The Wartburg car company began in Germany in 1898 but was operational for only a few years. In the 1950s, Wartburg made a comeback, finding itself on the eastern side of the Iron Curtain. They were known as a manufacturer of small cars with small engines. Notable models such as the 311 and the 353 had engine sizes of 992cc and 993cc; the latter being a two-stroke engine. Despite being under communist control, the company did export vehicles. However, with the fall of the Iron Curtain, Wartburg couldn't compete and closed its doors in 1991 when Opel bought the factory.