microcars + bubblecars
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The Microcar: a safe and comfortable alternative to the family motorcycle combination?
After World War Two, Messerschmitt were prevented from building aircraft so they produced cars to meet the post-war need for cheap and efficient transport. Microcars became a common sight before the arrival of the original Mini in 1959 met the same need much more effectively.
Tandem steering allowed the low front area and narrow body, with the rear tapering like an aeroplane. The acrylic canopy hinged to allow entry, while a handlebar rather than a wheel gave very direct steering. Power came from a single cylinder two-stroke air-cooled engine which could operate in either direction, providing four forward and two reverse gears.
This 1961 Messerschmitt KR200 Cabin Scooter YMW779 is at the Haynes Motor Museum. More than 30,000 KR200s were built between 1955 and 1964.
This great microcar is a Peel Trident from 1965. It weighs just over 90kg and has a small 49cc moped engine with a top speed of 61 kilometers an hour
I usually wouldn't call a car cute but I make an exception for this Messerschmitt KR 200 of 1958. It's a so-called microcar, not much bigger than the bike behind it. The Messerschmitt KR 200 was produced between 1955 and 1964 by a former German aircraft manufacturer (they weren't allowed to produce aircrafts at that time). The KR 200 was quite successful, in 9 years 40000 of these cars were sold. They run on three wheels and reach a maximum speed of 90 km/h (56 mph).
I add another capture in the comments.
I thought this was 'just another' Messerschmitt like the 3 aside it, but the Microcarmuseum says this about it:
In November 1953 the Italian Mi-Val motorcycle company introduced their own version of the Messerschmitt KR-175 initially called the Messerschmitt-Mival.
It was built from parts imported from Germany, but Mi-Val installed their own 171.7cc engine and called it the Mivalino.
It seems production didn't start until the end of 1954 and probably ended in 1955 or 1956.
Very few of these were built and fewer survive, many Microcar enthusiasts are not even aware that the Mivalino was built at all.
About 100 were built, about 8 survive.
I should have taken more photos...
Microcar, made in Germany. This model features a two stroke 250 cc engine and accelerates from 0-50 in just under 30 seconds. It sounds and smells like a large weedwacker and you can see the exhaust coming out of the tailpipe. Not a Porsche or an Audi A8 but it will get you where you are going. Just allow a little extra time. Oh yeah. A sunroof too !!
At the PS.Depot Kleinwagen in Einbeck.
Built with parts from various eastern bloc cars and Jawa motorcycles.
The FMR Tg500 was a sports car built by Fahrzeug- und Maschinenbau GmbH, Regensburg (FMR) from 1958 to 1961. Based on the Messerschmitt Kabinenroller monocoque, which otherwise was a platform for three-wheelers, the Tg500 was a four-wheeled car with a two-stroke straight-two engine. FMR had taken over production of the KR200 from Messerschmitt in 1956. While the KR200 still used the Messerschmitt name and logo, the Tg500 was badged as an FMR (wiki)
The Fuldamobil is a German microcar powered by a 197 cm³ air / blower-cooled single-cylinder 2-stroke engine.
The Oily Rag Run, organized by British car magazine The Automobile, is open for all unrestored classic cars from 1905 till 1965.
In 2023 the start and finish was in Belgium, while the cars crossed the border with France for their lunch break.
Oily Rag Run 2023
Boeschepe (59), France.
Amsterdam, Canta Microcars
Der Canta bildet das Einstiegsmodell in die Fahrzeugkategorie der führerscheinfreien Krankenfahrstühle.
Das Fahrzeug bietet Platz für dich und deine Einkäufe.
Der Canta wird wie ein Moped per Versicherungskennzeichen zugelassen, kostet keine Kfz-Steuer und braucht nicht zum TÜV. Er ist mit einem 4kW Honda Motor ausgestattet.
