RM Auctions Weiner Microcar Museum – Auction Report
Numquam tanto minus – Never has so little cost so much
RM Auctions, Bruce Weiner Microcar Collection, Madison, Georgia, February 15-16, 2013
Report and photos by Rick Carey, Auction Editor Rick Carey was all smiles in the Peel P50
Hands down, this was the best, most enjoyable, cheerful, enthusiastic auction in memory.
It’s right up there with Christie’s sale of the A.K. ‘Nutzy Stutzy’ Miller auction in 1996.
Most collector car auctions, and particularly single owner collection auctions, are serious affairs, gathering like-minded collectors from everywhere bent on serious deal-making, parceling out the gems from the collection among colleagues.
RM’s Weiner Collection was nothing like that. Faced with twenty-three Messerschmitts, the Peels, multiple variants of Isettas and Heinkels, Gabriel Voisin-designed Biscooters and Biscuters and literally dozens of diminutive vehicles built by imaginative entrepreneurs known well only by cognoscenti, seriousness was not an option.
Weiner aided his cause by decorating his Goggomobil Transporters in Coca-Cola, Dubble Bubble and Pez livery, and handing out copious amounts of related sugar confections as well as Hot Wheels models of the ‘Whatta Drag’ Isetta. There were racks of brightly colored reading glasses: the cars were small and older collectors might have needed them to get up close and see clearly.
The theme was ‘fun’ and it was abetted by Bruce Weiner and by RM Auctions’ presentation.
The array of diminutive vehicles, many with just three wheels (the alternate subtitle was tot vehiculis, tam pauci rotarum, ‘so many cars, so few wheels’) was an education in the variety of little cars. RM’s catalog, measuring 5×5 inches and 2 inches thick, was a masterpiece in concept and execution. It will be referenced for years for its encyclopedic presentation of the microcar era after World War II.
It is risky to characterize any car collection as ‘definitive’ but if any is, it was Bruce Weiner’s collection of micro cars. Of vastly divergent quality – in both design and condition – they spanned an equally vast range of individual, idiosyncratic concepts. From basically utilitarian like the French Mochets and Gabriel Voisin’s elemental Biscoo[u]ters to anthropomorphic evolutions like the Fuldamobils and Fuji to the fantastic Sixties Peel P50 and Trident, right out of swingin’ London, everything in the collection – except maybe the TR6, 914 and 240Z – was exciting, different and cute.
‘Cute’ may be the defining characteristic of RM’s Bruce Weiner Collection auction. ’Cute’ was everywhere. Even the auction reporter slipped into the Peel P50 [displayed in the auction’s vestibule with a looping video of a drag race between it and an Shelby GT350 of the same vintage – the Shelby’s driver visibly aged waiting for the Peel to reach the finish line.]
Some auctions are memorable for the quality of their cars and the magnificent prices they attain. Others present huge and diverse consignments. A sparse few others are distinguished by the imagination, determination, selectivity and whimsy of their collectors and the sympathy of the auction company to the intent of the collector.
RM Auctions’ Bruce Weiner Microcar Collection auction was the latter. It was a privilege to be even a peripheral part of it and to witness the joy of the successful bidders.
Fortunately they were little cars with few accessories or options and well-researched descriptions, so it was possible to write up a lot of them. Don’t expect them to ratchet up benchmarks for microcar prices. These were once-in-a-lifetime prices, eagerly contested and followed by everyone interested in microcars. Taking home a trophy from Bruce Weiner’s unparalleled collection carried a premium in and of itself that won’t be equaled if the individual vehicles come back to market any time soon. Numquan tanto minus is not about to be repeated.
But it was fun, and a nearly unparalleled education.
RM Auctions Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum – Auction Report
Lot # 243 1953 Messerschmitt KR 175 Kabinenroller; S/N 2160; Light Mustard Yellow/Tan leatherette; Clear Plexiglas top; Estimate $35,000 – $45,000; Unrestored original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $20,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $23,000. No Reserve – 3-wheels, first generation with rubber suspension, kick starter and open chain drive – Dull original paint, faded upholstery, good bubble and side windows. Aged but complete and sound. Probably too good to restore. The first microcar across RM’s Weiner Collection auction block, the Kabinenroller in many respects defined the collection. There were 23 of them in variants almost impossible to enumerate, let alone discriminate. It dropped in below estimate, a good example of the best reasons to be early and audacious at a single-theme auction like this. A sound value in a sound and largely original Messerschmitt. Lot # 244 1961 Isetta 300 Pickup; S/N A12747; Red/Black leatherette; Grey vinyl; Green cloth top; Estimate $35,000 – $45,000; Truck restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $55,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $63,250. No Reserve – Wood floor, steel box pickup bed with cloth covered wagon top, folding sunroof, dual outside mirrors, Lucas headlights, four wheels – British-built but lefthand drive. Quick older repaint, good interior, chrome and sunroof. A typical pickup truck restoration, but not the typical pickup truck. Rated 165# (75kg) in the minute bed, this is the only known surviving [British] Isetta pickup. A more charismatic parts runner isn’t possible, which along with its rarity probably accounts for its over-estimate price. If it’s the only one, as seems likely, it’s a sound value at this price. And it has thirteen horsepower from its 4-stroke engine. Lot # 245 1961 Messerschmitt KR 200 Cabriolet; S/N 74947; Red/Red, snakeskin vinyl; Black cloth top; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $46,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $52,900. No Reserve – Dual outside mirrors, luggage rack, wheel covers, three wheels, a late FMR (Fahrzeug und Maschinenbau Regensburg) Messerschmitt delivered originally in Canada – Good paint, chrome, top and interior. Very usable and presentable. ‘Sporty’ hardly describes this late FMR KR 200, but who came up with the snakeskin pattern vinyl interior accent? It’s a sweet little (very little) piece of history, sound and usable as is, but definitely not inexpensive. Lot # 249 1956 BMW-Isetta 300 Cabriolet Bubble Window; S/N 495137; Light Olive Green/Green plaid cloth; Grey leatherette top; Estimate $45,000 – $55,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $78,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $89,700. No Reserve – Luggage rack with wicker suitcase, Cream wheels, whitewalls, ‘Tropical’ vent front door – Restored like new top and bottom, inside and out. One of only about 50 bubble window cabriolets built. Cheeky, above reproach in its presentation and a rare BMW-Isetta variant, this price establishes a new benchmark for the marque and model. Lot # 251 1959 Messerschmitt KR 200 Sport; S/N 76103; Ivory/Grey cloth; None top; Estimate $50,000 – $60,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $92,000. No Reserve – Wire wheel covers, whitewalls, dual outside mirrors, luggage rack, Black cloth tonneau cover, FMR (Fahrzeug und Maschinenbau Regensburg) logoed, 3 wheels – Excellent paint, bright trim, upholstery, etc. Restored like new and very nice. The only known surviving KR 200 Sport. A vehicle (the use of ‘car’ when describing most of Bruce Weiner’s collection is inappropriate) that will never be overlooked wherever it appears, despite – or on account of – its small size. This is a benchmark price for it, but it’s the only known surviving KR 200 Sport. Lot # 253 1958 Trabant P50 2-Dr. Sedan and Weferlinger Heimstolz Camp Trailer; S/N 5005538; Yellow Snow/Beige cloth; Estimate $25,000 – $35,000; Unrestored original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $25,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $28,750. No Reserve – Outside mirror, hubcaps, sold with Weferliner Heimstolz self-contained trailer with built in propane stove – Awful mostly original paint touched up at body joints where water has leaked in and started to dissolve the papier mache. Grungy engine and chassis, dull trim, soiled interior. The trailer is fully equipped and much better than the Trabi. OK, the color description is pejorative, but it’s the way RM listed it on their Lineup Report and it perfectly describes the Trabi. This isn’t much of a car, but it deserves its status as an icon of the East German (GDR) approach to consumerism and is more vehicle than its West German counterparts from the period. The combination is a great value at this price, just don’t venture onto the Interstate pulling the trailer with 18hp. Lot # 254 1958 Berkeley Sports SE328 Roadster; S/N 1104; Red/Biscuit leatherette; Estimate $15,000 – $25,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $20,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $23,000. No Reserve – Silver painted wheels, blackwall tires, cheap aftermarket woodrim steering wheel, Excelsior 2-stroke V-twin engine – Good repaint and interior. Engine has been out and is clean but the rest of the