MINUTIA - Microcars & Minicars

Remembering HOOP

2011-10-07T12:51:00.003-04:00

Artist, "Art Car" designer, Mini/microcar aficionado, and co-editor of this blog -- Steve "HOOP" Hooper passed away on September 22, 2011 after a battle with cancer.

Hoop was a person you couldn't miss, overlook, or forget. His art will be remembered -- and some of it will continue driving around.

His last interview, for AOL Auto News, can be seen at:
Artist Behind Coolest Car Sculptures Ever Faces Life's Greatest Challenge

And, to see some of his work, go to Hoop's website:
HOOPMOBILES from the mind of HOOP

He will be missed.

Three Berkeleys Charge up Kop Hill

2011-09-27T09:19:00.002-04:00

Check out this video of three Berkeleys taking their runs up Kop Hill. It's a "non-competitive" hillclimb, but they seem to be making a run of it. (It's great to see the reactions of the crowd.)

Microcar im Schnee mit Stadtpelz

2011-05-03T16:28:00.003-04:00

I'll have to admit, I don't know where I got this image -- but, it's pretty cool. (Actually, it's pretty cold, judging by the man in the Stadtpelz.)
This is a signed photo -- printed from the negative to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the car.

Can you tell me what the car is and where it's from?

Getting Around - Italian Style

2011-04-21T19:20:00.003-04:00

Bumped into this little Fiat wagon on a street corner in Rome.

The streets are full of Fiat 500's -- mostly the new ones, but the old models are still around in pretty good numbers. The streets of Rome are made for small cars -- no room, no rules, and no parking. I don't understand how the bigger cars can get around.

1957 St. Simons Cup

2011-03-31T07:00:00.006-04:00

Not sure exactly where this one came from, but there is a small trophy that's been collecting dust in my office for the past few years.

On the bottom of its plastic (or maybe it's Bakelite) base is the name of the maker -- "Trophies for Champions, by F.N. Noble & Company, Chicago, No. 62".

But, the more interesting information is on the small brass plaque. It is inscribed, "1957 St. Simons Cup, Second H Modified".

Can anyone out there tell me where this race was run?

Better yet...tell me who came in second.

The "Big" DKW

2011-03-30T09:49:00.004-04:00

The DKW 3=6 is often described as the big DKW. (Der grosse DKW) It claims room for six, with space for luggage -- all powered by a 2-stroke, 3-cylinder, 891cc engine. (A straight three.)

The car, manufactured from 1953 to 1959 went by many names. It was the DKW 3=6, the DKW Sonderklasse, the DKW F91, and the DKW 900.

One would assume the 3=6 is in reference to the 3-cylinder car with seating for six. But, according to the Audi history site, "Three equals six! This simple mathematical equation greatly impressed the public. A three-cylinder two-stroke engine, since it has twice as many working strokes as a four-stroke engine, therefore benefits from a power flow as smooth as a six-cylinder four stroke."

Auto Union 1000 Sp Rally Car

2011-03-29T16:43:00.005-04:00

Some artistic license was probably taken on this image -- making the "baby Thunderbird" look much faster than the 87mph top speed it was credited with.

Introduced in 1958, the sports version of the 4-seater Auto Union 1000 -- it boasted a 3-cylinder 981cc 2-stroke engine with a 4-speed gearbox. About 5,000 of the fixed-head coupe sports cars were manufactured between 1958 and 1965.

MINUTIA compared the 1000 Sp with the Ford Thunderbird back in March 2009.

New Morgan Trike: And Who Wouldn't Want One of These Little Beasts?

2011-03-18T12:34:00.003-04:00

The new Morgan 3 Wheeler was introduced on March 1st at the Geneva Motorshow. Apparently the company has received more than 300 advance orders for the car. (It's amazing how much it looks like the original -- unlike the retro Mustang, Camaro or Challenger that Detroit has put out recently.)

Racing smart Cars...How Cool Would That Be?

2011-03-15T14:02:00.003-04:00

It's a unclear how much these little cars "caught on" here in the States -- but the idea of a racing series with smart cars sounds like a great idea. (They are kind of built like a big crash helmet anyway. So...why not?)

I ran across this ad in the March 3rd issue of AUTOSPORT magazine. It really makes you wish you were in the UK. They have lots of fun with little cars over there.

Check out the 4two cup action.

The Mystery of the Missing Fairthorpe Atomota

2011-02-21T22:57:00.004-05:00

Fairthorpe Ltd. was founded by Air Vice Marshall Donald Bennett in 1954. One of his first cars, but certainly not one of his most successful, was the Fairthorpe Atomota. The Atomota was powered by a 650 cc BSA in-line twin.

Well...rumors have it that an Atomota made its way to the US -- ultimately to have its frame and engine replaced by a Subaru (probably a 360). But the car (if it ever existed) has disappeared. (Cue the spooky music.)

Have you ever heard of -- or seen -- the mustery US Atomota? Better yet...do you know where it is today? (And we certainly hope that changing automotive styles haven't led to the amputation of those wonderful wings.)

Another H-Mod Spotted

2011-01-05T18:27:00.002-05:00

You've got to love YouTube. You can find anything there. (Yes...it's a little addictive.)

Found this little H-Mod on a trailer in the middle of a video of SCCA racing at Vacavalley in the 1960's.

Anybody know what it is?

Does this look like a Jabro Mk. III to you?

2011-01-04T11:47:00.003-05:00

An interesting YouTube clip is making the rounds of racing groups. It's from 8mm footage shot by the late Richard C. White, longtime editor of the Record Herald in Indianola, Iowa.

It shows what appears to be a series of 1964 SCCA club races held at Greenwood Roadway, about 30 miles south of Des Moines, IA.

It's a little tough to identify the makes of the various cars, but the Bugeye Sprites are easy to see in the small bore race about a minute into the clip. And...I can't tell for sure, but there might be some H-Mods in the pack, including a Jabro Mk. III.

