October 27, 2022
MICRO CARS
JURISCH MOTOPLAN PROTOTYPE (1957)
This zippy single-seater, one of three surviving examples,
was the work of famed DKW engineer Carl Jurisch, who
crossed a Steib motorcycle sidecar with design cues from a
Messerschmitt.
Restored: $100,000–$120,000
LOOKOUT FOR THE LITTLE GUYS
HEINKEL KABINE 153 (1956)
The brainchild of German aircra’ designer Ernst Heinkel, it’s
lighter and faster than its better-known Italian rival, the Isetta.
Rarer, too.
Restored: $40,000-$50,000
FUJI CABIN (1955)
Ryuichi Tomiya—considered the Leonardo da Vinci of Japan—
dreamed up this jelly bean–shaped three-wheeler, which seats
two, but only has one door.
Restored: $110,000–$130,000
CHAMPION 400H (1959)
This well-proportioned German coupe boasts an all-steel
body, peel-back roof, and hydraulic brakes — surprising
luxuries for such a tiny ride.
Restored: $40,000–$60,000
FIAT 600 MULTIPLA (1958)
Putting the mini in minivan, the Multipla was supposed to
be Italy’s all-purpose economy car, suitable for small families
and traveling clown troupes. Most became taxis.
Restored: $50,000–$70,000
FULDAMOBIL S-6 (1956)
Named a’er the West German town where it was produced,
the frog-shaped Fulda’s coach doors and hatchback make it
easy to maneuver in and out.
Restored: $30,000–$50,000
INTER 175A BERLINE (1955)
Designed by French aerospace £rm SNCAN, the Berline’s
hinged roof hatch, tandem seats, and spat-covered wheels
betray its lo’y origins.
Restored: $140,000–$160,000
BISCÚTER 200-C COMERCIAL (1960)
“Ugly as a Biscúter” was a common insult in Franco’s
Spain until this woody model came along. Its honey-colored bodywork earned it the nickname “Blondie.”
Restored: $15,000–$25,000
BMW ISETTA 300 EXPORT MODEL (1959)
Adorable and novel (you enter through the nose), this three-
wheeled model was built for the UK, where buyers received a
motorcycle-class tax break.
Restored: $30,000–$50,000
AVOLETTE RECORD DELUXE (1956)
It might look like a kiddy ride, but the bulbous Avolette was
considered a pillar of practicality in post-war France. Who
needs two headlights?
Restored: $60,000–$80,000
MOCHET CM-125Y CAMIONETTE (1956)
This light-duty pickup was popular with tradesmen
navigating the skinny village rues of rural France.
Restored: $25,000–$35,000
MESSERSCHMITT KR 200 CABRIO (1961)
German aerospace icon Willy Messerschmitt, whose deadly
WWII £ghter plane terrorized the Allies, spent his post-war
years making tiny whips. This might be his best.
Restored: $35,000–$55,000
MI-VAL TIPO MO MIVALINO (1954)
The Mivalino is really just a Messerschmitt manufactured
under license in Italy. Like its German cousin, it was
thoughtfully designed and famously reliable.
Restored: $30,000–$50,000
GOGGOMOBIL TS-300 CABRIOLET (1965)
Goggomobils are common in other con£gurations,
but this cabrio—meant for the American market—is
one of only seven the £rm ever manufactured.
Restored: $30,000–$40,000
ISO ISETTACARRO (1957)
Named for the Italian appliance company that developed it,
this child-sized truck opens from the front, just
like a refrigerator.
Restored: $80,000–$100,000
SCOOTACAR DELUXE MK II (1960)
This comically compact British two-seater was
celebrated for its exceptional roominess. Go £gure.
Restored: $30,000–$50,000
ZÜNDAPP JANUS (1958)
Perfect for the couple that wants separate doors and hates eye
contact, the Janus features front- and rear-hinged doors and
opposite facing seats.
Restored: $40,000–$60,000
A.L.C.A. VOLPE (1947)
An outlier in the genre, this Italian-made drop top boasts
a motor designed by Ferrari engine maker Colombo.
Only ten of these “foxes” were ever built.
Restored: $30,000–$50,000
KAPI JIP (1955)
An unapologetic rip-o® of the iconic American Willys
(“Jip” is the Spanish pronunciation of Jeep), this shrunken
ride ruled the beaches of southern Spain.
Restored: $15,000–$25,000
