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In March 1963 A New Minivan Was £368 Against A Price Of £369 For A Trojan


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#1 mab01uk

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Posted 26 January 2021 - 01:55 PM

1963 Heinkel Trojan Model 601 Microcar
"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, whilst closely resembling the Isetta, was both lighter and roomier, even providing children's seats in the rear. The Heinkel featured a single front door, fixed steering column, and a canvas sunroof, the latter also functioning as an emergency exit. Unlike some of its competitors, the Heinkel also had a reverse gear, making it a much more practical proposition.
Production was discontinued in Germany in 1958 but continued in other countries, Ireland included, where around 8,000 were built before the worldwide marketing rights transferred to Trojan in the UK in 1961 (Trojan Way is near the old factory site in Croydon, Surrey). 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 production ceased in 1964 at the works summer shut-down. By this time, the cars had become very difficult to sell, and some were not registered until 1966. This is hardly surprising as according to Motor Cycle magazine in March 1963 a new Minivan, which was exempt from purchase tax, would have cost you £368 against a list price of £369 15s for a right-hand drive Trojan!"
Beautifully restored right-hand drive Trojan:-
https://www.silverst...etails&id=12684

euZgVx0l.jpg

 



#2 Conradski

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Posted 26 January 2021 - 08:47 PM

Crazy machine, my Father-in-law graduated from 2 wheels ( a Vincent nonetheless) to 3, BMW Isetta and eventually to 4 - a Citroen DS).  He loved the Isetta.






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