Any assistance is welcome.

Crosley Racing at Bridgehampton

2011-01-03T16:44:00.003-05:00

Digging through a pile of magazines, we came across another shot of Steve Lansing, driving his Crosley to a 14th place finish at Bridgehampton in 1951.

The posting in May of 2010 linked to a video that seems to show Lansing's car spinning into the haybales -- but he must have jumped right back in the fray.

Very Light Car

2010-10-11T10:09:00.003-04:00

We found this ad in the August 1956 issue of "The Light Car". The image is a direct pick-up from the Bond brochure of the time. (An article about the Bond appeared in MINUTIA 17-4.)

It looks like fun -- but we hope they don't plan on buying too much at the store. With four people in the car, there's not much room for anything else.

Fairthorpe Atom Newsreel

2010-09-30T17:54:00.002-04:00

NEW "ATOM" LIGHTWEIGHT CAR

Your browser does not support iframes.

This British Pathé newsreel is posted on the blog, Fairthorpe Restoration. I wish it had sound, because I'd love to hear that little BSA 250cc engine pulling the car with three people and luggage in it. (I'm guessing the suitcases are empty.)

The unusual headlights identify this is the original Mk 1 car from 1954. Subsequent bodies had the lights faired into the body. Check out our earlier look at the Atom.

Crosley Wagon v. Joe McCarthy

2010-08-30T15:42:00.004-04:00

When I stumbled across this photo on the Together Sauk Prarie blog, I couldn't resist posting it. It looks like the little Crosley (with the help of Star editor Leroy Gore) played a part in the "Joe Must Go" club -- a grassroots effort to recall Wisconsin Senator Joe McCarthy.

For the Crosley fans in the audience, this car has the chrome bullet nose of the 1948 1/2 model. But, since it doesn't have the bar grill, we are guessing this car is a CC model from somewhere between 1946 and 1948 that was "updated" with the bullet nose. (According to the Crosley Automobile Club, the bullet nose and grill bars were "offered as an option to update earlier Crosleys to the 'New Look' . Since the bars were available from the dealer you will find them on earlier CC models.")

Let's hear it for the Crosley -- and Leroy Gore.

NSU Prinz 30 -- Winner at Sebring

2010-07-19T00:01:00.003-04:00

According to Racing Sports Cars, the NSU Sport Prinz, driven by Fred Fischhof came in 1st among GT600 cars at the 1961 Sebring 4 Hour race. (It came in 13th overall.)

Shortly after the race, Fischhof was interviewed by representatives of Gulf, and provided this response in the advertising they ran later that year:

RED BARBER: (to Fred Fischhof, Class 3/4 winner in NSU Prinz) "As another driver who ran on Gulf, and won, what do you have to say, Fred?"
FRED FISCHHOF: "Like you say, Red, Gulf Crest really burns clean and keeps the carbon under control. The car didn't miss a lick. It picked up quickly out of the curves and hit peak power on the straights. Maybe I have a little extra reason for saying so."
RED BARBER: "What do you mean by 'a little extra reason,' Fred?"
FRED FISCHHOF: "Well, I drove the smallest car in the race at Sebring. So it was a most responsive one. I could be sensitive to even minor differences in performance."

OK -- now you've heard it from Red and Fred.

(NB: We suspect this is a "file" photo, since Fred's winning car was number 34.)

ALDEN staRRcar

2010-07-18T00:01:00.002-04:00

From the Museum of Learning:

The Alden staRRcar, for "Self-Transport Road and Rail Car", was a design for a personal rapid transit PRT system designed by William Alden in the 1960s. It originally envisioned small electrically powered cars suitable for short distance trips at low speed within urban areas, which could optionally merge onto tracks that would provide power and guidance for high speed travel over longer inter-city distances. It was one of the earliest "dual-mode vehicles" to be proposed, and one of the earliest to be actually built.

Over its lifetime the design changed dramatically, originally a four-person vehicle with dual-mode operation but eventually emerging as a much larger people mover for 20 people. In this form, Boeing Vertol was awarded a construction contract in 1970. It holds the distinction as the only PRT system to enter commercial service, as the basis for the Morgantown Personal Rapid Transit system. The Morgantown system first opened for service in 1975, and with the exception of a closure for a major expansion, has remained in service since then.

Racing Messerschmitts

2010-07-17T00:01:00.002-04:00

This clip is described as part of a Finnish musical comedy - Iskelmäprinssi.

We've always been fascinated with the idea of racing microcars -- particularly Messerschmitts. (See the post from June 26.) While a Tiger is probably a better choice for racing, it's great to see these cars going wheel-to-wheel.

Crosley at the New York World's Fair (1939)

2010-07-16T10:17:00.006-04:00

Crosley was a major manufacturer in the late 1930's -- making everything from radios to refrigerators -- and, of course, minicars.

The picture above is a publicity shot, taken in front of the Crosley Pavilion in the World of Tomorrow section of the fair. Rides were given to guests of the fair on a short course just outside the pavilion.

There is a brief clip showing the cars and the pavilion twelve miutes and fifty seconds into this amateur film.

If the video doesn't run -- try this link: http://www.archive.org/details/Medicusc1939_5

How many people can you fit in your minicar? (Renault Estafette)

2010-07-15T12:38:00.003-04:00

This schematic is dated 1960 -- making this a Renault Estafette R2130/31. According to Wikipedia, that model was manufactured from 1959 to 1962, and was powered by an 845cc engine.

An interesting question to ask is...with seats for nine people, how can this car manage with a payload capacity of 600 kg (1,323 lbs)? Unless you include children, I don't know nine Americans who collectively weigh less than 1,323 lbs (that's an average of 147 lbs/person).

All In The Family

2010-07-09T00:01:00.000-04:00

This is an Austin 7 that means more to me than most. It is a 1929 or 1930 RK Austin Seven Saloon -- but what's significant to me, is that my uncle is behind the wheel.

