We find the HMV Freeway to be among the most interesting microcars – so much so that we have featured two before (in 2013 and 2014). We call this a ‘second wave’ microcar. The first wave came in the late 1940s through the early 1960s and sprung up as affordable transportation in war-torn Europe. The second wave was a response to the first 1970s fuel crisis. Anyone familiar with the might-make-production Elio will recognize some aspects of this concept, so you might say a third wave could happen, but regulations make it much more difficult.
This tiny one-seater was made for MPG and utilized a 0.5-liter, 16HP engine. Laugh if you must, but there were some euro cars making a lot less than that twenty years before this, and this probably weighs a lot less. These little cars have always been intriguing, and the two wheels in front mean they should at least provide a stable driving experience when compared to typical trikes. Of course, a Reliant Robin offers much more interior space, so choose your poison!
The seller claims this car has had a thorough mechanical freshening. The engine is a Tecumseh single cylinder (think big lawnmower engine), and parts are supposedly readily available. If the condition is at it appears and the work was done well, the asking price isn’t too far off, given recent moves in the microcar market, although it’s worth pointing out that most of the record-setting prices seen at the Bruce Weiner auction involved “Gen 1” microcars.
Devon, PA, USA
$7,499 Buy-it-Now with offers considered
The looks are rather ‘original.’ The design minimized drag via minimal frontal area. Elio is planning the same, but adding utility by way of a tandem rear seat.
Okay, this is original from any angle!
Other side is the same, minus cutouts for door opening. Note that we don’t call this the passenger side.
Rear is amazingly skinny. Fortunately, these always seem to be in bright colors, which should help with visibility. We’d consider one of those bicycle strobes! Note the opening hatch.
Steering wheel is actually rather sporty and the car does have a radio. Actually, it has two, if you count the CB on the right!
The interior is rather spartan, as one would expect. Colin Chapman would approve!
Ad text:
1980 High Mileage Vehicles (HMV)
“Freeway”
ONLY 11,200 MILES
How many collector’s cars do you know that get 70 MPG!
Powered by a 453cc 16 hp Tecumseh single-cylinder engine.
Capable of 70MPG* with a top speed of 65 mph! (*manufacturer “guarantee”).
Electric Start.
12 Volt System.
Hydraulic Drum Brakes.
Steel tube frame with fiberglass body.
Currently titled, inspected and tagged as a “motorcycle” in Pennsylvania. VERY inexpensive insurance (less than $100/year).
Standard drivers license is all that’s required to drive it.
Completely street legal.
Engine parts are available from most tractor and Small engine shops.
Other parts such as brakes etc can be purchased at Napa.
Available to be test-driven/inspected locally prior to purchase.
Frame-off overhaul includes but is not limited to:
New Tires
New front/rear shoes
Resurfaced drums (front)
New front wheel cylinders
New rear shocks
Rebuilt fuel pump
Fabricated aluminum fuel cell (approx 5 gallons)
Rebuilt carburetor
$500 Non-refundable deposit due within 24 hours of purchase
Available for local pick-up OR domestic shipping (Buyer pays ALL shipping costs)