Melkus is not the first small-time car maker to file for bankruptcy in recent past. Last month we reported about Artega and De Tomaso facing a similar fate due to lack of funds. The cars they make are certainly exclusive, but limited numbers also mean they are lot more expensive and hence lose out to main stream manufacturers. This is the reason that Melkus has filed for bankruptcy in a Dresden district court in Germany.
Melkus was revived six years ago by Sepp Melkus, grandson of Peter Melkus who sold their original sports car from 1959 to 1986. The current Melkus RS2000 is actually a tweaked Lotus Elise with gullwing doors producing up to 325bhp and priced around USD 1, 45, 000. The company hoped to sell 25 units annually – but failed, obviously because for that kind of money lot more powerful options are available. Just like Artega, the company is also looking for an investor to restart production and ensure the company remains viable in future.