Petrol and new cars were hard to come by after the war (WWII), so an aging Austin Seven was the perfect car to have -- particularly on the Channel Islands, where there was little need for long distance trips.

A clearer drawing of the RK can be found on Austin Seven Clubs Association website.

Did her car come out of his trunk?

2010-07-08T00:01:00.002-04:00

We haven't a clue what this picture is all about -- but it almost looks like the little car could fit in the trunk of that Continental.

Maybe he's upset that her car has a "Continental Kit" and his doesn't.

Hot? How about a "Cream-O-Pop"?

2010-07-07T00:01:00.000-04:00

5¢ "IT'S Cream-O-Pop TIME"

Yes, it's time for delicious ice cream coated with Hershey's Cream-O-Pop pure milk chocolate.

And this guy looks quite proud of his Cream-O-Pop mobile. It's an Austin Bantam. We can't read the year, but the plates identify it as coming from Memphis, Tennessee. (Certainly a hot location -- good for a cool "Cream-O-Pop".)

Triumph Ten Sedan

2010-07-06T00:01:00.000-04:00

The Triumph Standard 8 & 10 (and the Triumph 10) were manufactured from 1953 to 1960. The 8 was powered by a 803cc engine, while the 10 sported a 948cc powerplant generating 40 bhp.

Although they don't seem to be very common here in the States, almost 10,000 sedans were produced (and another 7351 wagons).

Those Wacky Little Shriner Cars

2010-07-05T00:01:00.007-04:00

Maybe this should have run yesterday -- because we're pretty sure that a bunch of these Shriner cars were participating in Fourth of July parades across the country.

Believe it or not -- there is even a website devoted to a company that makes these little guys -- Shriner Mini Cars.

What do you suppose started the tradition of grown up guys, in tiny cars, wearing unusual headgear?

Happy Fourth of July!

2010-07-04T00:01:00.004-04:00

We dont' know anything about this little car -- but it certainly is patriotic.

This car is a little bigger, but equally appropriate for the Fourth of July. (It is parked in the garage at the Petersen Museum.)

Crosley Road Trip (part 5)

2010-07-03T00:01:00.003-04:00

We come to the close of our Crosley Roat Trip in Lucasville, Ohio.

Our intrepid travelers are spending a fine December day with their trusty Crosley. And it looks like the weather was in their favor -- warm enough to venture outside with short sleeves (or with sleeves rolled up), and sunny enough to require shades. (It looks like the young man on the left has taken off his dress shirt to expose suspenders and a t-shirt.)

"Kenny, Malverne &
Red Haney
Lucasville, Ohio
Dec. Day - 48"

That's the last of them. Anybody know who they are?

Crosley Road Trip (part 4)

2010-07-02T00:01:00.003-04:00

Perhaps it is time to take a dip in the waters of Lake White. But, by the looks of it, only one of our young adventurers is getting ready for a swim. The other two are still in shirts and ties -- and keeping in the background.

"Red Haney,
Kenny,
Malverne and Crosley --
Lake White
Waverly, Ohio
May 48"

Sometimes we forget that a shirt and tie was "casual dress" in the late 1940's. But -- boys being boys, nothing keeps them from "hamming" for the camera.

Here too...who is taking the picture?

Crosley Road Trip (part 3)

2010-07-01T00:01:00.003-04:00

It is a little clearer now. Jimmy Dwight (J.D. in most of the photos) didn't drive the Crosley to Portsmouth, Ohio by himself. He came with his Daddy.

"JD and Daddy
Day JD got lost in
Portsmouth, Ohio.
May -- 48"

Well...despite having gotten lost in Portsmouth, J.D. seems much happier with his Daddy than he was in the earlier photo (part 1).

At first we wondered who took the picture. Daddy clearly took the picture that was on yesterday's post -- but we don't know who took this one. But, looking closer, we realize that this looks like a lot of the pictures we have taken -- when no one was around to help. Our guess is that the camera is propped up on a rock or a flat spot (though perhaps not too flat) and the timer was used. (It looks too crooked to have been taken by anyone else.)

Crosley Road Trip (part 2)

2010-06-30T00:01:00.000-04:00

No location is listed on the reverse of this photo -- but we know from others that it was taken in Portsmouth, Ohio.

"Jimmy Dwight
316 No. 8th St.
May - 48"

We tried to Google the address to see where little J.D. was that day -- but the maps can't seem to find the exact location. (8th Street runs east to west -- so where do you go for North 8th Street?)

What do you suppose he's doing...sitting so calmly on the wall, with his feet on cinderblocks? We can only guess.

Crosley Road Trip (part 1)

2010-06-29T00:01:00.000-04:00

Sometimes you stumble across pictures that tell a story. Other times you find pictures, and you wish you knew what the story was. This is the first of several photos that seem to document the road trips of a few young men -- across Ohio in their trusty Crosley Sedan. The backs of the photos identify some names and show that this car took the young men through several towns in southern Ohio, near the Kentucky and West Virginia borders.

"Malvern, Bill, Jim & J.D. (crying)
Ironton, Ohio -- June 26th.
Charles over fence"

No year -- but, based on the other photos, it is probably 1948.

Mystery Car

2010-06-28T00:01:00.000-04:00

The photo is marked "1947" on the reverse, and we're guessing it was taken in Europe. Other than that -- we're not really sure.

Take a guess, and drop us a note.

Ruby, Ruby, Ruby, Ruby

2010-06-27T00:01:00.003-04:00

You've got us. This posting has absolutely nothing to do with the song, "Ruby", by the Kaiser Chiefs. In fact, we had never heard of the band -- but stumbled on the song as we were looking up some information on the Austin 7 Ruby.

The back of the photo identifies this car as a "Four-passenger Ruby Saloon", with a stamp that is was received on October 30, 1936 by the editorial department. (But we don't know what publication the photo came from. It is also marked, "1937", leading us to believe that this was a promotional photo of a 1937 model.

