The Libelle, an intriguing chapter in the annals of automotive history, was a microcar that epitomized Austrian engineering flair during the early 1950s. Manufactured in Innsbruck by the Libelle Fahrzeugbau- und Vertriebsgesellschaft from 1952 to 1954, this three-wheeled marvel was designed during a time when compact, efficient transportation was beginning to catch the public’s interest across Europe.

Powered by a modest yet capable one-cylinder, two-stroke Rotax engine, the Libelle offered a displacement of 199 cc and an output of 8.5 horsepower, coupled with a four-speed gearbox. Its design and mechanical simplicity reflected the post-war demand for affordable and practical vehicles. Despite its potential, the Libelle saw a limited production run with only about 50 units built, making it a rare collector’s item today.

The legacy of the Libelle lives on primarily through its surviving specimen, proudly displayed at the RRR scooter museum in Eggenburg, Austria. This lone survivor stands as a testament to a fleeting yet fascinating experiment in automotive design and serves as a poignant reminder of Austria’s foray into microcar manufacturing during the post-war era. Today, the story of the Libelle is cherished by classic car enthusiasts and historians alike, celebrating its unique place in the tapestry of automotive history.

Main image via: By <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Buch-t" title="User:Buch-t">Buch-t</a> – <span class="int-own-work" lang="en">Own work</span>, Public Domain, Link

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