chassis and underbody are aged and grimy. Sold by RM at Monterey in freshly restored condition in 1999 for $8,250, this Berkeley hasn’t aged well but still offers potential as a weekend driver or in historic racing where the Berkeley’s light weight and tunable Excelsior V-twin will make MGs and Triumphs look bad. It’s a good value at this price and was somewhat overlooked by the Weiner auction bidders who focused on more (un)conventional microcars. Lot # 258 1964 Peel P50 Sedan; S/N D535; Red/Black; Estimate $35,000 – $45,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $105,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $120,750. No Reserve – Three wheels – Restored like new with good paint and interior. Placed prominently in the vestibule of RM’s Weiner auction, RM played an endless loop video of a drag between the Peel P50 and a Shelby GT350. The GT350’s driver aged visibly waiting for the Peel to cross the finish line, but finish it did. Incredibly cute, which paid off in the bidding with a fabulous price that was enthusiastically applauded by the auction bidders. Driven onto the lawn of any concours or show it will upstage Duesenbergs and Ferraris. At this price, the first of several Weiner collection blockbuster results, it should. Lot # 261 1959 Messerschmitt KR 200 Kabinenroller; S/N 71344; Coral Red/Black leatherette; Clear Plexiglas top; Estimate $20,000 – $25,000; Unrestored original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $20,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $23,000. No Reserve – Wheel covers, blackwall tires, luggage rack, tail portholes, FMR diamond badged, 3 wheels – Original and unrestored. Rear seat missing. Plexiglas top is slightly foggy and scratched but sound. Has most of its exterior trim, with more in a basket where the back seat should be. A realistic, feasible project. Bought right, at least in the context of RM’s auction of Bruce Weiner’s collection which focused the attention of essentially everyone in the world with even a modicum of interest in microcars on Madison, Georgia and had sufficient inventory to provide abundant choices and opportunities. The appeal of a KR restoration project is both its simplicity and the charm of the finished creation and this was a reasonable price for this project. Lot # 262 1962 Trojan 200 Coupe; S/N XR7137; Red/Blue, Green plaid, Grey vinyl; Estimate $30,000 – $40,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $47,500 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $54,625. No Reserve – Grey vinyl folding sunroof, three wheels, lefthand drive, metric instruments – Big bubble side windows. Quick but decent repaint, good upholstery, steering wheel, instruments and exterior chrome. Chassis and underbody are aged and coated in old sealer. Usable as is and pretty attractive. An example of the many licensed variants of microcars within Bruce Weiner’s collection, tiny data points scattered around the trend line of these designs’ histories. A Heinkel built in Britain by Peter Agg’s Trojan, but the new owner paid dearly for documenting its place within the Heinkel family tree. This is an expensive Trojan. Lot # 267 1956 Fuldamobil S-6 2-Dr. Sedan; S/N 200604; Hunter Green/Red plaid vinyl; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $45,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $51,750. No Reserve – Whitewall tires, four wheels, wheel covers, whitewall tires, dual windshield wipers, electric reverse – Restored like new. Good paint, chrome, upholstery and gauges. Exterior aluminum brightwork could use a little elbow grease and Mr. Douglas but beyond that small issue this is Fuldamobil is like new. More car-like, with a fully enclosed aerodynamic aluminum body, the Fuldamobil’s anthropomorphic shape is like a marine creature glimpsed in an National Geographic deep sea exploration program. It’s cool, and it’s different, and it’s a sound buy at this price, at least in the context of this microcar-focused event. Lot # 272 1970 Honda N600 Hatchback; S/N 1027328; Dark Red, Black vinyl roof/Black vinyl; Estimate $15,000 – $20,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $20,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $23,000. No Reserve – AM-FM, alloy wheels – Good repaint with some orange peel, sound original interior and vinyl roof. Chassis and underbody are clean and are nearly in showroom condition, consistent with the 13,958 miles on the odometer. Owned and displayed for years at Honda North America’s headquarters. Microcars, called ‘kei’, were natural for Japan’s postwar recovery and its cramped urban environments. Honda established its North American bridgehead with this model, building on the success and positive reputation of its motorcycles, so it is understandable why it was displayed proudly. Any Honda dealer selling thousands of Civics and Accords a year would be proud and pleased to display it, which makes it a sound value at this price. The Weiner Collection bidders were more intently focused on European products and this Honda seems to have slipped by with insufficient notice.
RM Auctions Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum – Auction Report Page Two
Lot # 274 1972 Bond Bug 700ES Coupe; S/N 8861705; Tangerine Orange/Black vinyl; Estimate $15,000 – $20,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $15,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $17,250. No Reserve – Alloy wheels, Black vinyl side curtains, three tricycle arranged wheels, Reliant 4-cylinder, 4-stroke engine – Cracked paint, vinyl graphics, original upholstery. About the same quality of construction and cosmetics as a Bricklin of the same era. This is so Seventies it should be offered with a flowered shirt and bell bottoms but at this price the new owner can afford to make that wardrobe acquisition and even fix the cracked paint without spending more than the value of the finished ensemble. Lot # 277 1967 Solyto Break Camping; S/N 73573; Grey/Grey canvas; Grey cloth top; Estimate $10,000 – $15,000; Unrestored original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $18,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $20,700. No Reserve – Three tricycle-arranged wheels – Sound but aged original paint, good canvas sling seats, old partial top canvas. A bit aged, but not up to being called tired. A charming and useful French designed and built utility vehicle, but with only 5 1/2hp it’s not going to carry much camping – or any other kind of – gear. Its originality is worth preserving, although everything is here to make a straightforward and simple restoration project. It would make quite an impression at the local farmers’ market with the back loaded with artisanal cheese or free-range eggs. Lot # 283 1960 Fiat 600 D Multipla; S/N 100D108083570; Yellow, Ivory roof/Tan vinyl; Estimate $50,000 – $60,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $57,500 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $66,125. No Reserve – 3-row seating, three doors, Ivory wheels, blackwall tires – Very good paint, chrome and interior. Grungy, dirty, grimy chassis. Clean, orderly engine. Cosmetically but disappointingly restored. Looks good from five feet, just not underneath. This is an impressive price for a cosmetically restored 600. It makes a great first impression, but may be less satisfying with familiarity, especially when it’s considered what alternatives there are for $60,000. Lot # 285 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia Type 34 Coupe, Body by Karmann; S/N 5044950; Light Yellow, Black roof/Black leatherette, cloth; Estimate $20,000 – $30,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $22,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $25,300. No Reserve – Chrome wheels, narrow whitewalls, no radio – Flawed old repaint, sound replaced upholstery, erratic chrome. Underbody is original and dirty. Sills are wavy and showing some new rust. Interior trim sunrotted. A restoration project after a few years of summer use. Largely original but with many obvious needs, this is a used car that brought a mostly generous price even if it was somewhat out of place among the microcars in RM’s sale of Bruce Weiner’s collection. Lot # 286 1953 Mochet CM-125 Grand Luxe Roadster; S/N 3397; Black/Tan vinyl; Tan cloth top; Estimate $25,000 – $35,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $17,500 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $20,125. No Reserve – Beige wheels, side curtains – Quick older repaint, good interior and top, good chrome and aluminum brightwork. Restored and pretty much like new. Needs nothing. Evolved from pedal cars (of which there were examples in Bruce Weiner’s collection) and riding on tall, narrow steel spoke wheels with skinny tires showing the influence of their bicycle antecedents, this is the most attractive of nine Mochets in the Weiner auction. It’s a bit of a stretch to accept the appellation ‘Grand Luxe’ for it, except in the context of its ‘No Luxe’ Mochet counterparts. Lot # 287 1942 Peugeot VLV; S/N VLV373; Cream/Dark Red leatherette; Beige cloth top; Estimate $30,000 – $40,000; Unrestored original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $17,500 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $20,125. No Reserve – Single headlight, four wheels, pull up windows, steel wheels, 48 volt 1.3-3.5hp electric motor – Original, tired and dirty except for a superficial old repaint. Sound and complete. Grungy dash and instruments. The Voiture Legere de Ville built by Peugeot during World War II. Charmingly original and surprisingly practical, its electric power set it apart from the other Bruce Weiner Collection microcars and may have accounted for its appeal being overlooked among the Messerschmitts, Heinkels and Isettas. It represents a good value at this price. Lot # 288 1949 Crosley Farm-O-Road Prototype; S/N R209900A1; Light Green/Tan vinyl; Estimate $20,000 – $30,000; Recent restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $28,500 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $32,775. No Reserve – White wheels, dual rear tires, front and rear utility mounts – Good paint with dust inclusions and some poor prep, decent upholstery. A utilitarian but complete restoration. Powered by a cast iron Crosley engine, not the COBRA (‘COpper BRAzed’) sheet metal water jacket version described in the catalog. One of two Farm-O-Road prototypes, developed by Powell Crosley to try to expand the market for his tiny postwar automobiles. Something like 600 Farm-O-Roads were built in production, but this is one of the first (and the other prototype is lost), a proud possession for any farm, ranch or suburban estate at a reasonable price. Lot # 289 1959 Messerschmitt KR 200 Kabinenroller; S/N 73629; Turquoise/Black vinyl; Clear Plexiglas top; Estimate $45,000 – $55,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $67,500 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $77,625. No Reserve – Dual outside mirrors, whitewall tires, luggage rack, wheel covers – Restored like new and very pretty. Excellent paint, chrome and Plexiglas. Even with nineteen Messerschmitts in the Weiner collection the level of interest in them was high, as the price for this sharp and freshly restored example shows. It’s expensive, but the new owner has good reason to expect no unpleasant surprises and to look forward to many weekends cruising around in it. Lot # 291 1955 Messerschmitt KR 200 Kabinenroller; S/N 51166; Cream, Red accent/Red leatherette; Clear Plexiglas top; Estimate $20,000 – $25,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $28,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $32,200. No Reserve – Wheel covers, blackwall tires – Good older repaint, dull aluminum trim, worn but sound original interior. Poorly fit Plexiglas roof sealed with packing tape and seriously scratched. A sound and complete vehicle that can be used as is or the basis for a straightforward restoration. According to the catalog, this is an early example with wood moldings for the hatch opening and two-tone paint. It is not impressive cosmetically, nor does the shipping tape bubble mounting add anything to its appeal but it didn’t bring a lot of money, either, Lot # 292 1957 Voisin Biscooter C31; S/N 2175775; Aluminum/Red wicker, cloth; Tan cloth top; Estimate $60,000 – $80,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $80,500. No Reserve – Polished wheel discs, blackwall tires, Jaeger speedometer in steering wheel center, four seats – Scuffed and pitted aluminum with a quick polish. Good interior and top. Chassis and underbody are aged and unrestored. One of just 16 Biscooters built under Gabriel Voisin’s supervision, unique in its design with oval doors and a 4-seat body. More important as an artifact of automobile history than most of the other microcars in Bruce Weiner’s collection and an important memorial to one of the most creative, individual, idiosyncratic engineers of the first half of the 20th century. The price it brought is appropriate to its significance and rarity. Lot # 294 1958 Messerschmitt KR 200 Kabinenroller; S/N 67293; Light Blue, Blue fenders/Red vinyl; Clear Plexiglas top; Estimate $35,000 – $45,000; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $32,500 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $37,375. No Reserve – Dual outside mirrors, wheel discs, three wheels – Original inside and out, very complete and generally excellent for its age. Very good Plexiglas bubble. Still a Messerschmitt but built by the KR’s designer Fritz Fend through a separate company, FMR. With three owners from new it is in very good original condition and can be used as is or restored. It brought a representative KR price, at least representative here at the Weiner Collection sale. Lot # 296 1961 Autobianchi Bianchina Special Cabriolet; S/N 007191; Light Grey/Black leatherette; Black cloth top; Estimate $35,000 – $45,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $30,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $34,500. No Reserve – Elite leather rim steering wheel, outside mirror, hubcaps, blackwall tires – Decent but flawed paint, interior, chrome and top. Some thin, pitted trim chrome. A usable cosmetic restoration. A powerhouse among the Weiner Collection’s microcars with 25hp and distinctly car-like in contrast to the many 3-wheelers, it brought a sound price for its reasonable condition and cheeky appeal.
RM Auctions Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum – Auction Report Page Three
Lot # 297 1959 Goggomobil TL-400 Transporter Pickup ‘Coca-Cola’; S/N 08233108; Red, ‘Coca-Cola’/Grey vinyl; Estimate $100,000 – $125,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $120,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $138,000. No Reserve – Sliding doors, whitewall tires on white wheels, Red Plexiglas windshield visor, extended cab body partially enclosing the cargo bed – Restored like new with very good paint, chrome and underbody. Upholstery is good. Some scuffed aluminum trim. One of several Goggomobil transporters in the collection, all brilliantly restored to celebrate various sugary indulgences. The bidders went wild for them and this example brought a huge cheer from the crowd when the bidding exceeded $100,000. Lot # 298 1962 Messerschmitt KR 200 Service Car; S/N 78904; Silver, Red/Red leatherette; Clear Plexiglas top; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $82,500 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $94,875. No Reserve – Tow bar, rear seat interior wind wings, dual outside mirrors, wheel covers, whitewalls, radio antenna – Good paint, chrome, interior and Plexiglas. Aluminum exterior brightwork polished over still visible pitting. Vinyl graphics. A very good car and extremely presentable. Designed to be driven to an auto repair customer’s location, then hooked to the customer’s car’s rear bumper with the supplied tow bar and trailed back to the garage, later reversing the process to deliver the automobile back to its owner. The package includes the only known original Messerschmitt Service Car tow bar in existence. The presentation is like new or better and the bidders went wild for it resulting in this eye-opening price. Lot # 299 1957 Biscuter 200-F Roadster; S/N 16397; Silver/Blue leatherette; Estimate $35,000 – $45,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $27,500 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $31,625. No Reserve – Black cloth tonneau cover, skirts – Poor old repaint over fiberglass body. Tired but sound original interior and tonneau cover. Aged chrome, engine, chassis and underbody. No top bows. Needs restoration. Badged Autonacional SA. The design for Gabriel Voisin’s Biscooter was sold to Autonacional in Spain and became the Biscuter. This is one of the cuter Biscuters, with bodywork that emulates a badly shrunken and somewhat distorted Pegaso. Its weirdness and semi-conventional bodywork may have escaped the passions of the bidders here and it represents one of the better values in an otherwise full retail auction. Lot # 300 1976 Triumph TR6 Convertible; S/N CF57846U0; Maroon/Tan leatherette; Black leatherette top; Estimate $30,000 – $40,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $25,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $28,750. No Reserve – Wheel trim rings, redline tires, cassette stereo, luggage rack, two tops, overdrive – Sound older repaint with some scuffs and discoloration, crazing on rear body. Body shop dust in body joints. Good original interior. Engine cleaned up but not to the extent it could be called detailed. A sound, solid driver with two owners from new. This was the biggest vehicle in the Weiner Collection auction, a bit of a fish out of water among the Isettas, Goggomobils and Biscuters, but it still brought a reasonable price for its less than optimum condition. Lot # 307 1967 Subaru 360 Custom Station Wagon; S/N K14234131; Light Grey, Black roof/Black vinyl; Estimate $15,000 – $25,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $25,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $28,750. No Reserve – Fender mirrors, AM-FM – Sound but unattractive old repaint over old paint. Good original upholstery. Chassis and underbody squirted with chassis black. Straight, sound body with good rubber seals. How far has Subaru come in 46 years? From this 360 Custom wagon to the Rally champion WRX, that’s how far. This is a rare never officially imported car in the US but it would be a terrific showroom display for a passionate, successful Subaru dealer and at this price that’s its highest and best use. Lot # 308 1962 Mazda R-360 Coupe; S/N 1082; Cream, Maroon roof/Maroon vinyl; Estimate $20,000 – $30,000; Unrestored original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $25,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $28,750. No Reserve – Antenna but no visible radio, dual outside mirrors, wheel covers, whitewall tires, jack, tool roll, original owner’s manual, service books and more – Sound original body paint but flat, dull roof that looks like terra cotta. Dull, torn, stiff original upholstery. Very cool, very original. Pitted chrome. A charming survivor with ample potential. Mazda has, if anything, come even further that Subaru in the 51 years since this R-360 was built, surviving a fraught alliance with Ford and now standing on its own as one of the powers in the Japanese auto industry. This is an impressively cute coupe in exceptionally sound and complete original condition bought for a reasonable price. Lot # 309 1961 SEAT 600; S/N 600BA093427; Light Blue/Tan vinyl, cloth; Estimate $20,000 – $30,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $21,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $24,150. No Reserve – No sunroof – Good paint and chrome. Sun rotted interior vinyl. Clean underbody, orderly engine. Presentable, usable Spanish Fiat. It needs some work to remedy some of its age-related deterioration and will start a heated conversation when it attempts to enter an Italian car show. The price is fair to both the buyer and the seller. Lot # 310 1958 Biscuter 200-I Furgoneta; S/N ANR3340; Red, Wood/Red leatherette; Estimate $20,000 – $30,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $19,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $21,850. No Reserve – Wood doors and rear body panels – Poor old repaint, sound wood and varnish, worn original upholstery. Dirty inside. Sound and complete but aged everywhere. A serviceable commercial vehicle and a usable Biscuter at a reasonable price. Lot # 311 1958 BMW-Isetta 600 Limousine; S/N 34318; Azure Blue, Grey roof/Grey vinyl, cloth; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $92,000. No Reserve – Folding sunroof, stretched wheelbase, front and one side door – Very good paint, interior and dashboard. Underbody done nearly like new. A very good example. Not only an unusual model, but impressively restored, detailed and presented. Even all that, however, may not be enough to explain the price it brought. Lot # 312 1954 Volkswagen Beetle 1200 Deluxe Convertible, Body by Karmann; S/N 10702874; Dark Olive Green/Green leatherette; Beige cloth top; Estimate $50,000 – $75,000; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $57,500 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $66,125. No Reserve – Blaupunkt multiband radio, instruments, clock, Bosch external horns, Dehne gas gauge, 100,000 kilometer badge, trafficators, fog lights, mud flaps, Sperwolf shift lock – Dull but sound old repaint. Good original upholstery, chrome and top. Clean engine is nearly like new. Underbody is old but orderly. Highly original and reasonably well maintained, the VW is important in Bruce Weiner’s collection because it and others like it spelled the end of the microcar era. The new owner of this car got a highly optioned example at a retail price. Lot # 315 1970 Subaru 360 Pickup; S/N KBA4310504; Grey/Grey vinyl; Estimate $15,000 – $25,000; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $27,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $31,050. No Reserve – Side-opening bed sides, outside mirrors on nose-mounted stalks – Good paint and interior. This is either a 13,488 km original truck with a repaint or a surprisingly well restored truck. Either way, it caught the bidders’ attention and brought a somewhat surprising price. It needs little to be used, however, and has utility value as a showpiece for a Subaru dealership, independent service shop or business. Lot # 318 1956 BMW-Isetta 300 Sedan; S/N 415857; Light Grey, Red/Blue-Green plaid cloth; Estimate $10,000 – $15,000; Incomplete restoration, 4- condition; Hammered Sold at $11,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $12,650. No Reserve – Black vinyl folding sunroof, ‘Z-mold’ side paint treatment, four wheels – Reupholstered seats inside along with a jumble of other parts. Bad original paint but sound. Z-mold trim is missing, unless it’s hidden among the other detritus inside the car. Largely complete and reasonably sound, a realistic project for the time between now and the beginning of the driving season.
RM Auctions Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum – Auction Report Page Four
Lot # 324 1961 Fiat 500K Giardiniera; S/N 120/017780; White/Blue, White vinyl; Estimate $20,000 – $30,000; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $17,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $19,550. No Reserve – Full length Black vinyl folding sunroof, silver steel wheels, hubcaps, blackwalls, side opening rear door, suicide front doors – Good paint, fair chrome, sound interior, dull exterior aluminum. Chassis is covered in oil and road grime. Good original paint. Your riding lawnmower has more grunt than this Fiat, which is supposed to haul around your family and all their impedimenta. Speeding tickets are not likely to be an issue and returning it to presentable operating condition presents a manageable project for the spring. It’s a sound value at this price. Lot # 326 1960 Biscuter 200-C Commercial; S/N 9A17052; Dark Red/Parchment leatherette; Estimate $20,000 – $30,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $23,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $26,450. No Reserve – Partial rear wheel skirts, four seats, side hinged rear door, varnished wood rear body sides, sliding windows – Quick repaint, revarnish and upholstery. Cracked steering wheel, dirty chassis. Cute and unusual but needs a serious restoration. It’s not hard to develop an affinity for Biscuters. The name is enough by itself. The ample selection of bodywork, all of it at best ‘utilitarian’ in concept and construction is another. The association with Gabriel Voisin makes them nearly irresistible. This station wagon-esque example is all those things with the intrigue of varnished exterior wood as a bonus. It’s nearly good enough to use as it is and will clean up well with a modicum of effort. Among the pricey microcars at the Bruce Weiner Collection auction is a sound value at this price. Lot # 339 1950 Bond Minicar Mk A Convertible; S/N A12347; Aluminum/Blue vinyl; Maroon vinyl top; Estimate $10,000 – $15,000; Incomplete restoration, 4 condition; Hammered Sold at $9,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $10,350. No Reserve – Tricycle-style three-wheeler – Aluminum body panels roughly ground off and badly scored. A restoration project of very manageable proportions. Complete with headlights, wraparound windshield, top frame and an old, cracked top to use as a pattern. There was no shortage of projects among the 200 vehicles offered at RM’s Bruce Weiner Collection auction. Most of them were largely complete, like this Bond, and represented a manageable project for even novice restorers. $10,350 is not a lot to acquire a collector car with character and rarity, not to mention occupying nights and weekends in a productive enterprise. Lot # 340 1950 Rovin D3 Roadster; S/N 1309; Rust, Primer/Red leatherette; Estimate $10,000 – $15,000; Incomplete restoration, 4 condition; Hammered Sold at $6,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $6,900. No Reserve – Luggage rack – Complete but needs everything. Project car money for a project car. Lot # 342 1958 Eshelman Sportabout Coupe; S/N 58S-122-004; White, Rust/None; Estimate $3,000 – $5,000; Incomplete restoration, 4- condition; Hammered Sold at $2,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $2,300. No Reserve – Allstate speedometer, Wisconsin THD air-cooled 2-cylinder engine – Partly assembled and needs everything. An unusual example of an American-made microcar, called a coupe but looking remarkably El Camino-ish. At this price, no harm, no foul. Lot # 543 1961 Isetta 300 Coupe; S/N A329070; Blue/Grey vinyl, cloth; Estimate $35,000 – $45,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $27,500 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $31,625. No Reserve – Hubcaps, Grey leatherette folding sunroof, three wheels – Good repaint, interior and brightwork. Some pitted and superficially polished interior aluminum. Chassis and underbody restored like new but a little neglected and aged. British built under license from BMW and restored to like new condition, an unusual example from the final era of microcars during the Suez crisis and resulting oil shortage. Better than most of the Isettas in the Bruce Weiner collection and reasonable at this price. Lot # 544 1958 Messerschmitt KR 200 Kabinenroller; S/N 67253; Red/Black leatherette; Clear Plexiglas top; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $47,500 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $54,625. No Reserve – Wheel covers, whitewalls – Excellent paint, chrome, interior and Plexiglas. Restored like new throughout with abundant eye appeal. Built by Messerschmitt designer’s Fahrzeug und Maschinenbau Regensburg company, freshly restored and a prime example of the type as well as buyers’ willingness to pay whatever it took to secure a trophy acquisition from Bruce Weiner’s collection. This is an expensive