World War Two changed many things around the world, and motoring was certainly one of them.  For example, German manufacturer Heinkel had to look for new activities at the end of the conflict as it was no longer allowed to make aircraft.

Heinkel made its little Kabine from 1956 to 1958 and joined Messerschmitt, BMW and ISO who were all thinking along the same lines.  ‘Micro’ or ‘Bubble’ cars became quite popular in the 1950s and 60s due to the fact that many of them could be driven with only a motorcycle license and were able to return very frugal fuel consumption.

The Museum is pleased to announce that significant restoration work has commenced on its Heinkel which normally forms part of the Minis and Micros exhibition and includes substantial repairs to bodywork, replacement of rubber seals and a full respray.  The work is being carried out by Museum staff in our Restoration Centre and overseen by the Collections Department.  Collections Director, Darren Hammond, said:  “Once the car was stripped of paint it was clear there had been light restoration in its past. Replacing rather than repairing the original sheet metal would be the easy thing to do, but the Museum’s policy is one of minimal intervention and the retention of as much original material as possible. This of course requires a higher degree of patience and skill on the part of the Museum’s technicians.”

Check back soon for progress of this exciting work.