Small but perfectly formed
We’re all guilty of ‘ooohing’ and ‘aaahing’ over the headline lots at classic car auctions, but dig a little deeper and you can find some enchanting vehicles.
The RM Sotheby’s auction in Indiana on 23-24 October is a case in point. The Elkhart Collection is one person’s incredible, 240-plus car collection, as well as automobilia, and it’s not short of mouth-watering items – we’re talking a Jaguar XJ220, a Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, a Lamborghini Miura… you get the picture.
What’s more, they are being sold almost entirely without reserve.
But there are also a great many quirky, cute, seldom-seen and, in many cases, diminutive classics, so here we’ve bundled them together for you to enjoy – prepare to be charmed!
1. 1961 Piaggio Vespa 400 (est: $25-30,000)
You don’t get much brighter or smaller than this! And, yes, that is Piaggio as in the scooter manufacturer.
This four-wheel, two-seat, classic microcar, with its yellow exterior, whitewall tyres, and attractive grey-and-cream-trimmed cabin, won’t blow you away with its power – its rear-mounted engine is just 400cc – but you can’t deny that it is chock-full of character.
2. 1970 Honda N600 (est: $15-20,000)
There’s a mighty 598cc, air-cooled ‘twin’ powering this petit Japanese classic, from the first year that Honda motor cars were imported to the US.
Restored two decades ago by marque experts, it still looks tidy, with a smart, black interior and well-polished chromework – well, it has done fewer than 60,000 miles.
3. 1965 Griffith Series 200 (est: $80-100,000)
Now this is seriously pretty – and pretty serious, too. Why? It is the only Griffith delivered with a Ford 260 V8. Plus, it was the third factory development car and was used as a test platform by the US TVR importer.
All of which means it is also pretty potent! Remember, it has TVR’s glassfibre body…
Its second owner hung onto it for an amazing 50 years and it’s always been kept in sound, running condition. Usefully, it will be sold with some spares.
4. 1961 Renault 4CV Jolly (est: $60-80,000)
It’s another classic where we’re struggling to remember when we last saw one. Styled by Ghia and based on Renault’s rear-engined, 21bhp 4CV, only 50 were made and this is believed to be one of around 20 survivors.
If you like fresh-air motoring with tassels above you and wicker beneath, then look no further – it appears to be in fantastic condition, too.
5. 1966 Austin Mini Moke (est: $20-25,000)
In a similar vein, but more familiar to most people, is this Moke, a factory left-hand-drive, North American export model.
Great for sunny weather, we love its yellow finish, but are a little less certain about the American Racing wheels fitted. Still, each to their own.
6. 1960 Fiat-Abarth 750GT (est: $80-100,000)
Wearing Zagato’s distinctive ‘double bubble’ body, at 60 years young, this Fiat-Abarth is as desirable as ever – and, like most cars in this auction, it is being offered without reserve.
Rally-ready and well maintained, this example has done just over 31,000 miles and we love its Campagnolo cast wheels.
7. 1958 Messerschmitt KR201 Roadster (est: $50-75,000)
We doubt you’re too surprised to find one of these microcars in here – and it is not the only example we’re featuring. But this car is rather distinctive…
Not only is it a limited-run convertible, but its features include snakeskin and cream details in the cosy cabin plus, as you can see, a dazzling turquoise finish.
8. 1961 AMC Metropolitan 1500 Convertible (est: $40-60,000)
You’ll probably know this better as the Nash Metropolitan and it’s bigger than some of the ‘tiddlers’ in this list, but by no means is it a huge car.
Finished in what we think is a very attractive Autumn Yellow over Frost White, teamed with a houndstooth interior, if you’re after a ‘Met’, this must be one of the best – it has been the subject of a specialist restoration and was awarded Best of Show at a Metropolitan Owners’ Club international meet.
9. 1957 Iso Isettacarro (est: $20-25,000)
Is this the world’s cutest pick-up? Quite possibly! From its beautiful blue body to its charming wooden rear, it’s hard to believe that this ‘stake-bed’ Isetta is largely original – it still has the steering wheel it left the factory with.
That factory was actually in Madrid, where these were built under licence. This vehicle also used to be an exhibit at the Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum.
10. 1965 Citroën 2CV Sahara (est: $80-100,000)
This isn’t the smallest of our picks, but it is still rare – especially in the US where it is being sold – and it could achieve a higher hammer price than many. Although it is being offered with no reserve.
These lesser-seen, twin-engined 2CVs aren’t commonplace and even less so Stateside. It is thought that this Desert Sand example was part of a collection in Mexico. Restored a while back, its current owner has given the interior some TLC and it is reportedly a very tidy car.
11. 1953 Austin A40 Somerset Coupé (est: $50-60,000)
Again, not one of our tinier picks, but another you won’t see often. Designed to have more US appeal than its Devon predecessor, despite clearly having a folding roof, it was called a Coupé and its body was made by Carbodies of Coventry.
