A unique three-wheeler of BMW?

As we all know, there are a lot of three-wheeled vehicles made by a number of automotive companies in the world such as Campagna T-Rex, Polaris Slingshot, and others. Yes, unique vehicles like this usually appear as a combination of a car and a motorcycle.

1997 BMW Modulo Car M89, a bizarre combination of the car and motorcycle will leave you scratching Your head. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D60AKo)

But among the many similar vehicles, there is one model that was previously not widely known by the public. Yes, recently in Italy found a three-wheeled vehicle which is appeared as a combination of car and motorcycle that are said to be made by BMW, one of the German automotive giant companies.

1997 BMW Modulo Car M89 while on display at an Italian auto dealer and listed up for sale by Autovergiate F.lli Rossi Srl. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D60AKo)

As quoted from Rideapart.com, the blue-silver painted vehicle is known as the Modulo Car M89, which is described as a unique-shaped three-wheeler vehicle is built in 1997 by the German auto manufacturer and uses a powertrain taken from the BMW K75 (an old motorcycle produced by the company between 1985 and 1995). Unfortunately, there isn't much detailed information about this vehicle.

1997 BMW Modulo Car M89 has simple a steering wheel, gas pedal, brake, and clutch, plus a manual transmission shifter sticking to the right of the steering wheel. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D60AKo)

Even so, it seems that the unique three-wheeled vehicle is able to present a pleasant sensation while drove it (although not mentioned whether it was a road-legal vehicle). And in June 2020 this unique vehicle was on display at an Italian auto dealer and listed up for sale by Autovergiate F.lli Rossi Srl at a price of € 38,000 or around Rp.612 million.

1997 BMW Modulo Car M89 applies a tandem seating layout like a jet fighter which able to accommodate 2 passengers inside the cockpit. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D60AKo)

As quoted from Carscoops, this unique three-wheeled vehicle uses a 740 cc three-cylinder engine that can produce around 75 horsepower and 68 Nm of torque which is then channeled through a 5-speed manual transmission system to drive its rear wheel. When compared with ordinary motorbikes, of course, the weight of this vehicle is heavier, so it has a different speed.

1997 BMW Modulo Car M89 uses a 740 cc three-cylinder BMW K75 engine that can produce around 75 horsepower and 68 Nm of torque. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D60AKo)

Uniquely, this vehicle applies a tandem seating layout like a jet fighter. Then to control this unique vehicle does not use a handlebar, but a steering wheel, gas pedal, brake, and clutch like a car, plus there is a manual transmission shifter sticking to the right of the steering wheel.

The exterior design looks unique like most other three-wheeled vehicles. The front bumper has a proportion of sports cars with low posture. Besides that, there is also a very thin and glass-clad cockpit that looks harmonious with the shape of the front fascia. While at the rear section mounted only one wheel, and there you will also notice dual exhausts and various air intakes that function to cool the engine. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOVERGIATE.IT | CARSCOOPS | RIDEAPART.COM]

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Seeing the Bouffort's unique design vehicles

In the early days of the automotive technology pioneering era around the 1930s to 1940s, engineers were competing to make various inventions related to motor vehicles. Starting from the discovery and development of machines to the design of the vehicle itself.

A streamlined tadpole three-wheeled vehicle was one of the aviation world inspired creations designed by Victor-Albert Bouffort and built by Jamin Meaux. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2C87QVd)

And one of them is like what was done by a French aeronautical engineer named Victor-Albert Bouffort. Well, shortly after World War II was ended when the world's economy stagnated and difficult. But, turned out he managed to design and build some pretty crazy cars.

The Bouffort designed three-wheeler vehicle prototype model was introduced in 1947 and powered by a Citroën Traction Avant 11 CV drivetrain. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3ivld2i)

In the time, he built some kind weird-shaped vehicles that might be made everybody should be turning their head while seen it pass through. The first was the stunning streamlined three-wheeler based on a Citroën Traction-Avant. And there were three of these were actually built and each has slightly different shapes.

And there were three of these were actually built and each has slightly different shapes. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3ivld2i)

In the '50s, he shifted his attention to microcars creating his most famous car, the Peardrop which he felt would revolutionize city transportation. Like most attempts at the time, it didn't catch on, but here's some amazing footage of it driving around London. The way the roof bubble articulates is beautiful.

This Bouffort designed three-wheeler vehicle was exceptionally streamlined with its long mudguards and aerodynamic body featuring gull-wing doors and seating for two side by side. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3f6P2US)

He tried a few more plastic-bodied microcar designs with fascinating results. None made it to production, so he tried turning a Peugeot 403 into a handsome roadster. It was well-received, but only two examples were built. Interestingly, the front windscreen is actually the rear window of a Studebaker.

