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Showing posts with label Minicar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Minicar. Show all posts

Sunday, October 30, 2022

Getting to know a Piaggio's classic microcar

~Rare ONES~ Perhaps not everyone knows that Piaggio today famous with two-wheeled vehicles, especially scooters also have produced such a unique microcar in the past. Well, Piaggio officially introduced its first microcar named the 'Vespa 400' in Monaco back in the 1957, and marketed in 1959. There are approximately 20 thousand cars have been produced in the first two years, and the Vespa 400 production officially discontinued in 1961.😢
The Vespa 400 is a unique microcar that is quite pleasing in design featured with two suicide-styled doors, capable accomodated two passengers inside its cabin, and a cabriolet model roof which means the canvas roof can be opened. (Picture from: MobiMoto)
The Vespa 400 is a cutie rear-engined microcar designed by the engineers of the Italian company Piaggio and manufactured by Ateliers de construction de motocycles et d'automobiles (ACMA) in Fourchambault, France ranging from 1957 to 1961. At the time, the Vespa 400 is marketed in three variants, namely Luxe, Tourisme and GT.
The Vespa 400 microcar designed by the engineers of the Italian company Piaggio and manufactured by Ateliers de construction de motocycles et d'automobiles (ACMA) in Fourchambault, France ranging from 1957 to 1961. (Picture from: Motor1)
If you look at the Vespa 400 appearence, it's a unique microcar that is quite pleasing in design featured with two suicide-styled doors, capable accomodated two passengers inside its cabin, and a cabriolet model roof which means the canvas roof can be opened.
Interior view of 1959 Vespa 400 microcar. (Picture from: Motor1)
The fabric roof of the cabriolet can be rolled back into the top of the rear engine cover and the 12-volt battery is located at the front of the car, behind the grille. It also has a spare tire is stored under the passenger seat. While the instrumentation has a very simple design, only the speedometer and warning lights for fuel, engine charging dynamo, and indicators.
Rear side view of 1959 Vespa 400 microcar. (Picture from: Motor1)
For the engine, this Piaggio-made classic microcar is equipped with a 393 cc, 2-cylinder, 2-stroke engine, capable of spitting out about 14 horsepower. The engine is combined with a 3 speed manual transmission for the European market, while for the American market, the Vespa 400 uses a 4 speed transmission.
While to support the legs, the Vespa 400 uses independent suspension system with double acting hydraulic coil springs. Discussing performance, this unique minicar has a maximum speed of about 80-90 kilometers per hour. While the fuel consumption reaches 5 liters for 100 kilometers. 

Perhaps not many people own these cutie Vespa 400 microcars todays, with its increasingly rare existence, thus making it a to be one of classic cars that has an exorbitant price and is sought after by collectors. *** [EKA [25102016] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | EBAY | MOTOR1]
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Saturday, October 15, 2022

The world's tiniest and unique cars

~Tiniest Uniquest~ The mini sized cars have many advantages compared to a regular size car. For example, if you parked the mini car, it would be easier because it does not need a large place, very efficient and comfortable to driven at high or low speed. Especially it suitable for those wishing to drive a car while relaxing enjoying the surrounding sceneries during your travelling.
Have you ever seen such a unique and tiny car like this before? This is Fuldamobil 250. (Picture from: FuldaMobil.de)
But of course the small cars that will be discussed this time is not like the world's tiniest car as you've seen on the video below, which has a very small size compared than a grain of rice. After all, who can be the driver of such a small car.😄
Of course we could be understandable that the mini cars have less power compared to the normal-sized car. But, although there are still shortcomings in it, the mini car still has its own privileges for the their fans. Here are SIX of the tiniest and unique cars in the world today:

1. Pasquali Riscio
Pasquali Riscio is the smallest electric car. So small, when the car is parked only require a parking space equivalent to two motorcycles.
Pasquali Riscio Elettrico mini car. (Picture from: Mapplebuddy in Flickr)
Pasquali Riscio was first made in Italy, and to drive this car in these pizza country, you do not need a driving license because the car's average speed is only 40 km/h.

