Hans Glas, of Bavaria, accomplished what the majority of 1950s microcar manufacturers could only dream of: the large-scale production of a popular small-scale car. Over 174,548 examples of his Goggomobil T250 were produced, which is a wildly successful number for a manufacturer of any one type of motorized vehicle. While the model’s evolution over the years was mostly limited to cosmetic upgrades, a larger 400-cubic centimeter engine was eventually made available.

Oddly, it was the fun and peppy Goggomobil moniker that proved problematic when it came to selling in foreign markets. Unfortunately, in French, “goggo” was a slang term used to refer to an unwanted item, and Glas definitely wanted the French to buy his little car. As a result, the tiny German Goggomobils built for French-speaking markets were dubbed “Isards.”

The Isard offered here is the more powerful TS400, 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 red with a white roof over a matching, and surprisingly sporty, red interior with white piping over black carpeting, giving it something of the appearance of a diminutive Lancia Aurelia.

With plenty of room for one’s friends and family, this beautifully restored Isard 400 would be a huge hit wherever it goes.