Return of the Black Edition: Melkus RS2000 Revives East German Legacy

Forgotten ONES - The Melkus RS1000 is a car that brings to mind the rich history of automotive engineering in East Germany, a place known more for its humble Trabants than for high-performance vehicles. However, the RS1000 was an extraordinary exception. First introduced in 1969, this car was the brainchild of Heinz Melkus, a man who ran a driving school in Dresden. 

The Melkus RS1000 featured with an iconic gull wing door, and produced during 1966 to 1986. (Picture from: Classic and Recreation Sportscars)

Despite the restrictive Communist regime of the time, Melkus was able to create something truly remarkable—a supercar with wing doors, powered by a tuned one-liter, three-cylinder Wartburg engine. This engine, after some careful modifications, could produce 75 horsepower and push the car to speeds of up to 160 kph (99 mph), a significant achievement for its time.

The Melkus RS1000 powered by a tuned one-liter, three-cylinder Wartburg engine, could produce 75 horsepower and push the car to speeds of up to 160 kph (99 mph). (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Melkus wasn’t just a car manufacturer; he was also a racing driver, winning 80 Formula 3 races and dominating the East German racing scene for six consecutive years. His success on the track was mirrored by his success in convincing the Communist authorities that his car was not a symbol of Western decadence but rather a demonstration of the regime's technological prowess. This was no small feat in a country where anything that seemed too luxurious or Western was often met with suspicion.

The Melkus RS2000 was a tribute to the RS1000, and first debut at the 2009 Frankfurt International Motor Show. (Picture Autoblog)

Production of the RS1000 eventually came to a halt in 1986, and for a time, it seemed that the Melkus legacy might fade into obscurity. However, in 2006, Peter Melkus, Heinz's son, decided to breathe new life into the brand. He re-launched the company with a modernized version of the RS1000 to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary. This new version was produced in a limited run, and like its predecessor, it became a collector's item. Only 101 units of the original RS1000 were built over its decade-long production run, and today, around 80 of these iconic cars are still roadworthy, cherished by their owners.

The 2012 Melkus RS2000 Black Edition adorned with a glossy black piano lacquer finish, painstakingly applied in six layers to give the car a truly luxurious appearance, was launched at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: GTSpirit)

The story didn't end there, though. By 2012, Melkus was back with an even more impressive machine—the RS2000 Black Edition. This car took the foundation laid by the RS1000 and brought it into the 21st century with a slew of modern upgrades. The most striking feature was its glossy black piano lacquer finish, painstakingly applied in six layers to give the car a truly luxurious appearance. But the beauty of the RS2000 wasn't just skin deep. Under the hood, it packed a 325-horsepower two-liter turbocharged engine, coupled with a 6-speed gearbox. This setup allowed the car to sprint from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in just 4.5 seconds, reaching a top speed of 257.5 kph (168 mph).

The 2012 Melkus RS2000 Black Edition featured with modern elements like a carbon-fiber body kit, advanced navigation and infotainment systems, and a high-performance braking system. (Picture from: GTSpirit)

The RS2000 was more than just a powerful machine; it was a tribute to the RS1000, with modern elements like a carbon-fiber body kit, advanced navigation and infotainment systems, and a high-performance braking system. The iconic gull-wing doors, a nod to the original RS1000, were also included, making the RS2000 not just a car but a continuation of a legacy.

The 2012 Melkus RS2000 Black Edition powered by a 325-horsepower two-liter turbocharged engine, coupled with a 6-speed gearbox. (Picture from: GTSpirit)

This revival of the Melkus brand, especially with the RS2000, shows that even in a world dominated by major automotive giants, there is still room for smaller, passionate companies to make their mark. The RS2000 is a reminder that innovation and a love for engineering can overcome the most challenging circumstances. Whether on the track or on the road, the spirit of Melkus continues to thrive, bridging the past with the present, and ensuring that the name Melkus remains synonymous with high performance and unique automotive design.

As the RS2000 roars back into the spotlight, it's clear that the legacy of Heinz Melkus and his remarkable RS1000 lives on, inspiring a new generation of car enthusiasts. The future may bring more advancements, but the story of Melkus is a timeless example of how passion and determination can turn even the most unlikely dreams into reality. *** [EKA [05022014] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MELKUS MOTORSPORT | DIGITAL TREND | GTSPIRIT | AUTOBLOG | CLASSICANDRECREATIONSPORTSCARS  ]

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