Unusual engine sells for £6,500 despite being off the road for 52 years – here’s why
A BUBBLE car has been sold for £6,300 despite being off the road for 52 years.
The blue Heinkel Cabin Cruiser had its last MOT in January 1971 but was sold at auction on Sunday at Anglia Car Auctions in King’s Lynn, Norfolk.
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The miniature vehicle had just 21,098 miles on the clock and only had room for two people inside.
The tricycle is also powered by a 197 cc petrol engine and dates back to 1959.
In addition, the MoT certificates and tax stickers from 1969 and 1970 were supplied, as well as a letter from the DVLC from 1984 stating that the original number plate – 264 KPL – was eligible for registration.
Another bubble car, an Italian Isetta 300, cost £4,700.
It had traveled 28,117 miles since its manufacture in 1960, with its last known technical service certificate expiring in October 1983.
According to the seller, the 295cc engine ran when installed Anglia Auctions website.
The only documentation that came with the Isetta was the old V5, showing that it had had two owners since 1978, and an MoT certificate.
“Bubble cars” got their nickname because they were round and had lots of windows – making passengers look like they were in a bubble.
Some of the vehicles are not much longer than a bicycle, which is perhaps why you can only drive them with a motorcycle license.
Nevertheless, due to their small size, they are easy to park and surprisingly fast.
The steering wheel and dashboard are attached to the front door, which opens outwards to make entry into the vehicle easier.
Unlike more modern three-wheeled engines, a bubble vehicle often had two wheels at the front and the third at the rear.
Last year a bubble car restored by the late Sir Stirling Moss was put up for sale.
The great Formula 1 racing driver taught his now 42-year-old son Elliot how to drive the 1957 BMW Isetta 600, which he converted in the 1990s.
Sir Stirling, who died three years ago aged 90, used to drive around London in the tiny engine.
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