According to the Austin Seven Companion, the first Ruby was announced in 1934. "During its production run, the Ruby, its variants and derivatives must have been built in numbers approaching 90,000. These cars provided, and continue to provide, excellent and enjoyable motoring for many enthusiasts. Criticism is made sometimes of the Ruby's greater weight than the earlier cars, but it is worth pointing out that the heavier construction was to accommodate a monster load: as the 1934 handbook says, 'this new model will carry in comfort four adults up to a weight of 40 stones'. and who knows how many motorists that heavy there were about in the 1930's."

Racing Tigers

2010-06-26T00:01:00.004-04:00

The concept of racing microcars has always appealed to us, so we were quite pleased to find these photos in an old issue of the German magazine, OLDTIMER-MARKT (November 1994).

The sum of its Qualitaten lets it also on the racing course -- even in capacity-stronger classes -- a Wörtchen put in a word. Equipped with 40's Solex carburetors, he approves himself to such causes up to 16 litres gasoline on 100 kilometers! Pretty often Fend thereby sits term steering wheel sport tigers with that Regensburg characteristic R-AX-350 -- and it is told, the work drivers well would do not to overhaul their boss.

Wow...online translation services still aren't perfect.

If you understand German, you are probably better off translating that paragraph from the November issue of Oldtimer-Markt yourself.

Die Summe seiner Qualitaten läßt ihn auch auf der Rennstrecke -- selbst in hubraumstärkeren Klassen -- ein Wörtchen mitreden. Mit 40er Solex-Vergaser bestückt, genehmigt er sich zu solchen Anlässen bis zu 16 Liter Benzin auf 100 Kilometern! Nicht selten sitzt Fend dabei selbst hinterm Lenker des Sport-Tiger mit dem Regensburger Kennzeichen R-AX-350 -- und es wird erzählt, die Werksfahrer würden gut daran tun, ihren Chef nicht zu überholen.

Hanomag (Kommißbrot)

2010-06-25T00:01:00.003-04:00

Bild A-7

BUNTE BX AUTO-BILDER
Reihe 1, Kraftfahrzeuge

Hanomag (Kommißbrot)

Serie A
Aus der Frühzeit des Kraftwagens

1 Zylinder, 500 ccm, Heckmotor, hergestellt bis 1927

Hanomag A.G., Hannover

Bilder-Studio Bemeleit jr. - Frankfurt a.M. - Vilbeler Str. 29

(For more about the Hanomag, check the December 28, 2008 posting.)

Scootacar

2010-06-24T00:01:00.002-04:00

MINIATURE CARS & Scooters

A Series of 25

No. 7
SCOOTACAR, Britain

The stubby Hunslet "SCOOTACAR" styled with two front wheels and single rear, seats two tandemwise. Powered by a 197 cc unit, it has a top speed in excess of 45 m.p.h. with low fuel consumption.

ISSUED BY
Ewbanks Ltd.
EAGLE WORKS - PONTEFRACT

Tourette...Syndrome?

2010-06-23T00:01:00.001-04:00

MINIATURE CARS
& Scooters

A Series of 25

No. 8
TOURETTE, Britain

Introduced by the English branch of the German firm Progress, this three-wheeler resembles the design of the "BRUTSCH". It has a plastic body and is powered by a 197 cc engine. Top speed about 45 m.p.h.

ISSUED BY
Ewbanks Ltd.
EAGLE WORKS - PONTEFRACT

Play your Messerschmitt Card

2010-06-22T00:01:00.001-04:00

MINIATURE CARS
& Scooters

A Series of 25

No. 18
MESSERSCHMITT (Roadster), Germany

The "Roadster" offspring of another famous firm, is the three-wheel version. It has an air-cooled 191 cc engine fitted in the rear, capable of approximately 65 m.p.h. Seats two and one child (small), tandemwise.

ISSUED BY
Ewbanks Ltd.
EAGLE WORKS - PONTEFRACT

A three-wheeled "Woody"?

2010-06-21T00:01:00.001-04:00

MINIATURE CARS
& Scooters

A series of 25

No. 11
DAVID, Spain

A three-wheeler, obtainable as either saloon or utility style vehicle. The engine, placed above the front wheel, develops 10 h.p. at 4,000 revs. and gives a top speed of approximately 50 m.p.h.

Issued by
Ewbanks Ltd.
EAGLE WORKS - PONTEFRACT

Grandma Prefers Her Tractor

2010-06-20T00:01:00.000-04:00

While many of us would do almost anything for a Messerschmitt, this woman appears to prefer her tractor when it comes to transportation. (Maybe the tractor is a better option for her family of six, than the little, tandem-seat, Messerschmitt.)

Can anyone tell us where these shots were taken?

A Little Military History Here

2010-06-19T00:01:00.000-04:00

We can tell you that the car is a post-war Crosley Wagon -- and we're pretty sure it is a pre-1949 model (CC Model 1946-1948). But we're not so sure about the other details.

Is the young man in the Navy or the AirForce -- and what are the planes in the background? (They kinda' look like Grumman Bearcats, but they are awfully small.)

If you have any ideas, let us know.

Where do you go to get that little car fixed?

2010-06-18T00:01:00.002-04:00

Of course...you go to the "Servizio Fiat". Why didn't I know that?

There is an array of Fiats and other cars, (I think there is a Renault 4CV in there as well) all parked in front of the Fiat Service Garage. Other than that, we have no idea what we are looking at. (The sign under the "INA" on the left reads: "National Insurance Institute policies guaranteed from the state". So, maybe they are all there to get their insurance renewed.)

Taking a BMW 600 Through the Mountains

2010-06-17T00:01:00.003-04:00

It may seem like a crazy thing to do -- but we have the documentation showing that someone took to the mountains with their BMW 600. (Maybe it was the Liège-Brescia-Liège microcar rally.)

