The Weirdest Microcar Ever Wears A Bowtie And Top Hat Without Shame

This bizarre microcar with a magician-themed design and tiny engine will be auctioned from a famed collection this fall

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Tiny, quirky cars have always fascinated enthusiasts, but few are as delightfully odd as the Cyclops II. What began as a fictional design in a 1957 satirical piece by cartoonist Stan Mott for Road & Track was soon made real by the magazine itself. Since then, several replicas have been built, each one embracing the car’s playful absurdity. On September 21st, one of these rare examples will cross the auction block.

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This Cyclops II is being sold as a part of Larry Klairmont’s expansive car collection and has a unique finish inspired by a tuxedo-wearing magician. As such, the lower part of the body is finished in black, while the upper half is painted in white. There’s then a red pinstripe running around the exterior and a large red bowtie up front. The microcar even wears a top hat.

Small Size, Big Personality

The Cyclops makes a BMW Isetta seem like a Rolls-Royce. This tiny microcar sits on miniature wheels with white shrouds, and it doesn’t even look like it would be drivable. However, it is fully operational and has a cabin just big enough for two occupants, though only if they sit in a posture best describe as an upright fetal position.

Under the tiny bodywork sits a chain-driven, single-cylinder Briggs & Stratton engine producing just 6.5 horsepower. While the original Cyclops II could reportedly reach speeds up to 20 mph (32 km/h), this example may be a bit slower. Between the top hat and bowtie, the added aerodynamic drag might be more than the engine can manage.

Mecum Auctions

Compact but Crowd-Pleasing

According to Mecum Auctions, this Cyclops II measures just 52 inches tall, 48 inches long, and 38 inches wide. Despite its size, the car has made appearances at events like the Rallye Monte Carlo and the US Grand Prix at Watkins Glen, proving that charm sometimes outweighs practicality.

Nearly 300 vehicles from Klairmont’s collection will go up for auction this September through Mecum. You can view the full listing on their website over here.

Mecum Auctions