In 1971, Monty Python released a film entitled “And Now for Something Completely Different.” The owner of this 1957 Heinkel Kabinenroller uses those exact words to describe this classic German microcar. That seems a fair assessment for a vehicle that is less common than the widely recognized Isetta. The car is in generally good condition and is ready to be driven and enjoyed by a lucky new owner. If you’d like to be that person, you will find the Heinkel located in Fenton, Missouri, and listed for sale here on eBay. Respectable bidding has pushed the price to $9,100, although this figure is short of the reserve.
Heinkel was a German company that produced aircraft during World War Two. Once hostilities ceased, they were amongst a group of companies banned from aircraft production as part of the ceasefire. To remain financially viable, the company turned its attention to the manufacture of bicycles, motor scooters, and microcars. The Kabinenroller emerged from their factory in 1956 and remained in production until 1958. It was then built under license by a couple of companies into the 1960s in locations like Argentina and Ireland. Our feature car rolled out of the German factory in 1957, and it appears to be in good condition. It wears light blue paint that holds a good shine, with no evidence of significant flaws or defects. The paint covers panels that are as straight as an arrow, with no dents or bruises. Being of unitary construction, rust is a significant consideration. Potential buyers need not worry on this front because this Heinkel appears to be rust-free. One of the distinctive features of many of these microcars from the era is the vast expanses of glass. They are small cars, and this helped the interior to feel less claustrophobic. The glass in this car is in good condition, and the sliding canvas top is as much a necessity as a luxury feature. Like the Isetta, the Heinkel features a single front-opening door. In a frontal impact, these could be prone to jamming. Therefore, emergency escape was afforded by sliding back the canvas. Its condition is as good as the rest of the exterior, while the trim is equally impressive. It appears that this is a classic that has no immediate needs.
When the owner slipped behind the wheel of a Heinkel, they were hardly going to mistake the interior for that of a Cadillac. The car can seat two adults, with either a third smaller adult or a child as a possibility in a pinch. The seat is upholstered in a combination of Plaid cloth and Gray vinyl. It appears to be in good condition, with no significant wear or stains. A rubber mat covers the floor, while the Ivory wheel appears to be good. Gauges are rudimentary, and the transmission shifter is to the driver’s left. One interesting quirk of the Heinkel is that the company found itself perilously close to breaching patent laws during development. To avoid a legal clash with Iso, the company chose not to have the wheel and steering column pivot as the door was opened. This made access for the driver slightly more difficult than with the Isetta, but it avoided a legal minefield. Luxury appointments are basically nil, with a ducted vent providing fresh air. If buyers sought air conditioning, power windows, or other niceties, they had come to the wrong place if they purchased a Heinkel.
The Kabinenroller tips the scales at a mere 628lbs. This is a good thing because its single-cylinder air-cooled 199cc motor produces 9.9hp. The power finds its way to the single rear wheel via a four-speed sequential manual transmission. One drivetrain feature that was considered a luxury for a car of this type is the inclusion of a reverse gear. The journey down the ¼ mile takes a leisurely 28.2 seconds, while flat ground and a tailwind should see this classic hit 56mph. For potential buyers, the news here is positive. The car remains original and unmolested, and it runs and drives well. That means that it is ready to be enjoyed by a new owner who can thrill at the experience of turning heads wherever they go. It is virtually certain that they won’t be parking this car next to an identical vehicle at a local Cars & Coffee. The seller includes a collection of paperwork, consisting of the original Owner’s Manual, Workshop Manual, and a binder with photos and other documents.
The 1957 Heinkel Kabinenroller is a quirky classic that will not appeal to all tastes. However, it is undoubtedly a car that will attract attention wherever it goes. It features relatively basic engineering, making it easy to own and maintain. Since being listed for sale, it has already received twenty bids, and it will be interesting to see if it hits the reserve. If recent results are an accurate indication, its overall condition means that it could potentially nudge $30,000 before the hammer falls. This auction could be worth watching.
I never knew this one existed. Hard to believe people drove those with all the larger iron on the road. What’s the first thing to go through your mind in a collision? Your Heinkel!
“Once hostilities ceased, they were amongst a group of companies banned from aircraft production as part of the ceasefire.”
It was a surrender, not a”ceasefire”.
“All things short and ugly, all creatures short and stout, all things green and gangrenous, the Lord God made the lot.