It's a Microcar -- but what is it?

2010-06-16T00:01:00.002-04:00

Does anyone have any idea what this is?

The design and workmanship seems too high for it to be an amusement park ride -- but it's awfully low to the ground to be a real car. Let us know what you think.

Here's an Odd One -- Kleinschnittger

2010-06-15T09:41:00.003-04:00

Not sure that we've ever seen one of these before -- a 1956 Kleinschnittger.

According to the ebay seller, the company only made about 3,000 of these aluminum-bodied microcars. The descriptions on Wikipedia are pretty brief -- but you might be able to get more information on this German webpage.

Framo " Stromer"

2010-06-12T00:01:00.003-04:00

DAS AUTO VON HEUTE
255 Bilder
FRAMO "STROMER"

zweisitzeiges Cabriolet 200 ccm, luftgekühlter Ein-zylinder, Vorderradantrieb, führerscheinfreier Dreiradwagen.

Das reich ausgestattete Original-Sammel-Album zum Preise von RM 1.- ist zu beziehen durch den Spezial-Handel oder direct gegen Voreinsendung des Betrages auf Postscheck-Konto Berlin Nr.23743 vom
“Bilderdienst”, Berlin-Pankow, Berliner Straße.
3

If you'd like to read more about the Framo Stromer (in English), check out the page on 3-wheelers.com.

FULDAMOBIL

2010-06-11T00:01:00.001-04:00

Miniature Cars & Scooters
A Series of 25

No. 4
FULDAMOBIL. Germany

The makers of the Fuldamobil, who were first to construct mini-cars after the way, presented this model in 1957. It is constructed of plastic, powered by a 191 cc unit and carries two adults.

Issued by
Ewbanks Ltd.
Eagle Works - Pontefract

"That's Bond, Bond Mk. D"

2010-06-10T00:01:00.002-04:00

Apologies to Ian Fleming.

Miniature Cars & Scooters
A Series of 25

No. 23
BOND (Mark D), Britain
A descendant of the most popular three-wheelers, the Mark D with single front wheel driven by a 197 cc single-cylinder two-stroke engine, it has a top speed of +50 m.p.h. and a consumption of 75 m.p.g.

Issued by
Ewbanks Ltd.
Eagle Works - Pontefract

Have Your Cake and Eat it Too.

2010-06-09T00:01:00.002-04:00

While some of us may consider ourselves "too old" to appreciate new music -- you've got to love a band that manages to feature police scooters and a Citroën 2CV in their music video.

This remake of Gloria Gaynor's disco hit, "I Will Survive", should be a hit with any minicar fan.

Mitsuoka BUBU Shuttle 50

2010-06-08T00:01:00.000-04:00

According to the Mitsuoka website -- the BUBU Shuttle 50 launched in 1982. It was the company's first car, sporting a 50cc engine.

This japanese company seems to do a little bit of everything. We described a 500cc race car produced by the company back in April of 2008.

Keep up the Tempo

2010-06-07T00:01:00.003-04:00

DAS AUTO VON HEUTE
255 Bilder
TEMPO “FRONT”

Zweisitziges Cabriolet, 200 ccm Zweitakter, luftgekühlter Einzylinder, füherescheinfreier Dreirad-wagen.

Das reich ausgestattete Original-Sammel-Album zum Preise von RM 1.- ist zu beziehen durch den Spezial-Handel oder direct gegen Voreinsendung des Betrages auf Postscheck-Konto Berlin Nr.23743 vom
“Bilderdienst”, Berlin-Pankow, Berliner Straße.
9

Not a clue what this says. Check out the Wikipedia Tempo site and the German Tempo Car Owners Association website.

From Tiny Cars, Mighty Tractors Grow (or something like that)

2010-06-06T00:01:00.002-04:00

DAS AUTO VON HEUTE
255 Bilder
BUNGARTZ "BUTZ"

Offener Zweisitzer mit Gepäckanhänger, 400 ccm, 12 PS, Zweizylinder – Zweitakter, Heckmotor, Schwingachsen.

Das reich ausgestattete Original-Sammel-Album zum Preise von RM 1.- ist zu beziehen durch den Spezial-Handel oder direct gegen Voreinsendung des Betrages auf Postscheck-Konto Berlin Nr.23743 vom

“Bilderdienst”, Berlin-Pankow, Berliner Straße.
10

OK -- that's what it says on the back of the card. For more information on Bungartz (and the company's transition from cars to tractors), check out the Bungartz website.

Tell us what we have, Don Pardo -- a 1960 King Midget

2010-06-05T00:01:00.002-04:00

This is a great segment of "The Price is Right", featuring a 1960 King Midget. The reactions of the contestants to the Midget are priceless. I'm not going to tell you what the retail price of the car was in 1960. You're just going to have to play the clip and see if you know more than the contestants.

Happy National Donut Day!

2010-06-04T00:01:00.001-04:00

Rejoice!!

Today is the day that we all celebrate that tasty confection, the donut. We propose that you take your little cars out and get some donuts. (It is rumored that some donut chains will be offering free donuts in honor of the day -- but we didn't tell you that.)

You think we're making this up? Check it out. National Doughnut Day has been an institution since 1938.

"Jump, Jive, an' Wail" on your N.S.U. Prima

2010-06-03T00:01:00.002-04:00

Sorry about that...just couldn't resist the reference to Louis Prima.

Miniature Cars
& Scooters
A series of 25
No. 24

N.S.U. Prima, Britain

A british machine usually made in three models.
1. "N.S.U. Prima Five Star"
2. "Prima 150 cc"
3. "Quickly Moped"
All of them finely made machines with first-class road qualities and performance. the smaller model, "Quickly Moped", is exceptionally low in feul consumption.

Issued by
Ewbanks Ltd.
Eagle Works - Pontefract

How do you drive wearing wooden shoes?