The Bouffort Peardrop minicar designed by Victor-Albert Bouffort in 1952. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Z2tC5F)

His only real success at a vehicle was a dandy. The Valmobile was a scooter that folded into a suitcase-sized package. Around 100,000 were actually built. The unique foldable scooter produced in Japan and sold worldwide, and the 75 lbs machine was kind of an adaptation of folding bikes previously only made for military use.

The Bouffort Enville minicar with a boxy style designed by Victor-Albert Bouffort in 1955 (with the Peardrop model). (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Z2tC5F)

Bouffort thought an easily stored scooter would be embraced by city-dwellers and he was right. Although I think a lof people bought them for the novelty. No front suspension and a tiny motor and wheels meant they were a little scary to ride. But, you could get a sidecar.

A roadster designed by Victor-Albert Bouffort in 1957. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2ZHUkzz)

Besides the foldable scooter above, Bouffort unique-shaped cars continued, by the launching of the Lohr Fardier, a small utility four-wheel drive vehicle used by the French military in the time. At the time, he had become increasingly aware of traffic congestion in cities such as Paris and decided to do something about it. 

A unique foldable scooter called 'Valmobile' designed by Victor-Albert Bouffort and produced in Japan during the 1960s to 1970s. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2ZHUkzz)

Bouffort and his friend, novelist Henri Viard, observed that most cars only carried one or two passengers. Their idea was to design a small car for city dwellers – two-seat vehicles whose length was no more than the width of a more traditional car.

1970 Lohr Fardier FL 500, a small utility four-wheel drive vehicle designed by Victor-Albert Bouffort for the French military. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2ZHUkzz)

These small cars would be fitted with relatively powerful engines so they could keep up with traffic. The prototype for the “Minima”, as it was called, featured a tubular chassis, composite bodywork, sliding doors, luggage space in the rear, and a 30 hp engine from the Citroën 2CV that helped it reach a top speed of 120 kph (75 mph).

These small cars named 'Minima' designed by Victor-Albert Bouffort and featured a tubular chassis, composite bodywork, sliding doors, luggage space in the rear, and a 30 hp engine from the Citroën 2CV that helped it reach a top speed of 120 kph (75 mph). (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2BzWMQO)

The Minima was introduced to the public in a dazzling display at the 1973 Salon de l’Automobile, with the show car displayed on the 56th floor of Paris’ brand-new Montparnasse Tower. However, it garnered very little interest and plans for its mass production were canceled. The French brilliant engineer Victor-Albert Bouffort died in 1995 at the age of 83. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OPPOSITELOCK | LANEMOTORMUSEUM | HEMMINGS]

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It's not a cartoonish-made vehicle

As we all know that the period after the end of the 2nd World War is described as a difficult time. Yes, in the first years after the war ended, the world economy was destroyed and stagnant. So, can be explained briefly, at that time people couldn’t afford to buy a car.

1947 Volugrafo 'Bimbo 46,' a small-sized car made by a Turin-based Officine Meccaniche Volugrafo. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2VZO1pg)

This then triggered the birth of many brilliant out of the box ideas, for the sake of the creation of a four-wheeled vehicle that was affordable by the people at that time. And one of them is a four-wheeled vehicle made by an Italian company named Officine Meccaniche Volugrafo.

Donald Duck's character drives speed a red car in a scene of Walt Disney's cartoon series. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2W3QPBx)

Of course, the name of the Turin-based company is very closely related to the birth of the pioneer scooter design for Fiat, another Italian automotive company in 1938. Just for information, the Fiat prototype scooter was present (but never been massed-production) long before the Piaggio and Innocenti scooters made.

Front view of an Italian-made louse-likened cutie car called 1947 Volugrafo 'Bimbo 46'. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2VZO1pg)

Back to the louse-likened cutie car, it was called the Volugrafo "Bimbo 46". Even though it seems to have just jumped off the page of a comic book or cartoon movie, it was not drawn by cartoonists. It was one of the four-wheeled vehicles designed after World War II ended to meet the needs of the many people who yearned for movement but couldn’t afford much.

Interior view of an Italian-made louse-likened cutie car called 1947 Volugrafo 'Bimbo 46'. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2VZO1pg)

Seeing a photo of it, at first, you might think it is a scale model or toy. Or maybe you've ever watched the Walt Disney's Donald Duck cartoon series, wherein some scenes in the film, Donald Duck was seen riding an almost similar-shaped car while traveling around. But in fact, this is a real car and has nothing to do with the cartoon series.

Left side view of an Italian-made louse-likened cutie car called 1947 Volugrafo 'Bimbo 46'. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2VZO1pg)

The cutie car designed by Claudio Belmondo and made by Volugrafo in 1946. The cutie car equipped with a 125cc four-stroke engine has no doors and no reverse (if needed, you get out and maneuver the car). With a weight of around 125 kg, this car is relatively light for the size of a four-wheeled vehicle and can run up to a top speed of 60 kph.

