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 glamor" for its owners. For a machine from socialist East Germany, the Simson was characterized by solid construction, which earned it a reputation as a trouble-free moped (it is worth mentioning that in then-People's Republic of Poland, no driving license was required to operate a moped, and no one bothered to wear a helmet). Moreover, with good winds, it was capable of reaching a speed of 60 km/h.

"Simak," as it was affectionately called, was an incredibly rare commodity, and consequently – constantly 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 general perception, and despite its East German origin, it is treated with enormous enthusiasm in our country.

The author of the drawing is Wrocław artist Paweł Grabowski.