Kabinenroller. Lot # 545 1953 Champion 400H Coupe; S/N 800830A01; Red/Burgundy leatherette, cloth; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $50,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $57,500. No Reserve – Grey vinyl folding full length sunroof, disc wheels, hubcaps, rollup side windows – Good repaint except for flaw on engine cover. Good interior and chrome, loose fitting folding roof. Chassis and engine to museum display standards. An intriguing design exercise with a body that is symmetrical front-to-rear and looks like a Porsche 356 that was washed in too hot water, then shortened during drying. Almost 2,000 were built, but who’s ever seen one? A clever microcar with big car attitude that the Weiner Collection bidders appreciated. Lot # 546 1956 Velam-Isetta; S/N 263013; Ivory/White, Red leatherette, Black cloth; Black cloth top; Estimate $30,000 – $40,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $32,500 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $37,375. No Reserve – Jaeger speedometer in steering wheel center, four wheels – Thick old repaint, worn sunroof fabric, aluminum painted bumpers. Sound interior. Many flaws, none of them serious. Built in France under license with a completely different, and unusually sculptural body This really is a different and more attractive (how French) take on the basic Isetta design with the rear body neatly enclosing the engine and rear tires. It is much more egg-like than the BMW-Isetta ‘Rolling Egg’ design. Not especially attractively presented but also far too good to warrant re-restoration, the new owner took home good value for this much money. Lot # 547 1976 Porsche 914 2.0 Targa; S/N 4762901469; Malaga Red, Black sills/Black leatherette, Red plaid cloth; Black pebble top; Estimate $25,000 – $35,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $22,500 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $25,875. No Reserve – Alloy wheels, Michelin XAS blackwalls, Blaupunkt AM-FM, books and manuals – Fair repaint, otherwise original. Engine and chassis cleaned up and orderly. Shows 43,615 believable miles. A good, clean, sound car that is better than a driver. $8,250 new in 1976, which doesn’t translate into much of an ROI over the last 37 years but brought a realistic price here. It’s good enough that it never should be restored, just kept up and preserved. Lot # 548 1957 Biscuter 200-A ‘Zapatilla’; S/N AN2035; Aluminum/Red leatherette; Black leatherette top; Estimate $25,000 – $35,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $25,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $28,750. No Reserve – Tube bumpers, red wheels, blackwall tires, top – Good older restoration showing some age but no appreciable use. Nearly like new. The 2-stroke single puts all its 9 horsepower to the ground through the right front wheel only, eliminating the need for the complication and expense of a differential. Thoroughly restored and attractively presented although showing age, the new owner got an historic and usable little microcar for the price. And it even has reverse gear. Lot # 550 1958 Goggomobil Dart Roadster; S/N 131383; Black/Red vinyl, White piping; Estimate $35,000 – $45,000; Unrestored original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $47,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $54,050. No Reserve – Black vinyl tonneau cover, no top – Mostly original, complete and sound. Engine is dirty and oily appropriate to the 23,555 miles on the odometer. Paint has minor cracks, left headlight cover cracked. Good windshield, thin frame chrome. An Australian licensed Goggomobil built on an imported chassis and drivetrain with an Australian designed and built fiberglass body that is exceptionally good looking. The car isn’t in the best shape, but it’s one of the most attractive vehicles in the collection, although this much money would buy a Lotus Elan, or two.
RM Auctions Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum – Auction Report Page Five
Lot # 552 1963 Messerschmitt KR 200 Convertible; S/N 79774; Ivory/Black leatherette; Faded Black cloth top; Estimate $20,000 – $30,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $32,500 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $37,375. No Reserve – Outside mirrors, luggage rack, odd high-mounted bumpers, yellow headlight bulbs, parking lights, side marker lights – Repainted and maybe new seat upholstery but otherwise original, complete and sound. A French delivered KR convertible with accessories particular to the country The distinction between this and other KRs is slight, except for the high mounted, thin tubing bumper that looks like a pencil moustache on the KR’s nose. Very French, and very effective in getting the attention of the Weiner Collection bidders which resulted in a healthy price. Lot # 553 1961 BMW-Isetta 300 Police Car; S/N 593852; Dark Green/Green leatherette; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $75,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $86,250. No Reserve – Blue rotating light, Graf vinyl folding sunroof, four wheels, sliding side windows – Restored like new. Excellent paint and interior. Chassis and underbody like new. Yes, this is an actually Isetta police car, used in Duderstadt, Germany and probably more useful negotiating narrow alleys than in apprehending speeders. The restoration is above reproach, although the price is extreme. Lot # 561 1957 Iso Isettacarro Truck; S/N B158073; Light Blue/Black leatherette; Black leatherette top; Estimate $45,000 – $55,000; Truck restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $85,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $97,750. No Reserve – Varnished wood bed with sideboards, bumpers, dual outside mirrors – Folding sunroof, new wood body. Conventional chassis layout with shaft drive. Spanish built. Good paint, interior, top and varnish. Dull bright trim. Chassis superficially done, steering wheel and inside of cab not done. Variant of the Italian Iso Autocarro built under license in Spain and rated at a half-ton capacity, which seriously taxed the 9.5 hp of its Isetta split single 2-stroke engine. The restoration is good, but nothing exceptional, about what’s expected of a truck restoration. The price, however, is truly exceptional, blowing through RM’s high estimate by more than 50%. Lot # 562 1954 Mi-Val Tipo MO Mivalino; S/N 30321; Light Green/Green vinyl; Clear Plexiglas top; Estimate $50,000 – $75,000; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $72,500 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $83,375. No Reserve – Three wheels, original promotional literature, spare tire, certificate of origin and Italian documentation – Original vehicle with a poor old and chipped repaint but sound upholstery, bright trim and Plexiglas bubble. Engine slightly oiled and grimy. Acquired from the family of the original dealer, who had retained it from new, never sold and entirely intact. Italian built on Messerschmitt components with Mi-Val’s own Motocarrozzetta engine. Extremely rare with the entire production estimated at no more than 100 units. An amazing time capsule vehicle in completely original condition aside from the paint and a wonderful, if expensive, story to tell at every show and concours. Lot # 563 1963 Goggomobil TL-250 Transporter ‘Dubble Bubble’; S/N A0758; Yellow, White roof, ‘Dubble Bubble’/Grey leatherette; Estimate $80,000 – $100,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $115,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $132,250. No Reserve – Whitewalls, sliding side doors, double rear doors – A quality restoration to nearly like new condition with excellent paint and chrome. Underbody is a little aged, dusty and oily. Originally owned by the German Bundespost. Come to think of it, a little lightweight high capacity vehicle like this might make a lot of sense for urban deliveries for the struggling USPS today. Exceptionally well restored in one of Bruce Weiner’s sugary confection liveries, a style and presentation appropriate to the Goggo’s cheek and obviously appealing to the auction’s bidders who paid full retail and then some for it. Lot # 567 1973 Datsun 240Z Coupe; S/N HLS30-129076; Orange/Black leatherette; Estimate $25,000 – $35,000; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $21,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $24,150. No Reserve – Alloy wheels, Michelin radial blackwalls, 4-speed, AM-FM, rear window louvers – A very attractive, clean, orderly Z showing 40,063 believable miles. Looks like original paint and interior. Bumpers scratched as expected. An exceptional, highly original, correct and sorted example of a watershed automobile that has never been recognized in the collector car market for what it meant, maybe because they sold over 46,000 of them in the U.S. alone. This is a choice example that brought a modest price that could on the basis of condition and originality been $5,000 or more higher without being silly. Lot # 568 1955 Iso Isetta Coupe; S/N IMI001851; Cream, Burgundy/Beige vinyl, cloth; Estimate $30,000 – $40,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $33,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $37,950. No Reserve – Beige vinyl folding sunroof, bumperettes, whitewalls – Spanish-built Iso. Fair paint and interior, stiff, dirty sunroof. Overspray