG KNIGHT rare?
The WARTBURG KNIGHT is genuinely rare, with only 25 left, making it rarer than 72% of the 2,408 UK car models we track.
Is the WARTBURG KNIGHT increasing or decreasing?
Over the last year the number of WARTBURG KNIGHT on UK roads rose by 2 (8.7%).
What fuel do most WARTBURG KNIGHT use?
Most WARTBURG KNIGHT run on petrol — about 100% of those still registered.
When did the WARTBURG KNIGHT peak?
The WARTBURG KNIGHT peaked at 25 registered in 2025 Q3, and was first recorded in the data in 2014 Q3.