In the austere years following the end of WW2, the demand for cheap motorised transport was met in large measure by micro-cars and motor scooters. Petrol was in short supply, and remained rationed in Britain well into the 1950s, which placed a premium on economy, thus making such modest vehicles an even more attractive proposition. One of the first to attract the popular 'bubble car' sobriquet was Iso's Isetta, which was also produced by BMW, under license, from 1955. Before long the BMW Isetta had a home-market rival: the Heinkel Kabine Cruiser. Perhaps the biggest mystery concerning Ernest Heinkel's Kabine Cruiser is how its creator got away with producing a design outwardly so similar to the Isetta. Launched in 1956, the Heinkel used a 175cc, single-cylinder, four-stroke 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. A four-speed gearbox made the Heinkel nippy in traffic while a simplified design of front-opening door avoided the complication of its rival's jointed steering column. Larger-engined (204cc and 198cc) models were offered later, as well as four-wheeled versions, convertibles and vans. After around 6,000 had been made, production was discontinued in Germany in 1958 but continued in other countries, Ireland included, where approximately 8,000 were built before the rights transferred to Trojan in the UK in 1961. This Heinkel Kabine Cruiser was delivered new to the Netherlands and has remained there ever since, enjoying relatively few owners. Well maintained, original and in good running order, it comes equipped with the desirable optional sunroof and is described as 'ready to be used.' Offered with Netherlands registration papers. Cette Heinkel ‘Kabinen Cruiser’ vendue neuve en Hollande est restée dans ce pays aux mains de plusieurs propriétaires. Bien entretenue, d’origine et en bon état de fonctionnement, elle est équipée du très apprécié toit ouvrant. Déclarée comme « prête à circuler », elle est offerte avec ses papiers d’immatriculation néerlandais.
In the austere years following the end of WW2, the demand for cheap motorised transport was met in large measure by micro-cars and motor scooters. Petrol was in short supply, and remained rationed in Britain well into the 1950s, which placed a premium on economy, thus making such modest vehicles an even more attractive proposition. One of the first to attract the popular 'bubble car' sobriquet was Iso's Isetta, which was also produced by BMW, under license, from 1955. Before long the BMW Isetta had a home-market rival: the Heinkel Kabine Cruiser. Perhaps the biggest mystery concerning Ernest Heinkel's Kabine Cruiser is how its creator got away with producing a design outwardly so similar to the Isetta. Launched in 1956, the Heinkel used a 175cc, single-cylinder, four-stroke 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. A four-speed gearbox made the Heinkel nippy in traffic while a simplified design of front-opening door avoided the complication of its rival's jointed steering column. Larger-engined (204cc and 198cc) models were offered later, as well as four-wheeled versions, convertibles and vans. After around 6,000 had been made, production was discontinued in Germany in 1958 but continued in other countries, Ireland included, where approximately 8,000 were built before the rights transferred to Trojan in the UK in 1961. This Heinkel Kabine Cruiser was delivered new to the Netherlands and has remained there ever since, enjoying relatively few owners. Well maintained, original and in good running order, it comes equipped with the desirable optional sunroof and is described as 'ready to be used.' Offered with Netherlands registration papers. Cette Heinkel ‘Kabinen Cruiser’ vendue neuve en Hollande est restée dans ce pays aux mains de plusieurs propriétaires. Bien entretenue, d’origine et en bon état de fonctionnement, elle est équipée du très apprécié toit ouvrant. Déclarée comme « prête à circuler », elle est offerte avec ses papiers d’immatriculation néerlandais.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
