A rolling monument: The Ikarus 55 inspires in Stavenhagen!

A rolling monument: The Ikarus 55 inspires in Stavenhagen!

A piece of contemporary history has returned to Stavenhagen: Jürgensdorf's vintage car enthusiasts have proudly presented their restored Ikarus 55 coach. The bus, which was created under the supervision of the association, was unveiled at the castle in all its glory. Jörg Steingraf, the chairman, gave the numerous visitors exciting insights into the eventful history and the extensive restoration of the vehicle. A popular topic among the club members is the desire for such a bus, which could become a reality not least because of the existing bus driving licenses of some members.

The club originally specialized in two-wheelers and cars from GDR times. With the Ikarus 55, however, the motorized range has now been expanded. The model was deliberately chosen because it was exported to the GDR less frequently than the better-known Ikarus 66. Between 1952 and 1973, a total of 8,350 Ikarus 55 and 66 were delivered to East Germany, many of which are now sought-after collector's items. In 2013, the association found an Ikarus 55 from a private bus company in Lehnin Monastery.

Restoration with dedication

The bus was anything but in good condition when purchased. Numerous parts were missing, including critical components such as headlights and the compressor. The restoration began in Hungary in 2015, where the bus was transported to Polka. The extensive work on the engine, a six-cylinder Scheppel engine type D614, was carried out just as carefully as on the numerous other technical challenges. It turned out that the performance of the engine can vary depending on the injection pump: with the Hungarian Omega pump it reaches around 125 HP, with the DDR pump even up to 145 HP.

The Ikarus 55 itself is a high-floor bus that was designed for long-distance and intercity transport. Its technical features include the semi-self-supporting body and the engine installed behind the rear seats. As Steingraf explained, the supply of spare parts is extremely difficult. Good relationships with Hungary are worth their weight in gold here, as many parts are no longer available. Another aspect of the restoration was replacing the bus's windows, as most of the old ones had to be replaced with full glass windows.

A highlight of vehicle history

The details in the interior of the bus are particularly noteworthy. The 45 seats have been reupholstered and there are three comfortable seating areas with a table and a historical lamp. The original glass lamps for lighting provide a nostalgic charm. In addition, a large roof rack was rebuilt to allow luggage to be transported, and the ceiling and side panels had to be replaced due to leaks in the roof.

The Ikarus 55, built in 1962, is a fascinating example of the combination of German and Hungarian vehicle history. It has no steering assistance, which makes steering while stationary a physical challenge - a real piece of manual work. After all the effort, the bus now shines in new splendor and represents not only a technical but also a cultural heritage. It is more than just a vehicle; it is a rolling monument of the GDR that tells of the history and memories of those who traveled in it.