In Amsterdam habe ich ständig erlebt, dass in diesen kleinen Kisten zwei Personen sitzen und damit überall fahren, wo auch Fahrräder fahren. Also auch auf Radwegen, wo sie mühelos an Radfahrer vorbeiziehen. Was die Geschwindigkeit von Radfahrern, Microcars und Kleinkrafträder betrifft, ist Amsterdam ein verdammt gefährliches Pflaster. Als Fußgänger sollte man seine Augen überall haben.
The Canta is the entry-level model in the vehicle category of patient wheelchairs that do not require a driver's license.
The vehicle offers space for you and your purchases.
Like a moped, the Canta is registered with an insurance license plate, costs no vehicle tax and does not need a TÜV inspection. It is equipped with a 4kW Honda engine.
In Amsterdam, I've always seen two people sitting in these little boxes and riding them wherever bicycles go. So also on cycle paths, where they effortlessly pass cyclists. When it comes to the speed of cyclists, microcars and mopeds, Amsterdam is a damn dangerous place. As a pedestrian you should have your eyes everywhere.
At the Langley Good Times Cruise In 2024 in Aldergrove, Langley, B.C. BMW produced the Isetta between 1956 and 1964. I am pretty sure this is the Isetta 300 model.
This three-wheeler was one of many types of microcar that became popular in the 1950s and 1960s. The Peel P50 was an ultra-light, single-seater powered by a DKW motorcycle engine. There was no reverse on the three-speed gearbox, but the car’s light weight of 130lb (59kg) meant that it could be easily manoeuvred by lifting the rear of the car with the handle provided. The P50 was the world’s smallest production car and the only one to be built in the Isle of Man.
This 1964 Peel P50 Microcar FMP62B is on display at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu.
The Heinkel Kabine was a microcar designed by Heinkel Flugzeugwerke and built by them from 1956 to 1958. Production was transferred under licence to Dundalk Engineering Company in Ireland in 1958. However, the licence was withdrawn shortly afterwards due to poor quality control.[1] Production restarted in 1960, again under licence, under the Trojan 200 name by Trojan Cars Ltd. in the UK, and continued until 1966.[2]
Heinkel Kabines were also assembled under licence by Los Cedros S.A. from 1959 until 1962.[4][5] As Heinkel in Argentina, they were built alongside Studebaker pickups.
The Goggomobil microcar was presented in Autumn 1954 by Hans Glas GmbH, Dingolfing, Bayern. Chief engineer was Karl Dompert.
The Goggomobil T250/T300 series was expanded with the T400 in October 1957.
A second front wiper came late 1956 for model year 1957.
From March 1964 onwards the door hinges of all models were replaced to the front side of the doors (conventional way).
In 1966 the Glas company was bought by BMW, but the production of these microcars remained till 1969.
Note the triangle rear window. It's a very rare option.
247 cc 2 cylinder 2-stroke air-cooled rear engine.
Performance: 13,6 bhp.
460 kg.
Production Goggomobil T250 series: March 1955-June 1969.
Production Goggomobil T250 this version: Late 1956-March 1964.
Old German reg. number (Hansestadt Hamburg).
Scan from original analog photo (Halfweg, April 5, 2025).
Film roll: 06-21.
Hamburg-Ost, July 27, 2006.
© 2006 Sander Toonen Amsterdam/Halfweg | All Rights Reserved
Today's spot.
(Thanks to Willem for the tip).
The Goggomobil microcar was presented in Autumn 1954 by Hans Glas GmbH, Dingolfing, Bayern. Chief engineer was Karl Dompert.
The Goggomobil T250/T300 series was expanded with the T400 in October 1957.
A second front wiper came late 1956 for model year 1957.
From March 1964 onwards the door hinges of all models were replaced to the front side of the door (conventional way).
In 1966 the Glas company was bought by BMW, but the production of these microcars remained till 1969.
247 cc cylinder 2-stroke air-cooled rear engine.
