An excellent, original, and unrestored example.

SPECIFICATIONS

Manufacturer: Ernst Heinkel Fahrzeugbau GmbH

Origin: Stuttgart, Germany

Production: 5,537

Motor: Heinkel 1-cyl, 4-stroke

Displacement: 198 cc

Power: 10 hp

Length: 8 ft. 4-1/2 in.

Identification No. 301431

After aircraft designer Ernst Heinkel saw the Iso Isetta, he decided that he could go one better, using aircraft principles to make it lighter yet faster, even with a smaller engine. He did just that with the Kabine 150, the quintessential “bubble car.” With its large window area and longer, sleeker lines, it was effectively a cross between the Isetta and Messerschmitt.

In October 1956, he introduced the three-wheel Kabine 153 and four-wheel 154 with the trusty four-stroke motor enlarged to 203 cubic centimeters. From March 1957, this was reduced to 198 cubic centimeters, for insurance reasons.

Demand was high for the enormously popular Tourist scooter, and also for the various motors being supplied to other firms, so there was increased demand for more production space in the Heinkel factories. Despite a production of some 50 cars a day, the Kabine was losing between 400 and 500 marks per car. This, compounded by the death of Ernst Heinkel in January 1958 and the resumption of aircraft production, necessitated the sale of the entire Kabine production facility to the Dundalk Engineering Company in Ireland in June of 1958.

This example is an unrestored car finished in orange. It appears to be entirely complete, unmolested, and is in solid, original condition. Virtually everything is intact, from the unrestored engine compartment to the unmarked glass and remarkably presentable paintwork. As a delightful alternative to the Isetta, this early Heinkel 150 would make for a terrific restoration project for the burgeoning microcar enthusiast.