Description
This car is Lot 201 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at The Goodwood Revival Sale on Saturday September 19th, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Friday September 18th from 09:00 until 17:00, and Saturday September 19th from 09:00 at the Bonhams Marquee 'Over The Road' at the Goodwood Revival Meeting.
Lot 201
1958 Heinkel 175cc Micro Car
Registration no. Not UK registered
Chassis no. 350479
Perhaps the biggest mystery concerning Ernest Heinkel's Kabinenroller is how its creator got away with a design outwardly so similar to the Isetta. Launched in 1956, the Heinkel used a 175cc, single-cylinder, four-stroke engine and was both lighter and roomier than the Isetta, even providing children's seats in the rear. A four-speed gearbox made the Heinkel nippy in traffic, while a simplified design of front-opening door avoided the complication of its rival's jointed steering column. Around 6, 000 had been made when production was discontinued in Germany in June 1958. Production continued elsewhere, Ireland included, where approximately 6, 500 were built by Dundalk Engineering before the rights transferred to Trojan in the UK in 1961.
This example was purchased by the vendor at Bonhams' sale in Brookline, Massachusetts, USA in May 2002 (Lot 353). At that time the car was described as restored and like new, the equivalent of over $12, 000 having been spent on it over a three-year period in the early 1990s. In private ownership in the USA and the UK for 25 years prior to sale, it won 1st Prize at the National Micro Car Rally in the UK in 1992 and when sold had covered around 325 miles since restoration. Accompanying paperwork consists of shipping documents relating to the car's importation into Japan where it has been on static display/ storage since acquisition. Recommissioning will be required before further use.
Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Car Department.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