2. Myers Sparrow
Myers Sparrow is the smallest and most unique cars in the world, because in addition to its small size, the car's model also similar to half curved of the Donald Duck head. This mini car powered by lithium-ion batteries and available in one and two-door models.
Myers Sparrow mini car. (Picture from: SemiSena)
Amazingly, the car can be driven up to a maximum speed reaches 112 km/h. It's very fast isn't for its kind?

3. Honda N600
Honda N600 is the first Honda cars assembled outside Japan. In 1969, this car introduced in the United States, and sales stopped in 1972 after successfully sold as much as 25 units.
Honda N600 mini car. (Picture from: AutoMotorKlassiek)
Honda N600 speeds reaching 130 km/h, so this car is known as the most unique small car and the fastest in his time.

4. Reva G-Wiz
The Reva G-Wiz car renowned has many variants with the garish colors, such as mauve, teal and neon. When viewed at a glance, this electric-powered car looks like a shoe. 
Reva G-Wiz mini car. (Picture from: LifTruck.co)
To be sure, do not use this car exceeds 76 km because these cars will be broke down if it exceeds the range and should be charged its battery.

5. Buddy Cab
One of the most unique small cars ever is the Buddy Cab car. These cars mostly found in Norway and produced since 1991.
Buddy Cab mini car. (Picture from: UpTenList)
Buddy Cab cars can be boarded up to 3 adults in it. The car is driven by electric power, at single charge it can reach up to 56 km.

6. Fuldamobil
Elektromaschinenbau Fulda GmbH, a German company who produced the Fuldamobil mini cars since 1950. Uniquely, the two wheels at the rear are very close, so that from a distance looks only one wheel. This mini car is fairly rare because it only produced as many as 123 units.
Fuldamobil mini car. (Picture from: CarType)
How's about all of these tiniest and unique cars above? They're really tiny and very unique and only a few were sold in the world today. If you want to have it, get your money bag and let's go hunt them, And we could only be wished for your Luck to have them.💫 *** [EKA [10112015] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FULDAMOBIL | CARTYPE | UPTENLIST | LIFTRUCK.CO | AUTOMOTORKLASSIEK ]
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Friday, September 16, 2022

This car is the forerunner of the name of an adult magazine today

~Lets PLAY~ If you are a playboy or a guy who likes to have fun, what car is suitable for you? Is it an Italian roadster, English limousine, or a rare car whose name is the same as your personality?
A rare unique 1948 Playboy A48. (Picture from: RM Sotheby)
Yes, this unique car name is the Playboy A48 which was produced in 1948. This rare car was the brainchild of Louis Horwitz, a Buffalo Packard dealer; Charles Thomas, a Pontiac engineer; and service station owner Norman Richardson. And reportedly, this car was not made much, and only numbered less than 100 units.
Left side view of 1948 Playboy A48. (Picture from: RM Sotheby)
As reported by RM Sotheby's sites, the Playboy A48 made its debut at the Statler Hotel in Buffalo in the autumn of 1946. The prototype car was a three-passenger runabout with a canvas top, propelled by a rear-mounted Hercules four-cylinder engine.

By the summer of 1947, they had changed to a front-engine configuration and were building a few Continental-powered cars, now with a manually operated retractable hardtop.
Interior view of 1948 Playboy A48. (Picture from: RM Sotheby)
The car using a four-cylinder engine with a total capacity of 2 liters which is only capable of spewing power of 40 hp. From the engine, those power is transferred through a 3-speed manual transmission system. This car has a top speed of 125 km/hour.
Rear side view of 1948 Playboy A48. (Picture from: RM Sotheby)
But unfortunately, Playboy did not last long, because the auto maker company was declared bankrupt in the 1950s, and the remaining car was then sold by distributor Alvin Trumbul, the Hartford, Connecticut, distributor, who sold many of them to a former dealer in Massachusetts.