Performance: 13,6 bhp.
440 kg.
Production Goggomobil T-series: March 1955-June 1969.
Production Goggomobil T-250 this version: March 1964-June 1969.
Original first reg. number: June 30, 1967 (estimated).
New Dutch pseudo-historical reg. number: July 29, 2011.
One owner since import.
Apeldoorn, Asselsestraat, April 7, 2025.
© 2025 Sander Toonen Halfweg | All Rights Reserved
The Isetta is an Italian-designed microcar built under license in a number of different countries, including Argentina, Spain, Belgium, France, Brazil, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Because of its egg shape and bubble-like windows, it became known as a bubble car, a name also given to other similar vehicles.
In 1955, the BMW Isetta became the world's first mass-production car to achieve a fuel consumption of 3 L/100 km (94 mpg‑imp; 78 mpg‑US). It was the top-selling single-cylinder car in the world, with 161,728 units sold.
Initially manufactured by the Italian firm Iso SpA, the name Isetta is the Italian diminutive form of Iso, meaning "little Iso"
The Goggomobil microcar was presented in Autumn 1954 by Hans Glas GmbH, Dingolfing, Bayern. Chief engineer was Karl Dompert.
The Goggomobil T250/T300 series was expanded with the T400 in October 1957.
A second front wiper came late 1956 for model year 1957.
From March 1964 onwards the door hinges of all models were replaced to the front side of the doors (conventional way).
In 1966 the Glas company was bought by BMW, but the production of these microcars remained till 1969.
Note the triangle rear window. It's a very rare option.
247 cc 2 cylinder 2-stroke air-cooled rear engine.
Performance: 13,6 bhp.
460 kg.
Production Goggomobil T250 series: March 1955-June 1969.
Production Goggomobil T250 this version: Late 1956-March 1964.
Old German reg. number (Hansestadt Hamburg).
Scan from original analog photo (Halfweg, April 5, 2025).
Film roll: 06-21.
Hamburg-Ost, July 27, 2006.
© 2006 Sander Toonen Amsterdam/Halfweg | All Rights Reserved
The first model of this microcar was the Heinkel Kabine, designed by Heinkel Flugzeugwerke (a German aircraft manufacturing company), and built by them from 1956 to 1958. The fabric sun roof served as an emergency escape hatch should the sole door in front become jammed in a collision.
From 1960 to 1965 the British automobile manufacturer Trojan built Heinkel bubble cars under licence, selling them as the Trojan 200 (you can see the name Trojan in the front). Notice the suitcase in the rear.
Scanned from a 1957 colour slide. These microcars were produced by Hans Glas GmbH in the Bavarian town Dingolfing between 1955 and 1969. Engine size: between 250 and 400 ccm.
Jephcott Micro Project (1987) Engine 350cc 12hp
Micro Car Trike Project - any further information appreciate
The Jephcott Micro is a single seat, enclosed Micro car, this prototype from 1987 was an evolutionary extension of the Tilting Trike of 1980. This trike was more like a production vehicle, and, further, had its pedal-controlled tilt replaced by a n hydraulic controller. This one is 8'5" and has a 350cc 12hp engine, and has a maximum tilt of 25 degrees. Designed and patented by its inventor Edmund F. Jephcott and described as a narrow enclosed motor vehicle has a chassis supported by road-running wheels and a body structure for at least one person mounted so as to be inclinable relative to the median plane of the vehicle and at least a part of the chassis structure, inclination being controlled by driver-operated pedals mounted to the inclinable section of the vehicle and so connected that depression of either pedal causes the vehicle body to tilt towards the same side of the median plane of the vehicle as the depressed pedal.
The vehicle is designed to tilt when in motion for extra stability.
How the pendulum controls the body tilt.