Described as being ‘sympathetically restored with an eye toward period correctness’, this is thought to be one of fewer than 100 survivors.
12. 1958 Fiat 600 Multipla (est: $35-45,000)
Need a people carrier but don’t want to take up lots of space on the road? You’re sorted with this Sand Beige and White Multipla.
This clever little Fiat with bench seats front and rear, and its 633cc four-cylinder engine out back, might look more like a minivan than a saloon, but it is a bona fide classic nonetheless.
13. 1958 Goggomobil TL-250 Transporter (est: $50-75,000)
Here’s another sweet-looking utilitarian classic – albeit one with just a single seat. Many were used by the German postal service and this is another from this collection that was once shown in the Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum.
As well as the eye-catching finish and cheeky looks, we love the ‘duck-board’ style flooring, its simple, yellow-painted dashboard, the exterior sunvisor and twin rear barn doors.
14. 1956 Messerschmitt KR200 (est: $50-75,000)
From ‘Dubble Bubble’ to bubble car and our second Messerschmitt.
RM Sotheby’s says it is ‘nicely restored’, and in a model that’s typically low on extras, this one has a luggage rack, a clock and a Blaupunkt radio. It is even inscribed with designer Fritz Fend’s signature.
15. 1963 Auto Union 1000 S Coupé (est: $30-40,000)
Small-scale luxury is the order of the day with this Auto Union. Front-wheel drive and with a 981cc, three-cylinder engine delivering 50hp, it won’t set the world alight, but you’ll certainly turn heads for all the right reasons.
The sober grey exterior is nicely set off by its red interior, while the vertical speedometer is an eye-catching feature.
16. 1966 Amphicar 770 (est: $60-80,000)
If you like your classics to be versatile, then this diminutive lot in this month’s RM Sotheby’s Elkhart Collection sale certainly fits the bill.
Yes, it is an Amphicar and apparently has been tested successfully in a lake on multiple occasions. But whether you like your thrills in-water or on-land, with this vehicle you can enjoy relaxing on its crisp white seating, taking in the view from over the slender steering wheel, all powered by a Triumph ‘four’.
17. 1970 Subaru 360 ‘police car’ (est: $20-25,000)
This might be one of our favourite classic cars in this collection – it’s quirky, it’s a headturner and we love it!
The dinky 360 was Subaru’s first motor car and used glassfibre to keep weight down, in accordance with Japan’s kei car regulations. This example wears New Zealand Ministry of Transport livery and comes with a siren, police hats and a light bar, however its tiny, rear-mounted, air-cooled two-cylinder engine means you might have a hard time keeping up with criminals.
18. 1957 BMW Isetta 300 (est: $35-45,000)
This is a more conventional microcar – if such a thing exists – and it is a multiple concours d’elegance winner, too, no less.
A sliding-window example with a factory sunroof, this Isetta was delivered new to the USA and in 2011 had the eyes of the world on it at the New York International Auto Show.
19. Baby Bugatti Type 52 replica (est: $10-15,000)
While some of the classics we’ve highlighted here might appear to only be big enough to accommodate children, this car actually is – although don’t expect a pocket-money price-tag.
A replica of the famous Baby Bugatti, this child-sized classic still offers all the charm and character of the original, in that distinctive blue colour scheme.
20. 1958 Zündapp Janus 250 (est: $40-50,000)
If by now you don’t know whether you’re coming or going, then you’ve got something in common with this classic – its front and rear doors make it hard to know which way it is going. Indeed, it was named after the Roman god Janus who is often depicted with two heads, facing opposite directions.
Not a sales success in period, today it’s a quirky piece of microcar history, with a 248cc engine that the auction house says delivers an ‘ample 14hp’.
21. 1947 Fiat 500 A (est: $25-30,000)
This iconic Italian city car still charms today and might surprise you by how much space there is inside.
Being sold with no reserve, this so-called Topolino’s black exterior contrasts with its cream-trimmed seats, and it has a sliding fabric sunroof, too.
22. 1967 Wolseley Hornet MkIII ‘Buzz Box’ (est: $25-30,000)
This is one of the more distinctive lots in this Indiana sale due to its paintwork alone – plus, it is also race-ready, with a bucket seat and harness, a rollcage, a stripped-out cabin, and a fuel cell and battery in the boot.
A right-hand-drive example that was sold new to the British market, it’s powered by a 1293cc ‘four’, which in this company makes it some kind of small-scale supercar!
23. 1948 Crosley CC Four (est: $40-60,000)
This ‘Happy Wagon’ is a classic that is sure to make you smile – especially when you note its ‘I Scream’ numberplate.
From the branding to the blue-wicker seats, the red-faced dials, and the striped and tasselled fabric roof, this is a loving recreation built in tribute to the 12 used in-period by Mr Happy of Erie, Pennsylvania, using patterns from an original example.
It even comes with fridges, ice-cream scoops, bells and a vendor’s uniform.
24. 1970 Fiat 850 Sport Coupé (est: $20-25,000)
We couldn’t overlook the sleek lines of this Fiat coupé which may not be small when set alongside some of the other cars in this incredible collection, but is doubtless a sweet classic.
