Tag Archives: Microcar

Double Bubble…

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Spotted a couple of class Messerschmitts on eBay. I’ve always really liked these ‘bubble cars’ – although I prefer the German term “Kabinroller” – which literally translates as “cabin scooter”. Red-KR200_Hero

The first Messerschmitt KR 200 is a 1963 UK car, with the desirable plexy glass roof in exceptionally nice condition. on eBay for £25995.

 

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The second one is few years older – dating from 1959 and finished in original Coral paint. The interior is finished in cream upholstery together with an original style rubber floor mat. The car has some nice detailing with chrome torpedo and tail lights and refinished wheels with whitewalls. On eBay for £21,995.

 

You might like: Messerschmitt KR200 Brochure | The Smite, a modern incarnation of the Messerschmitt (sadly, nothing came of this).

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The Nobe Electric Trike

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nobe_100_3I’ve made no secret of the fact that despite my love for the 2stroke engine, I think EV is the way forward. And I like a threewheeler – especially the microcars from the fifties that were basically three wheeled scooters – or “Cabin Scooters” as the Germans put it! The Nobe 100 electric trike has that ’50  retro microcar vibe, but also feels futuristic. With an aesthetic that’s definitely classic and an outlook that’s modern, eco-friendly, and downright clever, the Nobe 100 is made from 100% reusable or recyclable parts, produces no air pollution, houses upgradable technology to enhance vehicle longevity, and accommodates three people while taking up less road space than a regular car.

nobe_100_1The mind behind the Nobe 100 is Roman Muljar. Roman looked toward the talent within his country of Estonia to create a three-wheeled car with all the makings of a classic 4-wheeler, but the visual quirks and benefits of a trike.

nobe_100_2With a top speed of 68 mph and a range of 137 miles on a full charge, the Nobe 100 charges completely within two hours and even comes with an additional battery.

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I find the design of the Nobe remarkably assured and elegant – and kind of Italian looking – it puts me in mind of 1960’s Lancias – or maybe the Volvo P1800 – and love that ‘boat’ tail!

I hope this comes to fruitition – I was disapointed that the Messerchmitt inspired Smite never made it into production. Fingers crossed!

Originally found via Yanko Design. On the Cowdfunding site fundedbyme.

Find out more on the Nobe website; mynobe.com.

Cute Classics

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Found some of the cutest classics money can buy on a well known auction site starting with e. And they’re not going for silly money. More than I can afford, but not silly money.

First up is this glorious little Glas GoggomobilGlasGoggomobilTS250

A German car with a definite Italian look about it, this rare TS250 Coupe is being sold as a non-running project. The good news is the car is pretty much complete and original. Having spent most of it’s 59 years in South Africa it’s almost rust-free too. A cracking little motor for £8.5k.
Here’s the eBay link

Next, and just a pretty is another tiny classic, this Autobianchi Berlina

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Dating from 1966, it’s got Italian good look in a small package – a stylish alternative to the more commonly seen Fiat 500, with which it shares many mechanicals.
Here’s the eBay link

Talking of 500’s – there’s always a few on eBay… but this Giardiniera offers a little more space than the standard saloon.
Here’s the eBay link for the Fiat

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Finally, for now, is this 1962 BMW Isetta… the classic ‘bubble car’. It’s not cheap, at a shade under £14k, but I’ve seen them a lot more expensive than this…  it purports to be in excellent nick, dry stored for a number of years. Before then, it had a full engine rebuild.
Here’s the eBay link for the Isetta
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SoopaDoopa Scootacar

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scootacar_heroLong time readers will have my spotted my penchant for a microcar… and this British designed & built Scootacar is a cracker. Made by The Hunslet Engine Company from Leeds, it was allegedly designed for one of the directors who wanted something easier to park than her Jag!

This is a Mk.1 from 1961, in “outstanding & running” condition – it comes with an extensive history file, original sales literature, current V5c with original number plate, and even a (very collectable) SAMs die cast model. All the spares left-over from the restoration are included, along with original rear LEP lights.

It’s on eBay for a shade under £25k.

Here’s the link

Classic Italian Collection (and more) up for auction…

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Got the heads up on the next Brightwells Classic and Vintage Auction at Leominster on the 8th March. As well as a clutch of other interesting cars and bikes there is a collection of Italian Classics from Andy Heyward… see the video above for an overview. The vehicles I’ve included below are a just a couple that caught my eye, get the full details on the Brightwells site… here’s a link to the online catalogue.