Reportedly the name was fondly remembered by Hugh Hefner from his childhood and the rest is history. Then, he borrowed the name of this car to build his male entertainment empire named Playboy.
This Playboy A48 is the last model, and  once owned by a Florida car collector since the 1960s. Not long ago, these two tone classic colored car was finished repairing, and has been auctioned by RM Sotheby. In the auction held on next October, the car is offered at prices ranging from $55,000 to $75,000. Well, how much is the final price of this car when it was sold at those auction? Does anyone here know about that? Hope you don't mind to share with us through the comment section below. *** [EKA [27092018] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS | RM SOTHEBY'S]
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Thursday, September 15, 2022

A unique shorty Volkswagen Kombi

~Unique ONE~ Well, this blue and white colored 1966 Volkswagen Kombi with a unique dimensions became one of the vehicles had included on the auction list of the Barrett Jackson, a Las Vegas-based auction house.
1966 Volkswagen Shorty Kombi by Gas Monkey Garage. (Picture from: GasMonkeyGarage)
Gas Monkey Garage auto modification workshops was the creator of the unique shorty VW Kombi. From the car's original known were have a big and length dimensions, and then Gas Monkey Garage cut the car's frame becomes shorter. But, unfortunately not known this VW dimension now.
Interior view of 1966 Volkswagen Shorty Kombi by Gas Monkey Garage. (Picture from: GasMonkeyGarage)
Its wheelbase looks no more than one meter. Nevertheless the classic VW Kombi been designed by the Dallas-based automotive modification house in very precision appearance.
Right side view of 1966 Volkswagen Shorty Kombi by Gas Monkey Garage. (Picture from: GasMonkeyGarage)
But behind its unique appearance, Gas Monkey Garage has working hard to restore the original condition of this VW Kombi. At the exterior of the body that originally filled with the rust restored and given a touch of two colors white and blue.
Rear side view of 1966 Volkswagen Shorty Kombi by Gas Monkey Garage. (Picture from: GasMonkeyGarage)
 And then the interior has only two front seats, and still given an original and luxurious touches. Unmitigated the layers of upholstery fabrics designed by the experts which directly imported from Germany.
For the drivetrain, it used a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine with four-speed manual transmission. Unfortunately there is no detailed information about the machine. And this unique shorty Volkswagen Kombi has been auctioned on Sunday, October 15, 2016. *** [EKA [17102016] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GAS MONKEY GARAGE | BARRET JACKSON ]
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Thursday, May 26, 2022

A unique Austrian-made Felber Autoroller T 400 of the 1950s

~Unique ONE~ When the world was still recovering shortly after the end of the war that was so painful and engulfed almost around the globe. That's when the development and presence of small, cheap and fuel-efficient vehicles to be a kind of excellent helping angels to the impoverished the postwar Europeans and attracted those who could not afford to buy "real" cars. Over time, their popularity spiked after the Suez Crisis of 1956, when the price of oil rose steeply.
An early model of the Felber Autoroller T 400 produced in the 1953 featured with cycle-type mudguards that swivelled with the front wheels. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
It looks like the idea of the cheap and fuel-efficient microcar seems to have come to the peak of its line, just as motorcycles in the 1950s. Like the plague, the development of the microcar quickly spread to all corners of Europe. At that time there were so many brands and models appearing, let's say that in Germany there was the Messerschmitt KR 175, BMW Isetta, Heinkel Cabin and Zündapp Janus. Meanwhile, the Italian giant Piaggio launched the Vespa 400. Then in England there is the Scootacar, Peel P50, Bond Bug, and many others
The 2nd model of the Felber Autoroller T 400 produced in the 1953 featured with fixed wheel fenders in the front. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
Like the most countries in the Europe, Austria also experienced a severe economic setback as a result of the destruction of many industrial facilities and infrastructure during the war. And turn out from the Austrian automotive industry business players back in the 1950s also had time to bring up microcar model called the Felber Autoroller T 400.
The Felber Autoroller T 400 (in pictured is the 2nd model) had an unusual seating arrangement, with a small child-sized seat behind the driver on the left and a conventional passenger seat diagonally behind and to the right. (Picture from: Flickr)
We first seen the such vehicle on the Quirky Rides status on Twitter, which then invites our interest to find out more about it. The mentioned microcar produced by Felber & Co is a well-known manufacturer of motorcycle sidecars based in Vienna, Austria ranging from 1952 to 1953, and about 400 units were built in two versions, all of which were painted in light green color using a standard paint for machinery because considered more cheaper than regular car paint.
The Felber Autoroller T 400 (in pictured is the 2nd model) is powered by a rear-mounted 398 cc Rotax two cylinder two stroke opposed twin engine capable spew power of 15 horsepower. (Picture from: Fahrzeugbilder.de)
The Autoroller was designed by Ernst Marold, in which the early models had cycle-type mudguards that swivelled with the front wheels, later models had fixed wings. The Austrian-made three-wheeled microcar powered by a rear-mounted 398 cc Rotax two cylinder two stroke opposed twin engine capable spew power of 15 horsepower (11 kW).
The Felber Autoroller T 400 (in pictured is the 1st model of 1953) is produced ranging from 1952 to 1953, and all of which were painted in light green color using a standard paint for machinery. (Picture from: VroomVroom)
Uniquely, the microcar had an unusual seating arrangement, with a small child-sized seat behind the driver on the left and a conventional passenger seat diagonally behind and to the right. As quoted of Wikipedia, once upon the time there're remarkable Felber Autoroller T400 troupe caused a stir when accompanying the wedding limousine of Ernst Marold in front of the Karlskirche in the Viennese City centre in 1954.

