This 1963 Velorex 16/175 is a motorcycle-engined, tube-framed, stretched-vinyl-bodied, Czech-built car designed as economic transportation for those unable to afford a more conventional model. BaT has featured Velorex cars before, and though reportedly somewhat unpleasant to drive, we can’t help but be intrigued by their strange engineering and functional “styling”. Find this one here on eBay with reserve not met.

Though listed as being in Naples, Florida, the seller goes on to note that the car will be delivered there once reserve is met. The car’s current location is undisclosed, but the modern Renault soft-roader suggests Europe. Bodywork is by vinyl stretched over a welded tube frame, fastened with turnbuckles. Interestingly, Velorex had its start building motorcycle sidecars, a business which it still remains involved with under the name Velorexport.

The interior is a standard microcar affair with a small, approximately 1.5 person-wide bench seat, single wiper motor and a speedometer. It looks like that wheel would be right up against one’s chest while driving.

Power comes from a ČZ-built 175cc two-stroke, air-cooled single good for 8.5 HP, routed through a chain drive to the single rear wheel via an integrated 4-speed gearbox.

The seller says it runs and drives perfectly, adding that the vehicle remains in very good condition overall. Are there any Eastern European readers with Velorex driving experience out there? We’d love to hear your thoughts.