1) In straight line driving the pendulum remains vertical
2) In a right turn the pendulum swings left under centrifugal force, operating the hydraulic spool valve to extend the left cylinder
3) In steady state cornering the pendulum swings in line with the axis of the body and locks the cylinder in position
4) Steering out of a right hand turn causes the pendulum to swing to the right reversing the hydraulic flow
Diolch am 94,977,645 o olygfeydd anhygoel, mae pob un yn cael ei werthfawrogi'n fawr.
Thanks for 94,977,645 amazing views, every one is greatly appreciated
Shot 10.06.2022, at the Atwell Wilson Car Museum, Calne, Wiltshire REF 160-086
600kg load bearing. Between 1993 and 1999 about 600 M19's were manufactured in Slovakia. It was fitted with a small Lombardini diesel and a Skoda gearbox. Some electric versions were also made.
@Technicke Museum Tatra (Koprivnice)
This microcar is known as Vespa 400. It was built in France by ACMA which was a subsidiary of the Italian Piaggio company.
The original design came from Piaggio, which was specialized in scooters and small 3-wheel transporters.
When plans for a small city car became public Fiat, the big monopolist of little cars in Italy, made severe objections. To be able to go through with the plans, Piaggio had to flee to France.
The attractive Vespa 400 became very popular in the late 1950..
See also: www.web-cars.com/Vespa/
393 cc 2 cylinder 2-stroke air-cooled engine.
Max. speed: 90 km/h.
375 kg.
Production Vespa 400: 1957-1961.
See also: www.museoauto.com/il-museo/la-collezione/
Torino (It.), Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile, Corso Unità d'Italia, Aug. 2, 2022.
© 2022 Sander Toonen Halfweg | All Rights Reserved
Today's spot!
The Goggomobil microcar was presented in Autumn 1954 by Hans Glas GmbH, Dingolfing, Bayern. Chief engineer was Karl Dompert.
The Goggomobil T250/T300 series was expanded with the T400 in October 1957.
A second front wiper came late 1956 for model year 1957.
From March 1964 onwards the door hinges of all models were replaced to the front side of the doors (conventional way).
In 1966 the Glas company was bought by BMW, but the production of these microcars remained till 1969.
247 cc 2 cylinder 2-stroke engine.
Performance: 13,6 bhp.
460 kg.
Production Goggomobil T250 series: March 1955-June 1969.
Production Goggomobil TS250 coupe: Spring 1957-June 1969.
Production Goggomobil TS250 this coupé version: 1964-June 1969.
Original first reg. number: June 30, 1964 (estimated).
New Dutch pseudo-historical reg. number: Febr. 18, 1991 (private import).
One owner since import in 1991.
Halfweg, April 5, 2025.
© 2025 Sander Toonen Halfweg | All Rights Reserved
Not a lot of these sans permis microcars seen where we were staying, so it was pleasing to find this one.
When I did a quick Google image search to see what others looked like, one of the first that came up was a photo I took back in 2010 (below).
French microcar with steel frame and fiberglass body.
Engine is a 276cc Diesel with a CVT transmission.
Speed is limited to 45 km/h
This Inter 175 A is a rare microcar: only 300 units were built from which approximately about 38 vehicles have survived.
This 3-wheeler was built by the French company SNCAN (Société Nationale de Construction Aéronautique du Nord) at Villeurbanne near Lyon.
It was presented at the 1953 Paris Salon.
This 175 A is part of the collection of Musée Henri Malartre.
See also: www.musee-malartre.com/malartre/sections/fr/le_musee_et_v...
And please take a look at this sympathetic Inter Microcar blog: intermicrocar.blogspot.com
175 cc 2-stroke mono-cylinder air-cooled engine.
Production Inter 175 A: 1954-1956.
Original old French reg. number: 1955 (Bas-Rhin).
Number seen: 1.
Rochetaillée-sur-Saône (Northern suburbs of Lyon, Rhône, Fr.), Rue du Musée, Aug. 4, 2019.
© 2019 Sander Toonen Amsterdam | All Rights Reserved