Unfortunately, this car manufacturing proved to be uncompetitive, after the liberalization of car imports to Austria came into effect in 1954. So that the company then switched to producing industrial washing machines, in addition to being the soles and distributor of cars from Heinkel, Trojan, Spatz and Reliant.
The Felber Möve 101 is built by specialist coachbuilding company Hofmann & Moldrich in Vienna who build upon them the egg-shaped body out of 0.8 mm aluminum plate as many as twelve units back in 1954. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
Besides the Autoroller T400 model, it turns out that about twelve rolling chassis were sent to the specialist coachbuilding company Hofmann & Moldrich in Vienna who build upon them the egg-shaped body out of 0.8 mm aluminum plate called the Felber Möve 101, and the only-one car existed today is sat on display at the car museum in Aspang in Lower-Austria.
Reportedly, there are 4 units of Autoroller T400s survived today, consisting two units are seen on display at the RRR scooter and microcar museum in Eggenburg, Austria. A third one is under restoration in Serbia near to the Hungarian border (maybe it's been restored now) and another one in Bavaria.
The Fusion Flea, a single-seater futuristic fictional microcar that appears in the Fallout 4 game (in 1:18 scaled model). (Picture from: Quirky Rides)
Out of context, our curiosity has not dried yet, the temptation appears again, when from another Quirky Rides's status we also found a unique vehicle that at first glance resembles the Fellber Autoroller T400 known as the Fusion Flea, a single-seater futuristic fictional microcar that appears in the Fallout 4 game (in 1:18 scaled model). Thankfully it's not a real microcar, so it's possible for us to be one of the lucky owner. If You wanna have one, plz come  here to see it. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | QUIRKY RIDES | BOOK.GOOGLE  | THEWANDCOMPANY ]
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Friday, May 13, 2022