2010-06-02T00:01:00.002-04:00

Miniature Cars
& Scooters
No. 9

Bambino, Holland

Of Dutch manufacture, this three-wheeled carriage has bodywork of plastic construction. A bench style two-seater, of pleasing appearance, it is powered by a 200 cc engine capable of over 55 m.p.h.

Issued by
Ewbanks Ltd.
Eagle Works - Pontefract

Voisin - Spain and France make a Microcar

2010-06-01T00:01:00.002-04:00

Miniature Cars
& Scooters
A Series of 25
No. 10

Voisin, Franco-Spanish

This four-wheeler of French design is manufactured in Spain, at a quantity exceeding 300 per month. Motored by a 197 cc engine, it has a speed in excess of 45 m.p.h. Seating for two, luggage space and fold-down hood. (We would call it a top here in the US.)

Issued by
Ewbanks Ltd.
Eagle Works - Pontefract

Did this Phoenix Rise?

2010-05-31T00:01:00.002-04:00

Miniature Cars & Scooters
A Series of 25
No. 12

Phoenix, Britain

This four-wheeler mini-car is of unusual shape. It is semi-panoramic, and entrance is gained by the centre section opening from the left side. Powered by a 197 cc Villiers engine has a speed of 45 m.p.h.

Issued by
Ewbanks Ltd.
Eagle Works - Pontefract

Avolette

2010-05-30T00:01:00.003-04:00

Miniature Cars & Scooters
A Series of 25
No. 1

Avolette, France

A Plastic bodied three-wheeler, manufactured in France. Is available with two alternative power units, both of Lambretta. The 125 cc develops approximately 45 m.p.h., the 150 cc develops almost 55 m.p.h.

Issued by
Ewbanks Ltd.
Eagle Works - Pontefract

Lambretta Scooter

2010-05-29T00:01:00.002-04:00

We know...this is a scooter, not a car. But we decided to include it because it is No. 14 in the series of 25 "Miniature Cars & Scooters", published by Ewbanks Ltd.

An extremely popular Italian scooter made in Milan in one of the most modern and up-to-date works. It is also made under licence in Britain, France and Germany. This machine usually has a 150 cc two-stroke engine, though a 175 cc model will appear in England shortly.

Coronet (Miniature Cars & Scooters - No. 15)

2010-05-28T00:01:00.002-04:00

This relative newcomer to the mini-car market is styled after the predominant prewar manner, i.e., two front and one rear wheel. It has sleek lines and powered by a 328 cc Excelsior Unit and gives speeds up to 65 m.p.h.

Card issued by Ewbanks Ltd., Eagle Works, Pontefract

Heinkel (Kabine)

2010-05-27T00:01:00.002-04:00

Another Ewbanks Ltd. card.

The "Heinkel", the young child of a famous aircraft firm, began life with three wheels but has now grown a fourth. Its 4-stroke, 204 cc O.H.V. engine gives a maximum speed of 55 m.p.h. and it cruises at 40 m.p.h. with consumption 70/80 m.p.g.

Getting a Little Frisky?

2010-05-26T09:59:00.002-04:00

Yes...I said Frisky.

The "Frisky" made its debut in March, 1957. According to Ewbanks (the issuers of the cards, "Miniature Cars & Scooters"), the Frisky is a fixed-head couple, with gullswing pattern doors. Powered by a 325 cc Mercedes Benz 2 cyl two-stroke unit, it has a top speed of over 55 m.p.h. and seats two adults and three children.

Do-it-yourself Microcar

2010-05-20T00:01:00.003-04:00

Cycle cars were all the rage back in the teens and twenties. And they continued their popularity well into the the thirties -- in France. (Why is it the French are always a little different?)

But the concept of making your own car (or boat, or plane) is something that still grabs people's attention.

This is a "How-to" article from the January 1932 issue of How to Built It magazine. It kind of makes you wish you had a "junked outboard motor" tucked away in the back of your garage.

This Cobra is a Garter Snake

2010-05-19T02:07:00.003-04:00

It was just a matter of time.

The Japanese regulations that led to Kei cars have now produced the newest version of the Cobra. This Cobra sports a 660cc engine (or a 770cc with a supercharger). It looks like a well-muscled minicar -- but we are pretty sure the girls don't come as standard options.

When the King was King.

2010-05-17T00:01:00.003-04:00

If you are a baby boomer, chances are you once lusted after a King Midget. It looked like a car just your size, and its price was almost within reach.

This ad, for an early version of the King Midget, was pulled from a 1940's issue of Popular Mechanics. It was probably back in the back, between an ad for Charles Atlas and an automotive trade school.

With the attention being given to these "personal mobility" vehicles, maybe it's time to take a look at an updated King Midget.

And We Thought it Was All Make-Believe: GM's EN-V

2010-05-16T00:01:00.003-04:00

Just a few days ago we posted a page from Popular Science, showing a microcar of the future. While we thought it was interesting, we assumed that it was nothing more than a vision. (A little like the flying scooter that ran a few days back.)

But...we did some looking around and realized that we missed the unveiling of the GM/Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. EN-V concept cars at the Shanghai car show back in March. Shame on us.

According to GM:

EN-V, short for Electric Networked Vehicle, is a two-seat vehicle designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities.

Photo courtesy of GM.

Remember the Days Before the Internet...? There Were Magazines and "Shoppers".

2010-05-15T00:01:00.003-04:00

If you're looking for a nice little Nash Metropolitan, you can cruise the computer listings, or you can pick up a copy of Classic Cars & Parts. You remember those things...magazines?

Sure, they aren't as current as the internet listings -- but there is something reassuring about things printed on paper. Maybe even, as with this listing, with a telephone number to call.

Ebay is Not the Only Way -- Autobianchi Bianchina on Craigslist

2010-05-14T00:01:00.003-04:00

Sometimes it seems that ebay has become the only place to look for cars for sale -- but there are other options. This pretty little Autobianchi appeared on Craigslist last month. The price seems a little steep -- but the car certainly photographs well.

