1962 Trojan 200 Micro Car
Registration no. 793 AKV
Chassis no. SR8278
Engine no. 1523068

Perhaps the biggest mystery concerning Ernest Heinkel's 'Kabine Cruiser' is how its creator got away with producing a design outwardly so similar to BMW's Isetta. Launched in 1956, the Heinkel used a 175cc four-stroke single-cylinder engine originally developed for a motor scooter and, while closely resembling the Isetta, was both lighter and roomier, even providing children's seats in the rear. Production was discontinued in Germany in 1958 but continued in other countries, Ireland included, where around 8,000 were built before the rights transferred to Trojan in the UK in 1961. Trojan had been manufacturers of unconventional light cars in the 1920s and 1930s, and the acquisition of the Heinkel - marketed as the Trojan 200 - marked the company's return to motor manufacture after a break of 25 years. Three- and four-wheeled versions were offered in both right- and left-hand drive configurations. A little over 6,000 were built before Trojan quit car production again in 1964.

This left-hand drive model was fully restored in 1997, including an engine rebuild and complete rewiring, and comes with numerous related invoices. Since completion it has been mostly kept in dry storage and was only put back on the road last year to attend local classic vehicle shows. We are advised by the vendor that he hopes to fit a complete set of new chromed bumpers prior to sale. A particularly noteworthy feature is the factory 5-day wind-up clock, an almost unobtainable item nowadays. A box of spare parts comes with the vehicle, to include engine components, an exhaust, sundry gaskets, etc. Described as in generally excellent condition, the car is offered with handbooks, workshop manuals, old-style logbook, V5 document and recently expired MoT/tax (August 2014).