Winning bid
£13,000

1957 Heinkel Kabine

Highlights

  • In long-term ownership - previous keeper from 2004 until 2020
  • Rare UK-delivered example
  • Incredible and meticulous history file

The Appeal

Designed and initially built by Ernst Heinkel at his aircraft factory in Germany, the Heinkel Kabine is one of the best-known ‘bubble cars’ of the 50s and 60s, designed in order to provide cost-effective, economical private transportation for the masses, and also to give ex-aircraft factories something to do post-war, due to the ban on production of military equipment.
Interestingly, the aeronautical mind of Ernst is visible in numerous areas around the Heinkel’s diminutive body, such as the semi-monocoque construction (utilising an internal tubular frame to save weight) the gear-change cable being brass-jointed at each end, and the reinforcement panels within the engine bay being likened to those seen on aircraft fuselages. 
This particular example is a three-wheeled, 174cc UK-delivered example, which has been long-term owned throughout its lifetime by three major keepers, extensively restored whilst in the care of its previous owner, and used sparingly whilst with our vendor. 
Exceedingly rare in its nature and a sure-fire conversation starter wherever it goes, this Heinkel Kabine is a true gem of the post-war era, and one which we’re certain will prove popular…

History/Paperwork

  • V5 registered keepers document, showing 4 former keepers
  • MoT exempt
  • In care of the first owner from new until 1988
  • Second owner from 1988 until 2003, including re-spray from blue into red
  • Fourth owner from 2004 until 2020
  • Current ownership from 2020-present
  • Retains its original floor - very rare
  • Involved in a minor incident in 1961, which is likely the reason for a Heinkel Ireland door being fitted - correspondence included relating to this matter
  • Extensively overhauled in 2004, including full engine tune, service and refinement
  • Outstanding history folder, with usage/fuel/oil records courtesy of the first keeper’s fastidious nature
  • Piles of invoices, MOT certificates, tax discs and the original Vehicle Exise disc included
  • Original handbook, service manual, guarantee coupon and other period documentation present
  • Around 6,000 miles covered since mechanical restoration in 2004, including a four-day trip to the Isle of Man TT, covering over 300 miles in four days with no issues.
  • Significant collection of spare parts included, shown in the gallery below

The Interior

  
  • The utilitarian cabin presents fantastically overall
  • Carpets and seats re-trimmed during the aforementioned respray in the 1980s
  • Rare dashboard clock factory-fitted
  • Seats remain in excellent condition
  • The carpets show some light wear, commensurate with the vehicle’s age and mileage
  • The vendor notes that the heater cable is currently disconnected, though it is included with the vehicle
  • Some light wear visible around the door catches, gear selector and pedals
  • No known faults or issues, except the aforementioned heater cable being disconnected

The Exterior

  • Originally finished in blue, this example was resprayed into red during 1988 whilst in the care of the second owner
  • Bodywork presents very well generally, as does the paint
  • Chrome badges and bumpers in excellent condition 
  • Some wear/bubbling visible to the lower front nearside corner, below the central bumper section
  • Dent/cracked paint visible on the lower edge of the rear bonnet cowl/cover
  • Scratches noted around the offside front headlight area, along with some spidering by the front number plate
  • Light, commensurate wear visible around the door catches
  • The rear window rubber has a small gap at the bottom, though a new item is included with the sale of the vehicle 
  • All three wheels are in presentable condition, though the tyres are old, and the spare tyre requires changing.

The Mechanicals

  • 174cc engine in full running order, with the vendor stating that the engine always starts easily and runs well
  • The brakes are in full working order, though there was some squeaking noted during the journey to/from the photo shoot
  • The engine itself presents in good order, with no heavy oil leaks or staining visible
  • This Kabine retains its original floor pan
  • There are two patches of welding to note, on each side of the inner wheel arch, approximately 5x5 and 4x6cm respectively. The vendor states that the work appears to be old, and carried out to a decent standard

Summary

Used sparingly whilst in the care of the current keeper, this is a rare, UK-delivered, three-wheel (with reverse) example of the iconic Heinkel Kabine, which benefits from long-term fastidious and enthusiastic ownership, fantastic provenance and history, and presents in very good order throughout.
Opportunities to purchase these quirky ‘bubble cars’ don’t come around often, so be sure to place your bets - good luck!

Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
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Auction Details

  • Year1957
  • MakeHeinkel
  • ModelKabine
  • ColourRed
  • Odometer21,148 Miles
  • Engine size174cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownCilgerran
  • CountyWales
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

17 Bids

michel••••
Bid
£13,000
17/10/22
michel••••
Bid
£12,250
17/10/22
elba_fa••••
Bid
£11,250
16/10/22
michel••••
Bid
£11,000
15/10/22
elba_fa••••
Bid
£10,500
14/10/22
michel••••
Bid
£10,250
14/10/22
elba_fa••••
Bid
£7,800
14/10/22
michel••••
Bid
£7,500
14/10/22
elba_fa••••
Bid
£4,800
12/10/22
sallfc••••
Bid
£4,400
12/10/22

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