Simson S51

The Simson S51 moped has enjoyed unflagging popularity for years. Why? Because since 1980, when its first version rolled off the assembly line, it was a symbol of freedom and "neighborhood glam" for its owners. For a machine from socialist East Germany, the Simson was characterized by solid construction, earning it a reputation as a reliable moped (it's worth noting that in then-communist Poland, no driver's license was required to operate a moped, and no one bothered to wear a helmet). Furthermore, with good conditions, it was capable of reaching speeds of 60 km/h.

"Simak," as it was affectionately called, was an incredibly rare commodity, and consequently, notoriously sought-after. Only a select few could endlessly admire its chrome and polish the paint in the quiet of their own garage. Nevertheless, there were enough S51 models in circulation that the machine became an icon in the public consciousness, and despite its East German origins, it is treated with enormous enthusiasm in our country.

The drawing was created by Wrocław artist Paweł Grabowski.