Monty Python
So,,,I’ll say it, an Isetta on steroids? The German language always humors me, a “Kabinenroller”, of course, sounds logical. Not to belabor a point but,,
America around that time, “I got a 4 speed, dual quad, positraction 409″,,,and the Germans,,”putt-putt, pow, pow, I suppose we should get a litre of gas this week”,,Now, with a new Harley motor, you’re talking English, son.
Turbo ‘Busa all the things….
I was thinking Harbor Freight V Twin engine upgrade:-)
I like it, always rather wanted an Isetta until the silly “its-so-cute” crowd drove them to ridiculous prices, this micro would make a fantastic drive around town car. Plus, no worries trying to find an electric plug if you take it for a drive to the big city!
Shows like American Pickers glorify these things, and people must have “micro car remorse” once they actually drive one. Besides, I read, this Mike Wolfe’s ex is suing him for 6 MILLION bucks! Not so happy now, eh Mike?
That could be a barrel of fun! I’ve seen an Isetta around where I live, and it’d be fun to park this beside it and watch the reactions!
The perfect stocking-stuffer for any auto enthusiast.
$14,544 now and reserve not met, check out the sellers other items, 53 vehicles for sale.
This is what happens when an Isetta and a Messerschmitt have a baby.
Nein danke.
I saw one at the Mirror Lake Concours a few years back. A lady walked up to the owner and offered him 30 grand on the spot. He declined. So…what will this sell for?
Heinkel was a technical powerhouse being instrumental in the development of the jet engine, inventors if the ejection seat, originators of the VTOL aircraft (think Harrier Jet) and having developed a myriad of smaller engines after the war, such as a 633-cc 3-cylinder 2-stroke and designing the tremendous Heinkel Tourist motot scooter, which was a real machine, unlike much of its feminized competition. Their prohibition from building aircraft after 1945 , was an effective way to eliminate competition, much like the prohibition of Dornier, Messerschmitt, Arado, Gotha, Henschel etc ad absurdum.
I dont think eliminating competition was the real reason ,It would be safe bet that their actions from 1939-1945 played a big part of it, much like Kawasaki ,Nakajima and Mitsubishi were prohibited after the war. All three Japanese companies went on to bigger and better things
Karl, I have made a study ofthis for many years and know whereof I spoeak. However, this forum is for car guys, so I cannot elaborate. If you wish we could correspond. I will gladly make my remarks clear, if you so wish.gerardfrederick1939@gmail.com Have a happy Yule, Cheers and Beers, GF
The key difference between these and Isettas is Heinkels have a fixed control station with the steering column supporting the “floating” instrument cluster, rather than the extra joint in the column and everything being attached to the door. I’m not sure whether Heinkel went for cost and simplicity over ease of entry or whether there were Isetta patents involved.
It was a matter of patent rights. Both Iso in Italy and BMW sued Hoffmann for copyright infringement, won and bankrupted Hoffmann who had built their own version, possibly better than the Isetta, powered by Hoffmann´s 350cc boxer twin (an excellent engine which had powered their great looking motorcycle). Despite Hoffmann locating their engine centrally in the rear, like Heinkel, the court found in favor of Iso-BMW. The Hoffmann motorcycle´s most famous rider was Argentina´s president Peron. In short, Heinkel avoided a costly lawsuit.
Hmm I have a Honda shadow 1200 v twin with shaft drive that would slide right in and make this fly
RMac, itsure would, but that power would require an extensive reworking of the chassis, the brakes, it would require larger wheels, in short it would call for a whole re-enginnering of the entire frame. That is what Messerschmitt had to do when they installed a 500cc 2-stroke twin in their machine – they found out that the frame and the layout didn´t support the additional power, so they re-designed the entire vehicle, which resulted in their rather fabulous Tiger.
this is the one to have – 2 wh in front. But there’s more !
Upholstery, glass, ALL the rest (inc owner’s docs).
For 64 yr old its a good find (documents the
world era of the time fully).
Why, oh why, did I not buy one of these, a Messer, and an Isetta while I was stationed there. DID buy a ’57 Fiat 500, which I loved. Should have shipped that back instead of selling it.
For those that wonder about why these were sold, besides the prohibitions by the Allies (“Winners, if you will”)… they actually fit down the tiny city center streets in older European (I was in Germany) cities. No need to go fast, gas was (and is) expensive, and vehicles were (and mostly still are) taxed by engine displacement. I often drove my Fiat back and forth to base rather than my gas guzzling ’67 Fairlane GTA. That was reserved for longer and Autobahn trips…