Highlights

Freshly completed replica built with all-new, period-correct components
Correct 50cc engine fitted, reported to start on the first pull
Fully re-trimmed and carpeted interior
MOT exempt, we are told

The Appeal

The 1956 Brütsch Mopetta is easily one of the most eccentric little microcars to come out of post-war Germany. Designed by Egon Brütsch, it’s a tiny single-seater made of fibreglass that rolls on three wheels. It was built for pure city minimalism, measuring just 1.7 metres long and weighing a only 78 kilograms. To keep things as simple (and cheap) as possible, it didn't have doors, a reverse gear, or any real suspension, just an open cockpit, a basic windscreen, and a single headlight on the front.

Underneath that tiny shell, power came from a modest 49cc two-stroke engine putting out a grand total of 2.3 horsepower. It used a basic chain drive to power the single front wheel, but because it weighed next to nothing, it could still manage 35 to 45 mph while sipping barely any fuel. Steering is done via motorcycle handlebars with a twist-grip throttle. While there were grand plans to mass-produce it under licence, the deal fell through, and only 14 genuine Mopettas were ever built. Today, the handful that survived are incredibly rare, highly prized collector's items.

Built with careful attention to period correctness, this Mopetta replica is reportedly fitted with the correct 49cc single-cylinder engine mated to a three-speed manual gearbox. The vendor states the car is in immaculate condition, with no marks or scrapes, and that it has been meticulously restored to be as faithful to the original as possible. The vendor reports the car is running and driving well. Currently unregistered and reportedly MOT exempt, this microcar replica awaits its first registered keeper.

Key Information

Mileage: N/A (unregistered, freshly completed replica)
Country of registration: United Kingdom (currently unregistered)
Technical inspection status: MOT exempt, we are told
Technical specs: 49cc single-cylinder JLO engine, three-speed manual gearbox
Paperwork: no paperwork details provided by the vendor
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The Detail

Often nicknamed 'the little egg' due to its shape
White body with a distinctive blue panel on the front that bears the "Brütsch" name
Blue "Mopetta" lettering on the rear end
Wire-spoke wheels with blue edges
Mitas B13 tyres fitted
Blue vinyl seat with white piping
Beige handlebar grips
Blue carpets fitted
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BEFORE YOU BUY

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