Microcars are weird. In fact, they’re so weird that if you asked someone what one was, they would probably look at you with a glazed stare. Not too many people are really aware of what a Microcar is, but there have actually been quite a few over the years.
Basically, a Microcar is the smallest type of car you can buy. It’s been described as a ‘sub-culture’ for motorcars, and has been driven by thousands of people over the years. Typically, the Microcars are, quite naturally, pretty small. Their engines are tiny, the power is feeble, and the room inside is pretty pathetic, and yet, they do appeal to those who are after a quick run-about, or a city-hopper. So, with that being said, here are some of the most popular Microcars.
5Peel Trident
Affectionately known by Clarkson as the ‘sports version’ of the Peel P50, the Trident is actually a different car. Around 45 were made from 1965 to 1966, and yet many remember the Trident thanks to its weird look, nice shapes and shocking performance. With just a 4.2hp engine, the Trident is not the car you want to drive if you’re planning on robbing a bank – or just going to work in a morning. It will take some time.
4BMW Isetta
Known as the ‘Bubble car’, the BMW Isetta is, much like the P50, one of the most famous Microcars ever made. It is probably the most stylish of the lot; so if you live in Italy and want everyone to look at you, the BMW is the most appealing of all the Microcars. The best feature is the ‘door’ – which is in fact the face and dashboard of the car. Just make sure you don’t want to reverse, because the Isetta doesn’t have the gear! Thankfully it’s not too difficult to lift.
3Peel P50
Is the Peel P50 the most famous Microcar ever? Perhaps so; after all, it did star in an aforementioned Top Gear episode, and it is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the smallest car in the world – so if any Microcar is the daddy of the lot, the P50 is probably the one. Unbelievably, considering it was made decades ago, the Peel P50 is still being made new today by a company who has decided to cash in on the craze.
2Smart ForTwo
Believe it or not, the goliath Smart ForTwo is classed as a Microcar, purely because of its tiny size and puny engine. These little cars were all the rage back in the early part of the 21st century due to their ‘cute’ exteriors and ability to be parked anywhere. Thankfully, not too many people buy them these days, which is probably a good thing.
1Jeremy Clarkson’s P45
Okay, so this is definitely the smallest road-legal car and the most modern of all the Microcars – the P45 by Jeremy Clarkson. Sure, it’s about as safe as an unlocked shed, but Clarkson somehow managed to reinvigorate the Microcar by making the P45 and filming a segment on Top Gear.
Clarkson doesn’t care if your face is the crumple-zone; nor does he mind if your knees are the bumpers; all Clarkson wanted to do is to catch the nation’s imagination. And if you watch the video, we think he’s probably achieved that. Watch the amazing video:
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5