Italian title

Frame no. 30422 Engine no. 30422

- Licensed version of the Messerschmitt KR 175

- Very rare model

- Well-preserved old restoration

- No reserve

 

In the aftermath of the Second World War, aircraft manufacturer Messerschmitt, unable to continue its business, turned to the production of a microcar, the KR 175. In Italy, the Brescia-based company Mi-Val (Metalmeccanica Italiana Valtrompia), which had started producing small motorbikes in 1950, decided to buy Messerschmitt's manufacturing licence, giving rise to the Mivalino, which was unveiled at the 1953 Milan Motor Show. Identical to the German version with its fuselage bodywork, two tandem seats, and roof that tipped to the side to allow access, it was powered by an Italian 172 cm3 two-stroke engine and saw only limited production, estimated at around one hundred examples.

 

The Mivalino in the Panini collection has only had three registered owners and underwent a past restoration that has stood the test of time. It was first registered in the Aosta region on 24 October 1957 and still bears the original number plate: 9415 AO. It was withdrawn from circulation in 1987 and then restored. Bright red in colour, it appears complete, with its badges and accessories as well as its original dashboard instruments, i.e. speedometer and gear indicator: as the gearbox is sequential, as on a motorbike, the lever returns to its initial position after each gear change, reverse gear being initiated by the engine restarting in reverse. Both seats have been reupholstered in black imitation leather with red piping, and this model has a special roof: instead of a transparent 'bubble' or opaque hardtop, it features a detachable soft top stretched over a steel frame. Another special feature is a windscreen wiper fixed to the roof, which is not available on the 'bubble' versions. At the rear, the bonnet lifts away to reveal the Mi-Val motorbike engine and gearbox, however, the spare wheel is missing.

As well as drawing admiring and astonished looks as it passes, this Mivalino is particularly interesting on account of its extreme rarity. Bruce Weiner's famous collection of microcars in the United States included one that fetched a particularly high price at the museum's sale in 2013. This example from the Panini collection is sure to interest collectors attracted by its originality.

Photos © G. Rizotto