on underbody and chassis. A superficial cosmetic redo of a sound and complete car. Not as nice as that catalog’s ‘subject of a complete restoration’ would have you believe, the bidders appropriately handicapped its condition and value. Lot # 575 1958 Messerschmitt KR 200 Kabinenroller; S/N 67327; Dark Red/Black vinyl, White piping; Clear Plexiglas top; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Recent restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $55,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $63,250. No Reserve – Wheel covers, whitewalls – A very attractive and fresh restoration with excellent paint, interior and chrome. A concours Messerschmitt? A concours price, in any event. Lot # 583 1949 Voisin Biscooter Prototype; S/N 000006; Aluminum/Dark Red; Beige cloth top; Estimate $60,000 – $80,000; Unrestored original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $57,500 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $66,125. No Reserve – Gnome et Rhone 125cc single, 3-speed transmission, dual ratio supplemental gearbox – One of about 15 prototypes built by SNECMA and eventually given to the Biscooter designer Gabriel Voisin with traceable and documented history back to him. Rough and complete, more an historic artifact than a car. Should never be restored. A rare piece of history with a direct connection to one of the early 20th century’s most creative, thoughtful and innovative designers of aircraft and automobiles, a vehicle that deserves to be displayed at Pebble Beach as a tribute to a man whose creativity was not bounded by convention, only mechanics, structure and function. Bought right by a collector who will take good care of it and, probably loaded with luggage and fishing equipment, maybe share it and the story of Gabriel Voisin with others. A modest price for a piece of history. Lot # 584 1959 BMW-Isetta ‘Whatta Drag’; S/N None; Orange/Black; Estimate $75,000 – $100,000; Competition car, original as-raced, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $92,000. No Reserve – – A faithful, functional replica of Mattel Hot Wheels design 213 using a 502 big block GM crate engine and BDS Roots supercharger. Looks like it’s never been run. And, with 730 hp going through a single rear tire, even one 13 inches wide, it probably never should be run. The bidding was serious on this unique but impractical piece that belongs in Mattel’s lobby. (photo: Darin Schnabel) Lot # 587 1966 Peel Trident Coupe; S/N E157; Red/Black leatherette; Clear Plexiglas top; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $90,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $103,500. No Reserve – No odometer, three wheels – Is this a Cyclops? Dull old repaint. Aged chassis and interior. Original except for the paint. Bubble is attached to the body and folds forward for interior access. Very cool. At this price Peel’s tag line, ‘Almost cheaper than walking’ no longer applies, but this is one of the most extravagant, futuristic vehicles in Bruce Weiner’s collection. It looks like George Jetson should be behind the wheel. A seriously fabulous vehicle that will bring traffic to a halt no matter where it appears. It’s also seriously expensive but so unusual price is mostly irrelevant. Lot # 588 1964 Lightburn Zeta Sports; S/N 2871; Red/Red leatherette; Black leatherette top; Estimate $35,000 – $45,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $45,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $51,750. No Reserve – FMR ‘Tiger’ 18.5hp engine – Sound old repaint, interior and top. Dull aluminum trim, good top. Chassis and underbody have been done but not very well. A good driver. The appeal of this Australian-built Lightburn is largely in the performance from its 489cc 19.5hp FMR ‘Tiger’ engine and the spare, streamlined two-seat open bodywork. Rare, with just 28 documented and no more than 50 claimed, and rather attractively bodied, the price is no more than ample, and not quite generous.
RM Auctions Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum – Auction Report Page Six
Lot # 589 1956 Heinkel Kabine 150 Coupe; S/N 301431; Orange/?; Estimate $10,000 – $15,000; Incomplete restoration, 4- condition; Hammered Sold at $18,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $20,700. No Reserve – Three wheels, folding sunroof – Awful repaint sprayed over just about everything except the windows. Interior disassembled. Dead, curdled body seals. Good side windows, wiper scratched windshield. Generally complete but scrofulous. This is a generous price for a mistreated Heinkel that isn’t the ‘unrestored’, ‘unmolested’, ‘original’ example described in the catalog. Its restoration isn’t going to be difficult, but its presentation and cataloging are disappointing. Lot # 590 1955 Inter 175A Berline; S/N 1706; Cream/Dark Red vinyl; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $140,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $161,000. No Reserve – Grey vinyl folding sunroof, single headlight, cycle front fenders, three wheels, ‘Gyrostarter’ inertial engine starter – Good paint, chrome and interior. Engine and chassis like new. Body chipped behind the roof on the right (latch) side. Fogged speedometer lens. Cute front wheels with cycle fenders that turn with the wheels. Rare, and exceptionally different, even among the many ingenious creations in Bruce Weiner’s collection, but what caused this Inter to accelerate to this price is not immediately, or in retrospect, obvious. This is huge money, even on this day in this microcar-obsessed place. Lot # 591 1959 Messerschmitt KR 200 Convertible; S/N 69522; Red/Red leatherette; Faded Black cloth top; Estimate $20,000 – $25,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $29,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $33,350. No Reserve – Wheel discs, blackwall tires, dual outside mirrors – Poor orange peely repaint, sound upholstery, decent chrome, fair exterior aluminum, cracked windshield seal and steering yoke. Badly aged and faded top. Would be a lot better with a good paint job, new top, general cleanup and attention to the aluminum brightwork. A generous price for a mediocre Messerschmitt with British market details, but a convertible which adds to its enjoyment in warmer seasons when the bubble top becomes an oven. Lot # 594 1951 Reyonnah Roadster; S/N 15324; Beige/Red, White vinyl; Burgundy top; Estimate $75,000 – $100,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $160,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $184,000. No Reserve – Luggage rack, disc wheels, blackwall tires, four wheels, hydraulic brakes – A soft top version, one of about 17 built, with front suspension that drops and folds when the nose is lifted to fit into tiny interstices in parking lots or even a garden gate. Demonstrated on the block by Jonathan Sierakowski and Brent Earlywine. Prow-shaped nose, step plates along the sides to ease step-over into the interior. Restored like new and one of the pre-auction stars. The name is its creator’s last name, Hannoyer, spelled backwards (an artifice that occurs frequently among microcars and microcar engine builders). Received by the Weiner Collection bidders with great anticipation and cheered when it was hammered sold at this exceptional price. But, if a Reyonnah fills a vacant place in a collection, this is likely to be the best chance to get one in a long time. Lot # 595 1955 Messerschmitt KR 200 Kabinenroller Vic Hyde; S/N 50050; Maroon, White accent/Tan leatherette, Maroon piping; Clear Plexiglas top; Estimate $45,000 – $55,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $100,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $115,000. No Reserve – Vic Hyde’s (One Man Band) KR 200, loaded with stuff. Outside horns, headlight visors, spinner wire wheelcovers, whitewalls, Weltfunk Autosuper AU545 radio, luggage rack, clock, rear seat wind wings, multiple license plates and badges – Excellent paint, chrome, interior and Plexiglas. Restored better than new. Engine is like new if a little dusty. A sharp car with unique history. Given by Messerschmitt to Vic Hyde, a flamboyant stage performer noted for his ‘one-man band’ act, who drove it across Europe, Scandinavia and America on tour. The collection of accessories and badges is original to Vic Hyde’s ownership and many Messerschmitt miles. A vehicle that has real appeal both as an early second-generation monocoque body Messerschmitt and as a cultural artifact, it brought an extraordinary price but will give its new owner many enjoyable weekends showing off. It’s expensive but not unreasonably so, especially on this microcar-crazy weekend. (photo: Darin Schnabel) Lot # 597 1957 Heinkel Kabine 150; S/N 305056; Grecian White/Brown plaid; Estimate $20,000 – $25,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $31,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $35,650. No Reserve – VDP clock, Grey vinyl folding sunroof, 4-stroke Heinkel engine, three wheels – Sun rotted interior vinyl, good cloth. Decent paint and chrome. Engine and chassis are orderly and not grimy. Usable as is at least until the interior vinyl completely disintegrates. The Heinkel, although employing an Isetta concept, was completely different and much lighter due to monocoque construction. It also employed a Heinkel 4-stroke engine, much to the delight of insects routinely