SPECIFICATIONS

Manufacturer: Maico-Werke GMBH

Origin: Pfaffingen-Tübingen, Germany

Production: 6,301

Motor: Heinkel 2-cyl, 2-stroke

Displacement: 452 cc

Power: 18 hp

Length: 11 ft. 3 in.

Identification No. 808457

Henning Thorndahl had made the third attempt to revive the Champion car, but after a few short months of financial difficulties, it disappeared without a trace. Otto and Wilhelm Maisch, long-established bicycle, scooter, and motorcycle manufacturers, saw this as an opportunity to enter the car market, and they purchased the Champion concern.

The 1955 Frankfurt Show saw the attractive two-seater Maico MC 400 alongside an equally stylish four-seater version called the Maico MC 403, which had been built by the nearby coachbuilders Baur. During the next few months, the two-seater and station wagons were discontinued, as the brothers saw the biggest potential in the four-seater, which was now powered by the motor already being used in the Tempo Wiking and was called the Maico MC 500.

The stylish 500, with its handy front trunk, deep door pockets, and fashionable white steering wheel, sold better than expected. Unfortunately, Maico production lagged behind, and increased competition, combined with steering column issues, caused production to no longer be a viable proposition by mid-1958. Sadly, the overextended car venture had ended with Otto in jail and Wilhelm with a heart attack, while the company returned to solely making motorcycles.

Seen here, the stylish four-seater is well represented, finished in a dark maroon, and complete with the commensurate white steering wheel, cream wheels, and white roof. Beautifully presented, this is a rare microcar in exceptional condition.