SCHUCO "Examico 4001" Prestige Reissue Circa 1989

A Witness to European History

Galerie Popincourt presents a masterpiece of late 20th-century mechanical culture: the Examico 4001 roadster automaton, produced by the renowned German firm Schuco. This example, reissued in the late 1980s, holds a unique historical and geopolitical dimension: its chassis bears the original lithographed inscription "Made in Western Germany." Produced in the final moments of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) just before reunification, this now-obsolete marking makes it a highly sought-after collector's item.
The Erudition of a Name: The Miniature Driving School Car
Schuco's choice of the name "Examico" is no coincidence. Derived from the Latin roots *Examinare* (to examine, to put to the test) and *Amicus* (friend), it translates literally as "the exam companion." Originally designed in the 1930s as a true tool for playful pedagogy, the Examico was conceived as a miniature driving school car. Its active gearbox and precise steering allowed future drivers to take their first "driving test" at home in an interactive way.

Extraordinary Mechanical Complexity

A tribute to the aerodynamic lines of the legendary 1930s BMW 328 roadster.
The Examico 4001 is a true demonstration of micro-engineering.
4-Speed H-pattern Gearbox: A real gear lever allows for shifting on the fly, actively changing the automaton's torque and linear speed.
Reverse Gear & Brake: Equipped with a fully operational reverse gear (R) and a mechanical handbrake lever.
Active Steering: The chrome steering wheel controls the front axle.

Collector's Condition (New Old Stock)

This example is offered in museum-grade condition, preserved from the passage of time since its manufacture. The lacquered bodywork shows no chips or micro-scratches, the chrome is sparkling, and the original rubber tires have suffered no deformation. The spring motor has never been forced, and its power reserve is at its maximum. The item is sold complete in its original packaging (box and series-correct protective sleeve).

Galerie POPINCOURT's Opinion

What makes this Examico 4001 masterful is the convergence of automotive aesthetics, industrial kinematics, and grand History. This deep burgundy is highly elegant, but it is the underside of the chassis, bearing the seal of a now-vanished West Germany, that thrills the collector. The mechanical experience remains intact: shifting into third gear on the tiny dashboard lever and seeing the car's pace change instantly is a pure design pleasure. An integrated display piece, complete and preserved in clinical condition.

Information

Manufacturer: Schuco (Nuremberg).
Model: Examico 4001 (Inspired by the original 1939 design).
Origin: West Germany (Original "Made in Western Germany" marking in gold lettering on the chassis).
Period: Circa 1988 - 1989.
Materials: Formed and lacquered sheet steel body, lithographed chassis, rubber tires.
Functions: 4-speed gearbox + reverse, steerable wheel, handbrake.
Condition: Concours condition (New Old Stock), mechanics rigorously tested and fully operational.
Dimensions: Length: 14.5 cm | Width: 5.5 cm
Included: Delivered complete with its original box, manual, key, and protective sleeve

Contents of Shipment

SCHUCO Automaton Roadster "Examico 4001"