Forgotten ONES - The mid-20th century saw a surge in microcar production as engineers sought innovative solutions for affordable, compact transportation. While brands like
BMW and
Heinkel, along with
a series of other German-made microcars, became well-known for their contributions, East Germany also had its own fascinating microcar projects, including the rare and unique
1958 Schubert Prototyp.
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| The Schubert Prototyp was built in 1958 by Herr Schubert, an East German citizen from the city of Hainichen, with only two units ever produced. (Picture from: Mr.Scharroo'sWeird Cars Museum on Flickr) |
There is little information about this microcar, which was built by an East German citizen named
Herr Schubert from Hainichen, this handcrafted vehicle stands out due to its distinct design and engineering choices. The car closely resembles the
Heinkel Kabine 175 Type 153, a popular bubble car of the era, but with its own homemade twist.
Schubert designed the car using
a 350cc two-stroke flat-twin engine sourced from
an IFA BK350 motorcycle. This engine, originally designed for a motorcycle, featured a shaft drive system, an uncommon characteristic that made it well-suited for use in a car.
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| At first glance, the 1958 Schubert Prototyp bears a resemblance to the Heinkel Kabine 175 Type 153. (Picture from: Teilix on Instagram) |
One of the most intriguing aspects of the
Schubert Prototyp 350cc is its unconventional entry system. Instead of having side doors like most cars, the entire front of the vehicle acts as a door, hinged at the bottom. This design, reminiscent of
the Polish Smyk B30 and even the
BMW Isetta 600, presents both charm and challenges. While it maximizes space efficiency, getting in and out of the vehicle can be quite cumbersome.
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| The 1958 Schubert Prototyp features an unconventional entry system, with the entire front of the vehicle serving as a door hinged at the bottom instead of traditional side doors. (Picture from: Mr.Scharroo'sWeird Cars Museum on Flickr) |
Schubert is believed to have built only two of these microcars, making them extremely rare. It's said that one of these examples has been preserved and put on display at the Automuseum Störy in Bockenem, Germany. Despite its obscurity, the Schubert Prototyp 350cc represents a remarkable effort by an unknown individual to create a functional and innovative vehicle in a time of economic constraints.
The existence of this car is a testament to human ingenuity and determination, especially in an era when resources were limited. Though it never entered mass production, the
Schubert Prototyp 350cc remains a fascinating piece of automotive history, showcasing the creativity of microcar enthusiasts in East Germany.
*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MRSCHRROO'S WEIRD CAR MUSEUM ON FLICKR | MICROCAR WORLD ON FACEBOOK ]Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