A classic strange cyclops-looked three-wheeler made in Japan

~What Do U Think About IT~ Well on this occasion we will talk about a tiny unique classic vehicle made by a Japanese car maker of the 1950s called Fuji Cabin Model 5A. At first glance, this three-wheeled vehicle has a unique cyclops-like appearance (in modern day might be similar to Mike Wazowski, a main character of the Disney-Pixar's Monsters, Inc. animated series) if we've seen from front.
The Fuji Cabin Model 5A three-wheeled vehicle has a unique look similar to a main character in Monsters, Inc. animated series named Mike Wazowski if seen from the front. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
The such type of vehicle story began shortly after the country's defeat in World War 2 is believed that was one of the Japan's companies effort to survive. Well, this effort is also what the Diesel Automobile Manufacturing Company done after its car-making division divided into the Hino truck and Isuzu car manufacturing businesses while the aviation division became Hitachi Aviation in March 1946.
This is the Fuji Cabin Model 5A of the 1950s worthy to be crowned as the most unique look three-wheeler ever made by Japanese company. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
In that time developing new aviation technology was strictly forbidden by the Allies, as it was considered a war industry. So Hitachi Aviation, as well as other aircraft companies, tried to survive in non-war-related industries. The company subsequently changed its name to the Tokyo Gas and Electric Manufacturing Company in 1952, and began producing 60cc engines for motorbikes and had established itself as an engine producer of mainly small two-stroke engines.
The Fuji Cabin three-wheeled vehicle designed by Ryuichi Tomiya, and appeared for the first time at the 1955 Tokyo Motor Show. (Picture from: Below The Radar)
Then it merged with a Tokyo-based manufacturing company, Fuji Toshuda Motors of Tokyo and started to build their own motorcycles under the names of Fuji Motor and Gasuden FMC, besides supplied engines to other motorcycle makers. As time goes by, the company is decided to produce a kind of scooter with the roof or what we've known later as a micro car.
The Suminoe Flying Feather, an early 350cc kei-car designed by Ryuichi Tomiya for Suminoe Manufacturing back in 1954. (Picture from: Flickr-MrScharroo)
The mentioned micro cars was designed by Ryuichi Tomiya whose before the war had been in charge of body design at Nissan Motors, and afterwards he was responsible for the design of the Suminoe Flying Feather for Suminoe Manufacturing, of which 150 examples were built between 1954 and 1955. His work was highly respected, which later made him known as the 'Leonardo da Vinci of Japan'.
The Fuji Cabin Model 5A has a glassfibre bodyshell built on monocoque construction and also equipped with a single headlight, strengthened by a full-length tunnel bringing cooling air directly to the engine. (Picture from: Below The Radar)
And the Tomiya's masterpiece is the Fuji Cabin appeared for the first time at the 1955 Tokyo Motor Show as a streamlined two-seater three-wheeled coupé, and powered by a 122cc single-cylinder Gasuden scooter two-stroke engine with kick start. The unique look vehicle has a glassfibre bodyshell built on monocoque construction and also equipped with a single headlight, strengthened by a full-length tunnel bringing cooling air directly to the engine. 
The Fuji Cabin Model 5A appears to have been designed only to be driven by those of small stature like many of the Japanese at the time, as the car's interior was ludicrously cramped. (Picture from: Below The Radar)
So that when viewed from the front it looks like a creature of Greek mythology, the cyclops. While at rear, there were two rounded beetle-wing lids providing access to the motor and allowing warm air to exit. At first there was a single door on the left, but later cars got one for each side.
The Fuji Cabin Model 5A is powered by powered by a 122cc single-cylinder Gasuden scooter two-stroke engine with kick start. (Picture from: Below The Radar)
The Fuji Cabin Model 5A appears to have been designed only to be driven by those of small stature like many of the Japanese at the time, as the car's interior was ludicrously cramped, with far too much effort required to climb over the central tunnel to get into the staggered driver’s seat.
The Fuji Cabin Model 5A three-wheeled vehicle is a fairly good product with a sturdy construction, but also has a poor quality of bodyshell due to the maker having lack experience working with glassfibre. (Picture from: Below The Radar)
Unlike ordinary cars, the Fuji Cabin is controlled by a set of handlebars positioned close to the driver's seat for comfort, and is equipped with a small but well-engineered transmission system that incorporates a reverse gear; something unusual for a typical Western-scooter engined microcar. At that time Fuji Cabin three-wheeled vehicle was planned to be made as many as 400-500 per month, but in fact only 85 units were made all during its short production period from 1957 to 1958.
In general, the Fuji Cabin Model 5A is a fairly good product with a sturdy construction, but that doesn't mean there are no drawbacks, it's because the makers having lack experience working with glassfibre, so its bodyshell has poor quality. Besides that its sale was not a success partly because considered to be an expensive vehicle and also Fuji had no experience of marketing.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops......*** [EKA [09012015] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BELOW THE RADAR | CARSTYLING.RU | ROAD&TRACK | FANDOM ]
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