There’s a Lambretta J125 that’ll need a little love and attention… (there’s a couple of other “J’s” too)tn_lambretta_j125

A rare Mercury Hermes scooter, built in the Black Country…img_0756

A Lambro…tn_lambro_3

One I haven’t seen before, a Gitan Joligri from around 1970tn_p1050216_1tn_p1050217_1

A ‘Vespa-ish’ Gilera G50 from 1967

Another Rarity… the rather ‘awkward looking’ Ducati’s Brio. How could a company that makes such beautiful motorcycles produce something so fugly?tn_p1060510_1tn_p1060517_1tn_p1060519_1

The equally awkward Casalini Sulky microcar… (Read the catalogue write-up for this one, it’s hilarious!).
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The rather prettier little 50cc BM Pokerino… never mind a scooter I’d never even heard of – an Italian marque (Bonvicin Marini) I’d never even heard of! It appears to be sans side panels, which is a shame as I don’t think they’d be the easiest thing to source – but a nice, sporty looking little scoot. That ‘straight flush’ legshield badge is a cracker.tn_p1050080tn_p1050084_1tn_p1050093

Next up an Italian marque you will have heard of… Benelli… one of a brace of Benelli’s in the auction… and the only motorcycle I’m featuring here (although there are plenty in the auction). A popular bike in Italy (and amongst Italian Motorcycle Fans). This Benelli Leoncino (Leoncino translates to Lion Cub in Italian) correctly  features the cast ali Lion mascot on the front mudguard…

There’s a bunch of classic four-wheelers too… including a bunch of Italian classics, some lovely FIAT’s, Lancia’s and Ferraris, my favourite is this cracking little chocolate-brown Autobianchi Bianchina Speciale. It’s got an estimate of £2,500 – £3,000, which seems an absolute bargain to me!

And finally for now, we’ll end on another scooter… the rather elegant looking Aer Macchi Brezza – the clean, aerodynamic lines demonstrating the aircraft manufacturing roots behind this company. With only 2,000 Brezza’s made, it’s a pretty rare scoot.

That’s it for now. See the Brightwells site for full details and how to get involved in the auction.

 

Snuggy Buggy

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SnuggyMicro-2The world of the William Microcar is a peculiar one… I’ve written about these rare little microcars before, but never come across this variant – ‘The Snuggy’ before. Here, here, here and here. It looks like it takes some inspiration from that 70’s classic The Bond Bug, one of the most iconic little cars ever, and something I’ve also blogged about.

I wouldn’t say the Snuggy is a design classic, but it’s got a certain charm, with a ‘lo-fi’ homemade, bargain parts bucket aesthetic about it. If it’s your cup of darjeeling, check it out on eBay here.

 

Retro electro

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ev3h2I loved the Morgan ThreeWheeler when it originally came out. I thought I’d written a post, but a quick search reveals that was one of my ‘imaginary posts’ (there’s a bunch of posts I’ve planned, started, and ultimately either abandoned or forgotten. I’ll stick one up about the ‘standard’ petrol powered 3 Wheeler at some point.ev3h6

So, forgoing my usual spiel about ‘it’s not a Lambretta, it’s not even a scooter, but I do like a microcar as well’ and jumping straight in… This is the future. And the past. All in one gloriously eccentric, old skool, retro-futuristic package. The Morgan EV3 looks like something from a 1930’s racetrack – or a 1950’s Sci-Fi movie – but being built from composite carbon panels with a Lithium battery and a digital dashboard it’s pure 21st Century Technology!ev3h1ev3h11ev3h14

This is the final pre-production car… and the performance stats look pretty impressive – a top speed of over 90mph and a range of over 150 miles… Morgan has looked at the world of zero emissions differently and asked ‘What if an all-electric vehicle was bespoke made, hand crafted and exhilarating to drive?’ The EV3 embraces new technology, delivers responsible driving excitement and continues to celebrate traditional British motor manufacturing – The carbon bonnet, tonneau cover and side pods are made in the UK, and much like the remaining aluminium panels, are (in tradional Morgan style)  hand worked over an ash wood frame.

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The ‘face’ of the EV3 is designed to function. Brass conductive cooling fins encase the batteries and an off-centre tri-bar headlight adds to the overall asymmetry of the design. Bonkers, but beautiful. I love it. I really love it. Well done Morgan.

Find out more, and register your interest here.

And if it’s an electric Lambretta you want, check out this post. And this one.

Will, (I) Am (a Lambretta)

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SuperComtesse-6Well, a Lambretta engine anyway. Regular readers might remember the rather odd French, Lambretta powered microcars from Willam… (if you don’t you can catch up here and here). Well, there’s one for sale on eBay. It’s about as back to basics motoring as you can get, although this variant the “Super Comtesse” has four wheels. Cheap as chips (at the moment) and perfect for the Lambretta completist… or someone that wants to travel very slowly and attract a lot of attention to themselves. Check it out on eBay, here.SuperComtesse-4

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There’s there’s a Willam… there’s a way

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LawillWillamI’ve written about these little lambretta powered microcars a couple of times before… (here and here if you’re interested). One of my readers, Olivier, has flagged up that there’s one for sale over on this french auction site, sitting at under a thousand Euros at the moment. So if your looking for something a little bit different, with four wheels rather than two, and you fancy a trip to central France, check it out!LawillWillam-2 LawillWillam-1