Powered by a 903cc, rear-mounted ‘four’, the green exterior sits well with the brown-red interior, where you’ll also find a wood-rimmed steering wheel in this left-hand-drive example.
25. 1959 Goggomobil TS-250 Coupé (est: $25-35,000)
There can’t be many car collections that have more than one Goggomobil, and having already showcased a commercial example, here’s its pretty, petit coupé sibling – what’s more, the auction house describes this as ‘one of the most original, unmolested Goggomobils’.
It was exhibited at its supplying dealer, Goggo-Hetzer of Charlottenburg, in Berlin, for a quarter of a century and other than a partial repaint and plating, it is exactly as it rolled off the Dingolfing production line.
26. 1970 Fiat 850 Spiaggetta (est: $60-80,000)
If the Renault 4CV Jolly and Austin Mini Moke we checked out earlier are too conventional when it comes to small, summertime runabouts, how about this?
‘Spiaggetta’ translates as ‘little beach’ and again you get a fabric roof and wicker seats, but this Fiat takes it up a gear with a wicker-covered dashboard, a storage cubby made of the same material, plus wooden slats lining the doors.
Designed by Michelotti and believed to be one of 80 built, you’re unlikely to see another on your seaside jaunt.
27. 1960 Lloyd LS 600 Kombi (est: $35-45,000)
This minibus by German manufacturer Lloyd might be a snug fit for its occupants, and rather steady fully laden thanks to its 596cc four-stroke engine, but it’s loaded with period charm.
Its blue body and white roof are complemented by the blue-and-white chequered seats. Plus, it’s not just the exterior that carries ‘Pan American World Airways’ branding – it is going to auction with some Pan Am memorabilia, too.
28. 1972 Honda Z600 Coupé (est: $15-20,000)
Another Japanese kei car, hence its dinky proportions, this example has the bigger two-cylinder, air-cooled engine, but of course all things are relative – the single-overhead camshaft unit is still just 598cc.
Undeniably cute and a city-friendly classic, it has been the subject of a high-quality restoration and appears in excellent order, inside and out.
29. 1973 Volkswagen Type 181 Thing (est: $20-25,000)
Has one collection ever had so many ‘beach-car’-style items in it? But this, our fourth pick, is probably one of the most familiar.
Derived from a military vehicle, its doors are interchangeable, and if you really want to feel the wind in your hair, you can fold the windscreen flat and completely remove the roof.
A classic slice of utilitarian chic, it is powered by a 1600cc four-cylinder engine.
30. Studebaker pedal car (est: $2-3000)
No, you can’t get a Studebaker for just a few grand, but you can if you’re after one for the kids or grandkids to enjoy in the garden.
This sweet example by Giordani with its slender aeroscreen and black steering wheel could be just the ticket for Christmas 2020 for the pint-sized petrolhead in your life.
31. 1965 Fiat-Abarth 595 (est: $20-30,000)
The Fiat 500 needs no introduction to fans of compact classics and this hot Abarth 595 takes it up a gear.
This is a genuine, Abarth-built example that earlier in its life was restored to carry a period racing livery. It still presents well, its red-and-white-trimmed cabin looking sharp and bright, the rear bench seemingly never sat on. Plus, it heads to auction accompanied by a copy of its Italian Certificato Cronologico.
32. 1960 FMR Tg 500 ‘Tiger’ (est: $150-250,000)
We’ve already thrown the spotlight on two Messerschmitts in the RM Sotheby’s Elkhart Collection auction on 23-24 October 2020, but this third example is by far the most special – which accounts for its far higher pre-sale estimate.
One of about 150 known survivors from 320 built, this is one of the cars that the Messerschmitt Kabinenroller designer Fritz Fend produced independently via his own company. With four wheels it is better balanced, plus it features adjustable rear suspension.
The ultimate classic microcar? It’s definitely one of the fastest – it can hit 78mph and its seat has been suitably modified to better support its driver at such heady speeds.
33. 1959 Autobianchi Bianchina Trasformable (est: $30-40,000)
We’re back with the car we opened this list with and we think you’ll agree that Autobianchi’s Fiat 500-based city car is an awfully pretty proposition.
A wind-in-your-hair classic that’s not quite the full-on roadster of its Cabriolet sibling, its black fabric roof is matched by an apparently pristine black interior.
Well, this car has been the subject of what appears to be a fine restoration, so we suspect that its rear-mounted, 479cc, air-cooled, two-cylinder engine goes very well, too.
34. Austin J40 pedal car (est: $3-5000)
We make no apologies for including this in our pick from this absolutely colossal collection – after all, it is the most famous pedal car of them all.
Its red finish and white steering wheel are just charming, and it even wears a scaled-down RAC badge.
But, of course, it’s not just small and quirky classics in this huge RM Sotheby’s sale. Check out the full Elkhart Collection catalogue – the auction takes place on 23-24 October 2020.