SPECIFICATIONS

Manufacturer: Hans Glas GmbH, Dingolfing

Origin: Bavaria, West Germany

Production: 11,975

Motor: 2-cyl, 2-stroke, air-cooled

Displacement: 392 cc

Power: 20 hp

Length: 9 ft. 6.2 in.

Identification No. 02134917

Goggomobil: even the name sounds fun and peppy. Nonetheless, the moniker proved problematic when selling in foreign markets. In French, “goggo” was a slang term used to refer to an unwanted item, and Hans Glans definitely wanted the French to buy his car. As a result, the tiny German automobiles built for French-speaking markets were dubbed Isards.

The Isard offered here from the Bruce Weiner Microcar Collection is the T400, with the desirable, larger 400-cubic centimeter two-stroke engine, which utilizes a combination of oil and gasoline that is fed by an automatic pump. The car is attractively finished in pale blue and white, with a surprisingly sporty two-tone interior, giving it something of the appearance of a toy Lancia Aurelia. While it may have been repainted in the past, it appears original in many respects, and it would be ideal to drive and enjoy.