HIGHLIGHTS
- Rare Trojan based on Heinkel Kabine
- UK-made microcar
- Older restoration in smart, presentable condition
- Wonderfully quirky and fun
THE APPEAL
Microcars have a huge cult following, the models of the 1950s/60s ‘Bubble Car’ era in particular.
One of the most popular among collectors is the Heinkel Kabine, developed by a German aircraft maker and essentially a helicopter cockpit with wheels, hence the unusual glass area and rounded front end styling. It’s a quirky thing to look at and a hilarious thing to drive.
It was introduced in 1956, but to get around import legislation in certain markets Heinkel worked with partners in markets around the world to build them. As a result, Heinkels were made in places as diverse as Buenos Aires, Dundalk and, er… Croydon.
This is one of the Surrey-made models – a 1959 Trojan 200, built under licence by the Trojan Motor Company in 1959. Originally a UK car, it left to join a collection overseas and was reimported (and re-registered) in 1983. It’s a smart but older restoration that has spent much of its life (including with its current owner) in private microcar collections.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- Exported and reimported – declared manufactured 1959
- Re-registered in UK in 1983
- UK V5C
- Age-related non-transferable registration
- MOT and tax exempt
- Rally plaques and plates from events car has been shown at
- Affectionately known as “Maureen” by past two owners
- Plated as a tricycle, so can be driven with a motorbike licence
THE INTERIOR
- Two-seater
- Front bench with access via hinged front door
- Left-hand drive
- Storage nets
- Luggage area behind rear seats
- Three-spoke steering wheel
- “Trojan” steering wheel boss
- Heinkel logo in instrument binnacle
- Good overall condition
- One small nick in seat fabric
THE EXTERIOR
- Smart respray in dark red/maroon
- Solid underneath with original floor
- Exterior finish is largely good, with no signs of structural rust
- Very slight bubbling behind one wheel arch
- Original steel wheels with good period tyres
- Older repaint with a handful of minor marks and chips, but nothing of any significance
- All original chrome, trim and badges present and correct
- Chrome luggage rack
- Some pitting to chrome around rear light lenses
- Very good overall condition
THE MECHANICS
- 198cc single-cylinder four-stroke
- Starts and runs
- Four-speed transmission with reverse
- Vendor reports that car will benefit from a new battery as existing one loses charge overnight
- Otherwise said to be mechanically good and great fun to drive
SUMMARY
Here is a very rare opportunity to buy one of the most unusual bubble cars of the breed – a genuine Croydon-built Trojan in sympathetically restored but largely original condition.
It’s a comical thing to drive, looks great and is sold in good working order – a classic that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face as well as on the face of anyone else who encounters it out and about.
It’s a comical thing to drive, looks great and is sold in good working order – a classic that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face as well as on the face of anyone else who encounters it out and about.
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.*
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