We don’t know about you, but we weren’t aware of the existence of this microcar, which was probably created to compete with the Isetta.

The basic design is indeed identical: four wheels, a two-stroke engine, and front access are the main features that characterized the Italian microcar and were clearly borrowed from this Zundapp, a factory that, among other things, specialized in building motorcycles. According to Wikipedia, this car was developed based on the prototype of another microcar, the Dornier Delta. The car was powered by a mid-mounted two-stroke, single-cylinder, 245 cubic centimeters (15.0 cu in) engine unique to the Janus, developing 14 hp (10 kW), enabling a top speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).

The name Janus wasn’t chosen randomly; in fact, the Greek god was two-faced, characterized by two faces looking in opposite directions. Similarly, this small car, in addition to having a palindrome exterior appearance, also has rear-facing rear seats: a rather peculiar solution. However, only 6,900 of these cars were produced before the factory closed. The car is not in concours condition but is certainly in very good shape and would undoubtedly make a fine impression wherever it is driven. Find it for sale at €28,500 here in Mönchweiler, Germany.