For collectors and enthusiasts of microcars, the Spatz Victoria 250 is a must-have piece of automotive history. This beautifully restored example, completed in Germany a few years ago, showcases the charm and uniqueness of one of the rarest microcars ever produced.

Originally designed by Egon Brütsch, the Spatz began its journey as the Brütsch 200 “Spatz” (German for sparrow), a fiberglass-bodied tricycle. However, the initial design, which featured a suspension for the front wheels and a rear wheel mounted directly on the body, proved to be structurally deficient. Test drives revealed serious cracks in the bodywork on rough roads. In 1956, the design was sold to the Bayerische Autowerke GmbH, a company founded by H. Friedrich in collaboration with the Victoria factory in Nuremberg. They produced the car under the name “Victoria 200.” Initially, the car had a 200cc engine and three wheels, similar to the Messerschmitt KR200. The Victoria 200’s fiberglass body resembled a sports car, though its 10 horsepower (7 kW) engine was far too weak to match its sporty looks.

The Spatz evolved into the Victoria 250, a four-wheeled microcar, showing significant improvements over its predecessor. The single-cylinder, two-stroke engine was upgraded to 250cc, providing a bit more power, but still maintaining the microcar’s lightweight and economical nature. The car featured an innovative electromagnetic clutch, which operated at the push of a button, a feature quite advanced for its time. The Spatz Victoria 250 stands out with its fiberglass body and distinctive split window design. While the restoration has preserved its original charm, the non-restored soft top could add a touch of authenticity and character. The car’s bench seat can accommodate two to three people, making it a practical yet stylish vehicle for short trips around town, and the car’s ability to reverse by running the motor backward or simply pushing it adds to its quirky and endearing nature. Find it for sale at €28,500 (today $31,000) here in Druten, Netherlands.