We'd be interested in a report on the car if anyone saw it at the Carlisle show.

Smart people live in Austin, Texas

2010-05-13T00:01:00.000-04:00

City workers in Austin, Texas are part of a smart deal. In an effort to encourage city workers to use public transportation, the city of Austin worked a deal with Daimler -- launching Car2go, a car-sharing initiative.

Once they get to the city, employees can access a network of 200 smart cars. The cars are free when used to run work errands, and are billed by the minute for personal use. According to FastCompany magazine, over 1,000 employees used the cars during the first four months of the program -- triple the original estimates for the initiative.

Who Says Smart Cars Aren't Fast?

2010-05-12T00:01:00.001-04:00

I certainly wouldn't recommend doing this at home -- but it is interesting to see what can be done with a smart car. (Do you suppose this is "stock" from the showroom -- or do you think some "make fast" stuff has gone into this car?)

The driver might want to check the doors next time.

Microcar of the Future?

2010-05-11T00:01:00.003-04:00

The May issue of Popular Science featured an interesting concept car -- titled the "Robotic Commuter Pod". (If you want something to sound cool, put "pod" in its name.)

The article describes the vehicle as similar to the General Motors PUMA concept. (See April 10, 2009 write-up.)

So...what makes it Robotic? According to Popular Science, "Guided by radar, GPS, and car-to-car and car-to-road signals, the vehicle pilots itself, leaving the commuter free to talk on the phone, access the internet, or watch videos on a large transparent OLED screen."

That means you can safely use your iPod in your Commuter Pod. Pods R Us.

Little LeMans

2010-05-10T00:01:00.003-04:00

Many of us in the mini and microcar world are familiar with the Little LeMans -- but the races we associate with that name were the small-bore, production sedan races of the late 50's and early 60's, held at Lime Rock Park in northwestern Connecticut.

This video is clearly a different take on Little LeMans.

Not Every Crosley Racer is a Car

2010-05-09T00:01:00.001-04:00

Silly us...

We thought that a search for Crosley racers sould come up with some cool videos of Hot Shots and Super Sports -- and maybe even some of those neat little Crosley-powered H-Mod racers.

But this is what we found. A 1955 Crosley Refrigerator racer. Hmmm.

Car v. Tank -- It Hardly Seems Fair

2010-05-08T09:55:00.001-04:00

We don't know what the back story is for this video, but we couldn't resist posting it when we saw it.
Our only advice is -- don't try this at home.

A Scooter That's Out of This World

2010-05-07T00:01:00.004-04:00

We've all seen our fair share of scooters...Vespas, Piaggios -- even Cushmans. But when was the last time you saw a flying scooter?

Yep. This is a flying jet-scooter. If you don't like the traffic on the ground, this one will take you above it all.

At least that's the concept. You see -- this scooter only exists on paper (or on computer). But...wouldn't it be cool?

The Little Subaru...Wow!

2010-05-06T00:01:00.011-04:00

Malcolm Briklin orchestrated the introduction of the Subaru 360 to the United States in 1968. The little (356cc) car weighed less thatn 1000 pounds, so it was exempt from the safety standards of the day. Over 300 cars were imported in the first year, and it is estimated that over 10,000 cars were exported to the US -- originally selling for $1,297.

Consumer Reports gave the car a "Not Acceptable" rating in 1969, and sales began to slump -- but it served as the entry for all the Subaru cars that we see here today.

And there is an odd version currently listed on ebay -- described as a Subaru 360 Yacht car, looking like a cross between a Subaru and a Fiat Jolly. You've got to love it.

Brütsch Mopetta - A Microcar from Opel?

2010-05-05T00:01:00.005-04:00

How could you resist a car like this?

Single-seat, three-wheels -- a commuter's dream. (I guess it would be a nightmare if you met another car, but we'd prefer not to think about that.)

According to Wikipedia, the Brütsch Mopetta was an egg-shaped, single seat, three wheeled microcar designed by Egon Brütsch (who also designed the Spatz Kabinenroller) in 1957 as Brütsch Mopetta using a 50 cc ILO V 50 engine and an open roadster type glass fiber body. Only 14 were built.

A single wheel was in the front. The car was only 67 inches (170 cm) long. There were negotiations with Opel to distribute the car, but only sales brochures were produced.

Electric Microcars - the French have been doing it for years

2010-05-04T00:01:00.004-04:00

I went looking for images of the Ford Comuta electric car, and stumbled across this video. It's in French, so I have no idea what the narrator is saying, but the cars speak for themselves.

The first car . . . the small silver microcar that looks like an oddly-shaped Isetta or Heinkel, is really a French creation known as L'Oeuf. Built by Paul Arzens in 1942, this car was featured on the blog back in August of 2008.

The Ford Comuta, an experimental electric car from 1967 can be seen later in the video. This video certainly makes the French appear to be "ahead of the curve".

(The photo of the Comuta is courtesy of Ford Motor Company.)

Crosley Hot Shot -- Spin-out at Bridgehampton

2010-05-03T00:01:00.003-04:00

Sometimes you get news...sometimes you get history...and sometimes you just get questions.

I guess this is a combination of history and a question.
About one minute into this video there is a Crosley Hot Shot that spins at a corner. According to records I can find, Steve Lansing drove the #6 car in the 1951 100-mile race, finishing the race in 14th place.

But the car in the video sure looks like it has a #61 on the side. Am I losing my eyesight, is it a different car, or a typo. You tell me.

The video is from auto-history.tv -- but we found it on The Chicane.

Ice Road Smart Car

2010-05-02T00:01:00.003-04:00

We found a very cool story (complete with a video) about a pair of Smart Cars taking a trek past the arctic circle -- on the roads made popular by the Ice Roads Truckers TV show.

Posted on Autopia, the story shows that 4-wheels on a Smart Car can go places that we all thought demanded the 18-wheels of one of those big rigs.