fogged by the oily exhaust of passing Isettas and Messerschmitts. This is a sound and usable example that brought a Bruce Weiner Collection-appropriate price not likely to be matched anywhere else. Lot # 599 1952 Lloyd LS 300 Kombi; S/N 12908; Olive Green, Green hood/Blue vinyl; Estimate $15,000 – $25,000; Unrestored original, 4 condition; Hammered Sold at $8,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $9,200. No Reserve – Two row seating, side hinged rear door – Fabric covered and painted body over wood. All original with poor old repaint, tired interior, dead cushions and dull, pitted exterior brightwork. Hand-lettered sign in German from a former owner displayed in the windshield said something like, ‘Don’t ever restore this car’ and that is appropriate. It’s not handsome, but it is original except for paintwork necessary to preserve the wood and fabric body. Its resemblance to a ‘real’ automobile was a detriment at this microcar-centric auction, and it was dismissed by the bidders with this result. Lot # 601 1956 B.A.G. Spatz Roadster; S/N 00236; White/Brown leatherette; Black leatherette top; Estimate $30,000 – $40,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $28,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $32,200. No Reserve – Maroon steel wheels, hubcaps, blackwall tires, top and bows, tonneau cover – Good repaint and new upholstery, otherwise original and aged. Dull exterior aluminum trim, thin chrome. A usable driver as is, but would have more appeal restored and isn’t really original enough to warrant preservation. ‘Spatz’ means sparrow, appropriate to this cheeky little songbird of a car. The frame and 4-wheel independent suspension were designed by Dr. Hans Ledwinka, a figure in the German auto industry nearly as important and ubiquitous as Dr. Porsche. One of just 859 built (one has to appreciate the precision of Germans in keeping meticulous records even of nearly forgotten marques and models) this Sparrow’s condition leaves a lot to be desired, which is reflected in its price. Lot # 603 1958 F.M.R. TG 500 Tiger Kabinenroller; S/N 20554; Rose, Black fenders/Black vinyl; Clear Bubble top; Estimate $125,000 – $150,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $280,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $322,000. No Reserve – Tinted windshield visor, radio, dual outside mirrors, whitewalls, luggage rack, rear mounted spare, four wheels with wide rear track, pontoon fenders and chrome stone guards, 494cc 2-cylinder 2-stroke 20.5hp FMR engine – Restored like new. Very good paint, chrome, upholstery and Plexiglas. One of 320 believed built and about 150 that survive, this is the GTO of microcars with a big engine stuffed under the rear cover that gives it performance comparable with, and in many cases better than, contemporaries with engines three and four times its displacement in conventional automobile models. The restoration is above reproach, if a little aged, and this is the only one known in Rose and Black (if that makes any difference.) Apparently it did, because the Tiger blew the top off RM’s pre-sale estimate by almost a factor of two and set the absolute benchmark for microcars in the Bruce Weiner Collection auction: nearly 1/3 million dollars by the time the commission was added. $1/3 million for 9 feet 10 inches of 78 mph performance. Oh well. Lot # 604 1956 Avolette Record Deluxe Roadster; S/N 703526; Coral/Black; Estimate $45,000 – $55,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $65,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $74,750. No Reserve – Single central headlight, blackwall tires, full circumferential mid-body bumper, four wheels, wraparound windshield, Maico 250cc two-stroke single – Good paint, chrome, interior and external aluminum. Restored like new and nearly unbearably cute. The personal spaceship or carnival bumper-car school of microcar design is as well expressed in this Avolette and anywhere – except maybe the Peel Trident. Its condition is very good and with 14hp it has enough power to stand a reasonable chance of staying out from under Expeditions and Suburbans. Its high cuteness-value, as well as the quality of its presentation is reflected in the price it achieved. Lot # 606 1952 Mochet CM-125 Commerciale; S/N 3215; Dark Blue, Black fenders/Black leatherette; Black cloth top; Estimate $30,000 – $40,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $15,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $17,250. No Reserve – Clamshell fenders with fender-top headlights, box bed with covered wagon top, four spindly wire wheels – Excellent cosmetics on this close to concours restoration of a rudimentary small truck with 330 pounds cargo capacity. Meticulously restored and sharply presented, but also very strange (ah, but it was made in France, eh?) It’s hard not to come to the conclusion this price is a good value for money. Lot # 607 1958 Burgfalke FB250; S/N 01635; Blue, Grey/Brown leatherette; Black cloth top; Estimate $25,000 – $35,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $18,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $20,700. No Reserve – VDO clock, turn signals, Black leatherette tonneau, Black cloth side curtains, cream steel wheels, blackwall tires, fender mirror – Poor repaint over lumpy body, sound old upholstery and tonneau cover. Top probably useful as a pattern but has its bows. Underbody, chassis and engine are surprisingly clean and good. An easy restoration that doesn’t need parts of a remarkably complete and original car, one of two shipped to the US and never used so the 2,622km on the odometer are probably real. ‘Falcon Castle’ is as close as Google Translate can render Burgfalke. It is a moderately updated successor to the B.A.G. Spatz (a sparrow) and much more original than the Spatz which sold here a few minutes earlier for 50% more. The new owner may have to wrestle with the preserve or restore decision, but has a modestly priced sporty microcar that the other bidders overlooked as the Weiner auction wound down.
RM Auctions Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum – Auction Report Page Seven
Lot # 608 1951 Gutbrod Superior 600 Coupe; S/N 67336; Blue/Grey cloth; Estimate $15,000 – $25,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $14,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $16,100. No Reserve – Grey folding sunroof, hubcaps, blackwall tires, trafficators – Museum repaint and interior, otherwise aged, original and tired but sound and complete. The ingenuity and persistence of the postwar German microcar builders is remarkable. In this case there are only two fender dies; opposite corners are taken from a single die. The Pushmi-Pullyu look of the Champion 400H which employed similar but more extreme double use of body dies is less extreme in the Gutbrod, largely due to its more car-like 3-box form and headlights neatly faired into the front fenders. This example’s condition is typical of long museum display of a largely original car and, along with its non-extreme design, accounts for its modest price. Lot # 609 1970 SMZ S-3A Convertible; S/N 076311; Blue/Blue vinyl; Dark Blue leatherette top; Estimate $15,000 – $20,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $11,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $12,650. No Reserve – Hand controls, Cream wheels, hubcaps, blackwall tries, sliding side windows – Good paint, interior and top. Engine, chassis and underbody superficially restored. Good exterior chrome but dull aluminum. Built in Russia for use by handicapped war veterans. Leave it to the Russians to design a vehicle that looks like a Jeep and has a convertible top and side curtains in its sub-Arctic climate. Hard to find, harder to like, but at least it can boast legendary Brezhnev-era Russian reliability and a modest price on this day when modest prices were few and far between. Lot # 611 1954 Lloyd LP 400; S/N 55549; Green, Green leatherette roof/Plaid cloth; Estimate $25,000 – $35,000; Enthusiast restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $27,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $31,050. No Reserve – Clock, folding sunroof, white disc wheels, blackwall tires – Decent paint, chrome, interior and sunroof. Engine and chassis done to workmanlike driving standards. As good as it needs to be. Now bodied with steel panels over the same wood frame, this Lloyd at least has had some cosmetic attention to make it more presentable. The price is substantially higher than the very original fabric covered wood bodied LS 300 sold earlier today. Lot # 612 1957 Vespa 400 Coupe; S/N 06938; Blue/Black cloth; Estimate $25,000 – $35,000; Unrestored original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $25,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $28,750. No Reserve – Cream wheels, Dark Grey folding full sunroof, turn signals – Original paint with some margins chipped and surface rusted but easily fixed. Sound upholstery in a cool Art Deco-ish check pattern that could have come from a Voisin. Dirty original engine with melted spark plug boots. Sound and usable or easily restored. Built by VESPA’s French affiliate, ACMA, and essentially original throughout, even a dealer’s window decal from Cannes. The overall condition reflects the car’s age and will take some effort in the quest for reliable operation, but