IFA - F9 Cabrio - 1955
10
days
18
hours
55
minutes
52
seconds
Current bid
€ 1,400
Reserve price not met
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 Bidder 5924 | €1,400 | |
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| Bidder 5924 | €1,300 | |
| Bidder 5924 | €1,200 | |
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1955 IFA F9 Cabrio, Finnish-registered, manual petrol, two-tone red and black, 900cc, 50 HP.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
GENERAL
The IFA F9, which was later rebadged as the EMW 309, is a compact vehicle manufactured under Soviet and East German administration between 1949 and 1956. Production began in Zwickau at the former Auto Union plant before transferring in 1953 to the former BMW factory in Eisenach, operating under the EMW name. This specific 1955 model is a rare Cabriolet (309-2) version, a body style produced in much smaller numbers than the standard saloon. The F9 is historically significant as its underpinnings directly evolved into the subsequent Wartburg 311 series. This particular example was sold new in Finland and has been preserved by only three main owners throughout its life.
BODYWORK & PAINT
The body remains in very good condition, supported by photographic evidence from prior to its restoration showing the car was a solid, rust-free candidate. It has recently undergone a mild restoration including a beautiful two-tone violet and black paint finish. While the bumpers have been professionally re-chromed, the windows, lights, and various exterior fixings remain original to the vehicle. A single previous weld is visible on the undercarriage, but the structure is otherwise untouched and completely free of corrosion.
TECHNICAL
The car is mechanically in order and provides a good driving experience. Recent maintenance includes a full service of the braking system and an engine oil change. During the restoration process, it was discovered that many of the original fittings are stamped with the number 37, a matching mark that is also found within the engine bay, suggesting a high level of original component retention.
INTERIOR
The interior maintains a lovely brown aesthetic and benefits from a newly fitted soft-top roof and fresh carpeting. The seats and various cabin fittings are the original items the car was equipped with from the factory. The overall cabin environment is described as being in great original condition, balancing the recent renewals with well-preserved historic features.
DOCUMENTS
The vehicle is well-documented with a copy of the original 1955 registration and several vintage registration certificates. After being off the road for many years, it has been re-registered with current Finnish EU documentation, ensuring that registration in another country will be a straightforward process. It successfully passed a technical inspection (MOT/TUV) on October 17, 2025, without any notes, and was officially registered as a certified Museum Vehicle shortly thereafter.
COLLECTION
This vehicle is located in Finland. The current owner possesses a selection of photographs documenting the car’s state before the restoration work began, which will be provided to the next custodian to verify the quality of the original base vehicle.
OTHER INFORMATION
The IFA F9 was a direct descendant of the DKW F9 prototype developed in 1939. Because it utilized a three-cylinder, two-stroke engine—a design intended to compete with the Volkswagen Beetle—it remains a distinctive piece of Cold War automotive engineering. Finding a surviving Cabriolet version in this condition is an exceptional opportunity for collectors of Eastern European or Auto Union-related marques.
Seller's Story
Koskin Import is a Finnish company that has been buying and selling Classic & Race vehicles all over the world since 2014.
GENERAL
The IFA F9, which was later rebadged as the EMW 309, is a compact vehicle manufactured under Soviet and East German administration between 1949 and 1956. Production began in Zwickau at the former Auto Union plant before transferring in 1953 to the former BMW factory in Eisenach, operating under the EMW name. This specific 1955 model is a rare Cabriolet (309-2) version, a body style produced in much smaller numbers than the standard saloon. The F9 is historically significant as its underpinnings directly evolved into the subsequent Wartburg 311 series. This particular example was sold new in Finland and has been preserved by only three main owners throughout its life.
BODYWORK & PAINT
The body remains in very good condition, supported by photographic evidence from prior to its restoration showing the car was a solid, rust-free candidate. It has recently undergone a mild restoration including a beautiful two-tone violet and black paint finish. While the bumpers have been professionally re-chromed, the windows, lights, and various exterior fixings remain original to the vehicle. A single previous weld is visible on the undercarriage, but the structure is otherwise untouched and completely free of corrosion.
TECHNICAL
The car is mechanically in order and provides a good driving experience. Recent maintenance includes a full service of the braking system and an engine oil change. During the restoration process, it was discovered that many of the original fittings are stamped with the number 37, a matching mark that is also found within the engine bay, suggesting a high level of original component retention.
INTERIOR
The interior maintains a lovely brown aesthetic and benefits from a newly fitted soft-top roof and fresh carpeting. The seats and various cabin fittings are the original items the car was equipped with from the factory. The overall cabin environment is described as being in great original condition, balancing the recent renewals with well-preserved historic features.
DOCUMENTS
The vehicle is well-documented with a copy of the original 1955 registration and several vintage registration certificates. After being off the road for many years, it has been re-registered with current Finnish EU documentation, ensuring that registration in another country will be a straightforward process. It successfully passed a technical inspection (MOT/TUV) on October 17, 2025, without any notes, and was officially registered as a certified Museum Vehicle shortly thereafter.
COLLECTION
This vehicle is located in Finland. The current owner possesses a selection of photographs documenting the car’s state before the restoration work began, which will be provided to the next custodian to verify the quality of the original base vehicle.
OTHER INFORMATION
The IFA F9 was a direct descendant of the DKW F9 prototype developed in 1939. Because it utilized a three-cylinder, two-stroke engine—a design intended to compete with the Volkswagen Beetle—it remains a distinctive piece of Cold War automotive engineering. Finding a surviving Cabriolet version in this condition is an exceptional opportunity for collectors of Eastern European or Auto Union-related marques.
Seller's Story
Koskin Import is a Finnish company that has been buying and selling Classic & Race vehicles all over the world since 2014.
Details
Brand
IFA
Model type
F9 Cabrio
Year
1955
Located in
Finland
Mileage reading
57000 km
Registration papers
with Finnish registration
Transmission
Manual
Fuel
Petrol
Colour
Black, Red
Horse power
50
Cubic capacity
900
Matching numbers
Unknown
Matching colours
Yes
Service book/history
No
Valid MOT
Yes
Date until valid MOT
October 17, 2029
CoC (Certificate of Conformity) present
No
Certificate available
No
Condition (Paint & body)
Excellent: requiring no conventional body or paintwork
Condition (Interior)
Very Good: clean, showing minimal wear. May require replacement of minor missing or broken parts
Condition (Frame & underbody)
Very Good: frame/structure is in a well preserved condition, minor signs of usage/wear
Condition (Mechanical)
Very Good: mechanically sound, may require minor service
Condition (Overall)
Very good condition: minimal signs of wear
Sold by
Disclaimer
Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.
Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.