Isetta Music Video

2010-05-01T00:01:00.000-04:00

We took a chance and typed in "microcar" and "music video" to YouTube, and this is what we got back.

Sure enough -- it's a music video that features an Isetta -- filmed in NYC. Whether you like the music or not, you've got to love the Isetta.

HOOP signing off

2010-04-30T00:01:00.023-04:00

Greetings - It's been almost a 20 year run for me with this club

The last 2 years doing the daily blog with the editor of our club 'zine

There are over 800 previous microcar posts on this site - check 'em out

Other crazy things in my exciting life will be taking up more time

Sooooooooooo - Off to new adventures in other fields of endeavor

Still will scoot around in my crazy cars - Look for me on the road

In May I'm doing a segment for Irish TV with my Hoopmobiles

Bye Bye car club - Cheerio faithful viewers - Wish me luck

It's been fun - HOOP

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9w3mGQvvQ1w&feature=player_embedded

But never say never - If I've got nothin' to do at 3AM some night

I might just put up a post as a former member for old times sake

wHOOPee

HOOP loves BOOP

2010-04-29T00:01:00.001-04:00

Betty Boop has always been a favorite of mine

The cartoon series always was fun with Koko the Clown,Bimbo & Pudgy

Now Showing - Betty Boop at the Midget Car races

http://revver.com/video/1393146/betty-boop-ker-choo-1932/

LET'S GET WITH IT ! ! !

2010-04-28T00:01:00.000-04:00

YESTERDAY WE WENT OLD

TODAY WE GET MODERN

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9D8sfpQYWHs&feature=related

A few ODDities

2010-04-27T00:01:00.000-04:00

MEYRA

STAUNAU

ECONOM TEDDY ROADSTER

SURLESMOBILE

AIRWAY

GREGORY

TAYLOR DUNN

SCOOTMOBILE

VOLTRA

PUP

COMET

eshelman & ESHELMAN

RICHARD NIXON WITH AN ESHELMAN

AND NOW ANOTHER CHESTON ESHELMAN INVENTION

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e22GW65lmes

Mini Model Micro Mania

2010-04-26T00:01:00.002-04:00

There are many miniture micros you can put on you shelf

Matchbox - Dinky - here on the bottom Terry's models

They are fun to collect and just look at them

Or make them Go Go Go like this guy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrbpCwWkbWs

Is that Henry Kissinger ?

2010-04-25T00:01:00.005-04:00

It's not Kissinger but a lookalike Hans Glas

We see here - Hans Glas and his grandson Goggo

The roomy sedan - the classic coupe - the sporty Dart

The pickup and a model of the Transporter van

Now let's see Goggos as far as the eye can see

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzLLMa3eOXE&feature=PlayList&p=6A1C8ABC802EFF81&playnext_from=PL&index=2

Cartoonie Cars today

2010-04-24T04:47:00.000-04:00

I went to see the new Addam's Family show on Broadway last night.
Someone happened to send me this Addams Family postcard yesterday.
So I thought a cartoon car day was the thing to do. Now a car-toon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pxap-M_--k

It's puddle jumpin' time

2010-04-23T00:01:00.000-04:00

Way back in the old days, and sometimes to this day

some people get the idea to build a car themselves

Here are some examples - The last "Puddle Jumper" is a kit

Here is another Puddle Jumper from the 1940's

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UuId7iOKXM

METROPOLITAN MAYHEM

2010-04-22T00:01:00.001-04:00

We're continuing our Drag Race theme from yesterday.

Metropolitans have been modified in many ways.

Here are some power hungry Met hot rods.

Now for a wild wheelie and then gNASHing of teeth - Yeeeee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxaxSJFS8zk&feature=related

Racerschmitts on the dragstrip

2010-04-21T00:01:00.002-04:00

Messerschmitts, or at least pieces of them,
ended up on the track years ago. With todays prices
I don't think to many are being cut up anymore.
Now let's go the movies and see Richard Widmark
racing around in a Messerschmitt kr175.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzfjpOhPOgY

Fiat+Seat+Siata=Formichetta

2010-04-20T00:01:00.002-04:00

The commercial bodied Seat dubbed the Formichetta

Fiat designed Seat with a Siata body addition

Let's see this old timey factory video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffo78EHiljw

Not Fiat - SEAT

2010-04-19T00:01:00.002-04:00

Here we have a selection of Spanish Fiats called the Seat 600 -
800 and 850. How 'bout those 4 door models, extra roomy.
Now - back back back in time - to the Seat factory
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_PSvAeQDOM

FIAT 500 in disguise

2010-04-18T00:01:00.002-04:00

From '57 through the early '70's the Steyer Puch was manufactured in Graz, Austria

The body was a modified Fiat 500 but the engine was of thier own design

Eventually the engine size increased and there were a variety of choices

Let's follow a rally model on the racetrack

http://www.myvideo.de/watch/6127650/Steyr_Puch_650_TR_von_Helmut_Undorf_Trainingslauf_beim

Let's hit the junkyards

2010-04-17T00:01:00.000-04:00

A nice variety of junkyard specials

To see more from around the globe

http://www.icmesa.com/tinhunter/Givry/THAGivry.htm

Presenting - THIS THING

2010-04-16T00:01:00.019-04:00

It's got a VW mill - that's just to make it go in a forwardly direction

It supposed to be a Leightbau (lightweight) Marier - body

OK you experts out there - Any more info on THIS THING

Here's a link where I saw it

http://84.241.131.192/read_article.asp?id=3436

Return to those days of yesteryear

2010-04-15T00:01:00.001-04:00

Let's go back in time and take a trip to

THE VELAM FACTORY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbraLPGVRwE

VELAM - a religious experience

2010-04-14T00:01:00.001-04:00

A couple of junkers - a model and a film

Fred Astaire drove a Velam in Funny Face

And now for the religious experience

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbwfM_9J_7s&feature=related