The 311 model was manufactured in a number of variations, including pickup, sedan, limousine, coupé, and as a two-seat roadster.

This was the car previously identified as the IFA F9, which, in turn, had been based on the 1940 DKW F9 scheduled for launch in 1940 until the Second World War intervened.

The basic architecture of the pre-war design, acquired from Zwickau-based Auto Union, was retained, albeit with the chassis lengthened by 10 cm, which combined with long overhangs to create a larger car with a relatively spacious four-door sedan/saloon body.

The "311" designation followed the tradition of the plant's previous owner, BMW, whose Eisenach-produced passenger cars had all been identified by a three-digit number starting with a "3".

[2] A plethora of other body styles were available, including a rare four-door military utility roadster, coupés, and several station wagon versions.

[4] The succeeding, boxier 353 model was to receive a modernized chassis with independently coil sprung wheels, with a significantly better ride.