needs little more than that. It is a sound value at this price on this day in this microcar-mad environment. Lot # 613 1958 Goggomobil TL-400 Transporter ‘PEZ’; S/N 08233602; Blue, White roof/Gray leatherette; Estimate $80,000 – $100,000; Concours restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $150,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $172,500. No Reserve – Translucent Blue windshield visor, sliding side doors, single seat, side hinged rear doors – Over the top restoration with beautiful painted graphics. The last of Bruce Weiner’s beautifully restored brace of Goggomobil transporters, like the others liveried to celebrate sweet indulgences. This one features a Donald Duck Pez dispenser on one side and a Mickey Mouse on the other. At this price this Goggomobil is also an indulgence, but it’s the last of the type in the sale and it was time to step up in order to take one home. (photo: Darin Schnabel) Lot # 614 1959 BMW-Isetta 300 Three-Wheel Special Export Model; S/N 604283; Turquoise Green, Cream/Tan vinyl; Estimate $35,000 – $45,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $35,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $40,250. No Reserve – White vinyl folding sunroof, luggage rack, wicker picnic hamper, hubcaps, three wheels – Restored almost like new with attractive paint, interior and chrome. A price appropriate to the other Rolling Eggs from the Bruce Weiner Collection. Lot # 618 1965 King Midget Series III Roadster; S/N B036108; White/Red, White leatherette; Black cloth top; Estimate $10,000 – $15,000; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $8,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $9,200. No Reserve – Maroon steel wheels, blackwall tries, side curtains, bumpers, turn signals, Wisconsin 4-stroke single-cylinder engine – Good paint cracked by one deck lid hinge. Sound upholstery and top. Dusty, neglected engine and chassis. 5,235 miles look real. The American-made King Midgets didn’t have the same effect on the Bruce Weiner Collection bidders as the more-fabled European microcars, possibly because in the U.S. they were peculiar kit cars far from the mainstream of postwar auto manufacture. It’s telling to compare this Wisconsin-engined 9 1/2hp King with, say, a 289/200hp Ford Falcon of the same year. Today they’re worth about the same, and few enough collectors would prefer the much more rare King Midget. Lot # 622 1958 Goggomobil T-250 2-Dr. Sedan; S/N 0196154; Turquoise, Ivory roof/Black cloth, Grey vinyl; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $55,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $63,250. No Reserve – Windshield visor, Blaupunkt radio, whitewalls, Black cloth folding sunroof – Very good paint, chrome and interior. Restored like new throughout. A meticulously restored example of a car-like microcar from the Weiner collection, the new owner can expect it will have few if any needs before being hauled out of the garage for a fun day around town. This is strong money for it, but it is as good as it gets and that is worth a premium. Lot # 623 1955 Fuji Cabin Coupe; S/N 57570076; Light Grey/Maroon leather; Estimate $75,000 – $100,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $110,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $126,500. No Reserve – Three wheels, single central headlight – Restored like new with excellent paint and interior. Fiberglass monocoque body. One of only 85 believed to have been built. Seductive curved body is even more a work of art that the German Fuldamobils. The bidders were waiting for this and pounced on it with resolve and enthusiasm although even at this over-estimate price it can hardly be called egregiously expensive. Lot # 632 1958 Rollera Roadster; S/N T2002020; Red/Black leatherette; Black cloth top; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $55,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $63,250. No Reserve – Luggage rack, spinner wheel covers, whitewalls, tricycle style three-wheeler, Cyclops headlight, exposed engine on left side next to the driver – Restored like new. Very good paint, chrome, upholstery and top. Nearly impossibly cute. OK, this report has to have one reference to Shriners, for whom this would be the parade vehicle of all parade vehicles. It’s cute, shiny, tiny and cute [yes, double-cute] and brought a superior price for all the right reasons. Lot # 633 1953 Rovin D4 Roadster; S/N 2686; Black/Red leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $25,000 – $35,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $26,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $29,900. No Reserve – Alloy wheels – Poor old orange peely paint, sound upholstery and top, dull aluminum exterior brightwork. Dirty chassis and underbody. Sloppy top fit. A superficial cosmetic redo to barely usable condition. Another symmetrical microcar with interchangeable front and rear panels built in France with a 4-stroke, 2-cylinder 13hp engine. The presentation is disappointing, but the price – at least to Bruce Weiner – is not. Lot # 638 1957 BMW-Isetta 300 Sedan; S/N 433673; Blue/Blue plaid; Estimate $10,000 – $20,000; Unrestored original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $12,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $13,800. No Reserve – Blade cloth folding sunroof, yellowed clear plastic seat covers, turn signals, sliding panel side windows – Original throughout. Dirty but not gross. Body is sound. Appears to be complete and a straightforward restoration but not usable as is. A sound value for a complete, original Isetta 300 restoration project, although after it is done to showroom standards it will represent an investment greater than it will recover at any venue other than a single-theme auction like this. Lot # 640 1960 Berkeley T60 Roadster; S/N T60919; Red/Red leatherette; Black cloth top; Estimate $10,000 – $15,000; Unrestored original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $12,000 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $13,800. No Reserve – Wheel covers, blackwall tires, luggage rack, three wheels, Excelsior 328cc 18hp twin – Dull old paint, aged but sound upholstery. Oily, grimy engine, running gear and chassis. Thin chrome. Comes with top and bows. All there and easily restored. No better now than it was back in 2005 when it sold for $9,987 at Christie’s sale of the Sharpe Family collection in the UK, but an approachable restoration project whether for use on the road or for vintage racing.
[Source: Rick Carey]
Excellent article! Very much enjoyed reading it.
Good stuff Rick, had the pleasure of 100 mile trip in the back seat of a Fiat Multipla, great fun.
Never mind the cars, the RM auctioneers alone were worth the price of admission. I especially enjoyed Max Girardo. An unique individual.
I remember a warm summer day I thought a quick trip up the mountain to see the Giant Sequoias would be fun in my little Honda 600 like the one pictured. Not even half way up, I turned around the little car not wanting to burn up the engine struggling to keep up.
Yes! The auction was very enjoyable. Even if the prices were unrealistic for most of the lots, everyone in attendance had a great time. RM did an outstanding presentation both before and during the auction. The RM staff was the best, from the preregistration conversations with the administrative staff to the check in on site and the auction itself it was a first class event. This all could not have happened with out Bruce Wiener, he started collecting these cars when everyone else thought bigger was better. If you missed seeing the collection intact at his museum you missed out on something this hobby will never see again.
I hope all the new owners will not hide their new toys but share them with the world by bringing them to events. Now more than ever microcars are not only welcome at most automotive events but are search out by the promoters of the events and requested to attend.
A tip of the hat to Rick Carey for authoring the above article. I found it to be one of the best reports on the event.
An excellent and enjoyable report. For those of you who would like some information on the Meadows Frisky , yellow & white one made $57,500 have a look at http://www.meadowsfrisky.co.uk
I have a Fiat Multipla and an Isetta. They are great fun and people will stop and look at you like you are from another planet. I played the lottery for months hoping I could have money to go this auction. I bought mine years ago before the prices went through the roof. Try buying these on a teacher salary now.
Auctions like RM’s sale of the Weiner cars draw every collector who ever dreamed of owning an Isetta, Kabinenroller or Biscu[oo]ter into attending. They want a piece of the “ex-Bruce Weiner” provenance and the diverse KR, Heinkel and Peel variants that he acquired. They’re also contesting over the cars with their microcar-buddies, and they don’t want to go home empty-handed.
So they cast caution to the winds and bid with their hearts (or maybe their testicles), not their heads, which results in the prices we saw in Madison, Georgia.
Typically prices come back to earth after a sale like this, but collectors are better educated [RM’s micro-catalog is a microcar encyclopedia] and better prepared intelligently to discriminate among marques and models.
Enjoy the Multipla and Isetta.
Rick