1963 Trojan 200 Cabin Cruiser
Registration no. 548 THN
Chassis no. SAB 11049
Engine no. 3-1077

Perhaps the biggest mystery concerning Ernest Heinkel's 'Kabine Cruiser' is how its creator got away with 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. Production was discontinued in Germany in 1958 but continued in other countries, Ireland included, before the rights transferred to Trojan in the UK in 1961. Trojan had manufactured unconventional light cars in the 1920s/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. Around 7,000 right-hand drive Trojan 200s were built before the firm quit car production again in 1965. The car offered here - known to its owners as 'Primrose' - was originally blue. Restored in 1990 and repainted Primrose Yellow, it was featured in an edition of Practical Classics magazine later that year. When the current vendor purchased the Trojan in 1998 it was in good mechanical condition but needed a re-trim and a fresh coat of paint. It was decided to completely restore the car in the same colour, using original seat trim materials but adding Wilton carpet instead of the standard rubber mat. A Trojan specialist rebuilt the engine and gearbox. Since that time '548 THN' has won many awards including 'Best in Show' for three consecutive years at the Bristol Microcar Rally. In 2004 she won her class on the Concours stand at the Meguiar's International Classic Car Show, held at Alexander Palace. This event was open to all types of motor cars, not just microcars, and 2004 was the first time that a microcar had won in open competition. There have also been many appearances in magazines, books and even a 'Formula 1' cartoon by Jim Bamber in his book 'Pits 7'. We are advised that the Trojan's top speed of 55mph is surprisingly adequate in and around town, where speed limits have changed little over the years. With an advertised fuel consumption of 100mpg, it is one of the original 'economy' cars and a forerunner of the Mercedes Smart, which is also able to park nose to kerb. Accompanying 'Primrose' is an extensive portfolio of photographs, bills, MoT certificates, tax discs and other memorabilia. Described as in superb condition, the car is offered with current MoT/tax and Swansea V5. A quantity of new spare parts is included in the sale.