The emergence of micro car is a testament to the creativity and innovation of the European engineers and mechanics. With the limitations of raw materials, production machinery, even workers, they are able to make the small cars as favorite transport in the 1950s to 1960s.
Bubble cars to symbolize the spirit of the European nations in the history of the automotive world after World War II. Micro car is a vehicle that is classified into a small car, even smaller than a city car. If you want to know briefly about European micro cars in the past. Here are 5+1 classic European micro cars, which are summarized from various sources;
6. Scootacar Mk I
Scoootacar is a micro car that uses three wheels are made in Hunslet, Leeds, by Scootacar Ltd. in 1957 and 1968. Scootacar is a division of UK manufacturer of railway lines, Hunslet Engine Company. Scootacar born from a simple desire Hunslet director's wife. She dreamed of a parked vehicle easier than her Jaguar. And then the dream began to be designed by Henry Brown, who is also a mechanic of the Villiers company.
Slowly but surely, Henry Brown uses 2-stroke single cylinder of Villiers engine with a capacity of 197 cc, and then paired with a body made of fiber glass. Micro car is also popular with the "phone booth" realize the dream of the director's wife will be an easy car was parked. Though cute, this British-made micro car can be driven up to 89 kph and produces 8.5 hp of power.
5. BMW Isetta 600
In the mid 1950s, Europe was startled by the presence of city cars like Fiat and NSU Prinz. In fact, micro car only be an option for the middle class. For this reason, BMW answered the challenge with the BMW Isetta 600 or BMW 600 launched in 1958. Micro car uses double cylinder, 582 cc engine and has a size longer than the previous series, BMW Isetta which is 2.7 meters.
BMW 600 is a micro car with a capacity of four passengers. Uniquely, the front panel can be opened like a door hinge. Do not be surprised if the two passengers entered from its side door, while the driver of the front of car.
The BMW innovation and efficiency was seen in the use of R67 motorcycle engines, so the car coould reach a peak speed of 103 kph with 26 hp of power. Its machine was placed in the back, like a VW Beetle.
4. Zündapp Janus
In the era of World War I and II, Zündapp was known as the established German motorcycle manufacturer. However, after World War II, thought to Zündapp began producing four-wheeled vehicle. Zündapp was answered with the Janus launch in 1957 and 1958. Micro car made in Nürnberg is a reliable micro car driven in various seasons.
Already a Zündapp excellence for producing of 2-stroke engines, including those attached to Janus. By using the engine capacity of 245 cc, Janus can be driven up to 80 kph and produces 14 hp of power. The uniqueness of the Zündapp Janus was the passenger entrance door mounted in front and rear of the car.
3. Heinkel Kabine 175 Type 153
The Heinkel Kabine was a microcar advised by Heinkel Flugzeugwerke and congenital by them from 1956 to 1958. Production was transferred beneath licence to Dundalk Engineering Company in Ireland in 1958 but the licence was aloof anon afterwards due to poor superior control.
Production restarted in 1960, afresh beneath licence, beneath the Trojan 200 name by Trojan Cars Ltd. in the UK, and connected until 1966. The Heinkel Kabine, which, let’s be honest, shares some similarities with the Isetta, was made began in March 1956 with the Kabine Model 150, application the 174 cc 9.2 hp single-cylinder four-stroke engine that powered the Heinkel Tourist scooter.
This particular model, the 174 cc single-cylinder (there were larger version offered as well) was on sale from 1956-1957. It makes 9 horsepower and will do 54 mph. Yes, it is a four-wheeler, with the rear two wheels sitting right next to each other. This one has a targa removable roof, which is cool.
2. BMW Isetta 'Bubble Window' Cabrio
Isetta is an Italian licensed micro car that made in some large countries such as Spain, Belgium, France, Germany, England, and Brazil. The bubble name taken from the oval shape of window and body that resembles an egg.
The Isetta Unique and simple design which make the major automotive company in Germany trying to get the license design. BMW Isetta was first mass produced in 1955 and was recorded as the world's most demand single cylinder car at that time. Isetta is a testament of the BMW revival after World War II ended.
BMW Isetta is the popular family micro car in 1956 and 1957. An economical solution when the oil crisis hit Europe due to the lack of supply of the Suez Canal. BMW made bubble cars uses 4 stroke, 297 cc engine, which can generate power of 13 hp, with fuel consumption that is quite economical i.e. 3 liter per 100 km. Micro car has a sunroof and four manual transmission can be driven up to 85 kph.
1. Julien MM5
Julien is a French car manufacturer, which is established in 1946 or one year after World War II ended. The Paris based Société des Études Automobiles M. A. Julien presented its first prototype in 1946 and automaking activities came to an end in 1949, probably without any of the developments having progressed beyond the prototype stage. Do not want to miss with its neighboring countries, Julien represents the French automobile manufacturer then launched the Julien MM5 in 1947.
Julien MM5 is the open-topped two-seater micro car and powered by a single-cylinder two-stroke engine of 310 cc which for 1947 was increased to 325 cc with a maximum power output of 10 hp. Julien MM5 is one micro car that has an elegant design, with a canvas roof that can be opened. Car with almost no angle on the body.
This engine is stored in the back of the body so that the hood serves as luggage. However, 1949 was the company’s last year as an aspiring auto-maker. And finally the micro cars are the European automotive revival after World War II. Came with a simple design, cute and adorable, and acted as a medication to relieve the war trauma. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GALIH PAKUAN | PIKIRAN RAKYAT 22112013]
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