Beschreibung
Well, well. After all these years, there you have it. I am now the proud owner of my first ever "bubble car." These cute little three-wheel micro cars were all the rage in the 50s and 60s and, if I remember correctly, if you fitted some sort of plate to prevent you from finding reverse gear, then you could drive one of these little cuties on a motor bike licence. Built for cheapness but now mega rare, hugely sought after and with prices varying anywhere between about 15k to 35k.
For the first couple of years of production (56-58), the Heinkel Kabine (cabin) was built in Germany with two engine sizes. The first was called the 153 and came with a 174cc engine and the second was the 153 which came with the bigger (wow!!) 204cc unit. This was later reduced to 198cc for insurance purposes. And that is what we have here.
From 1958 onwards, they were no longer built. They had a spell when they were manufactured in Ireland, but that did not last long and they were soon on their way to the UK's Trojan factory from whence they became known as the Heinkel Trojan. Most survivors are indeed of the Trojan variety but this little gem is an early and mega-rare German example.
Registered in May 1957, she remained with her original owner in Stafford for 39 years. She then met her second owner in 1996 and remained there until now when I acquired her. A two-owner bubble car is indeed what we have here.
She seems to be sound enough and I am told that if the carburettor and the exhaust (both with the vehicle) were to be re-instated, then she ought to run!
She also comes with her original registration number which is transferrable. A great opportunity and chance to buy one at bargain basement money enabling the next owner (number 3) to put their own stamp on it. Rear bumper is with the car and just two bolts to fit.
My classic cars are motoring antiques. Please do not confuse them with your one-year-old Range Rover. This car, for example, is 65-years-old and so will have quirks and faults in there somewhere. These are not always apparent when buying and selling classics which is what I do. I do not restore them, nor do I pretend that they are concours cars. The majority of them go out as they came in, and I continue to enjoy finding more - a skill which is becoming increasingly difficult as many of you will be aware. They deserve to be taken on as "family pets" and cared for through thick and then. They don't make them any more and demand now out-strips supply. Please bear all this in mind, and enjoy your classic car. I can also assist with delivery and so please ask for a quote.
I have now been established as a one-man band classic car dealer for 20 years and pride myself on my buying prowess and - due to small margins - my prices which I firmly believe are up there among the very best in the UK classic car marketplace.
Thanks, Martin. the details below.
