Melkus (German Democratic Republic) began to make itself known in the late 1950s when it built a Formula Junior using a DKW-derived Wartburg engine. In 1969 the production of mid-engined sports cars with fiberglass bodywork began, fitted with a suitably tuned 1000cc three-cylinder two-stroke Wartburg unit, with five-speed transmission. In 1972 the displacement increased to 1119cc with around 70 hp. Over the years, the Melkus underwent several evolutions, including the arrival of standard disc brakes in 1978.