An ad-brochure of 1947 Volugrafo 'Bimbo 46'. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2VZO1pg)

This cutie car has a length of only two meters, equipped with two seats, four pedals (brakes, accelerator, clutch, and kick-starter), stick shift at the driver’s left, one driving wheel, and chain drive. Instead of shock absorbers, it uses simple leaf springs to make bumpy rides feel a bit more comfortable.

And when you drive on it, then an unexpected and fun sight will be shown while rides along a country-side road. You might look like a movie star is on the action in a cartoon movie. 😄 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ITALIAN WAYS]
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Reviving History: The Iconic Three-Wheeled Rocket from Brno

Unique ONES - While the resurgence of the automotive industry post-World War II is often associated with Western Europe, there's a lesser-known yet significant narrative unfolding in Eastern Europe. In the shadows of the more prominent developments, innovative minds were at work, pushing the boundaries of automotive design and engineering. One such story emerges from Brno, a city nestled in the south of the Czech Republic, where engineer František Netík crafted a unique three-wheeled vehicle in 1957.

1957 Netik 600 'Raketa' on display at the Oldtimer Festival vehicle exhibition in Slavkov back in 2005. (Picture from: WebCarStory)

Netík, employed as a technician at Brno Královopolská Engineering Works, dedicated his spare time and expertise to bring his vision to life. The project took nearly four years, primarily developed in his private garage—a testament to his passion and dedication to automotive innovation.

Front view of 1957 Netik 600 'Raketa' three-wheeled vehicle. (Picture from: CCK-Brno)

Dubbed the Raketa, which translates to 'Rocket' in English, this three-wheeled marvel was a fusion of futuristic design elements and practical engineering. Inspired by the space-age trends of the 1950s, Netík's creation exuded a sense of novelty and adventure. Although some refer to it as the Netik 600, paying homage to its creator, the name Raketa resonates with its pioneering spirit.

The Raketa's physical presence was strikingly unique, measuring approximately 4.5 meters in length and boasting a weight of around 800 kg. Its broad front section tapered elegantly towards the rear, presenting a blend of aerodynamic aesthetics and functional space utilization.

Left side view of 1957 Netik 600 'Raketa' three-wheeled vehicle. (Picture from: CCK-Brno)

What truly sets the Raketa apart is its surprising capacity to accommodate up to five passengers within its cabin. With a seating arrangement of three in the front—centered around the driver—and two in the rear, the vehicle offered a novel experience. The interior was adorned with plush green-bottle colored velvet, adding a touch of luxury to its avant-garde design. 

The steering wheel of 1957 Netik 600 'Raketa' three-wheeled vehicle positioned in the center. (Picture from: WebCarStory)

Constructed entirely from metal, with stainless steel accents adorning various parts, the Raketa was initially painted in green and white, later transitioning to the iconic red and white hues reminiscent of the Brno tram.

Rear view of 1957 Netik 600 'Raketa' three-wheeled vehicle resembles a weird bathtub. (Picture from: WebCarStory)

Underneath its sleek exterior lay a robust 619cc Java Minor II 3-stroke engine, capable of propelling the Raketa to a top speed of 90kph, coupled with a transmission system consists of 4 forward and 1 reverse gear with a strange and large bakelite ball at the end of the lever, and complemented by a rear-wheel steering system for enhanced maneuverability. 

1957 Netik 600 'Raketa' while 
driven by Frantiišek Netík on
 the Brno city streets. (Picture 
from: CCK-Brno)

Despite its innovative design and functional prowess, skepticism loomed regarding its stability, especially at higher speeds. However, Netík's creation defied expectations, proving its mettle as a practical and reliable mode of transportation.

 

Upon completion, the Raketa ventured onto the streets of Brno, serving as Netík's daily rides and traversing countless kilometers. Tragically, with Netík's passing in 1974, the fate of the Raketa took a somber turn. It fell into obscurity, facing neglect and gradual dismantling.

Fortunately, the Raketa's legacy was not lost to time. Rediscovered years later, it made a triumphant return to public admiration at the 2005 Oldtimer Festival, showcased in its original, barn-find condition. Today, as a rare relic of automotive history, the Raketa stands as a testament to the ingenuity and passion of ordinary individuals shaping extraordinary innovations.

1957 Netik 600 'Raketa' three-wheeled vehicle used a 619cc Java Minor II 3-stroke 20-hp engine. (Picture from: CCK-Brno)

In the ever-evolving landscape of automotive design, the Raketa serves as a reminder of the untold stories and hidden gems awaiting discovery, bridging the gap between past aspirations and future possibilities. May its journey inspire a new generation of dreamers and innovators, honoring the spirit of relentless pursuit and daring creativity. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MRSCHARROO | WEBCARSTORY | CCK-BRNO.COM]

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The forerunner electric car of Ford

Echoes of a pure electric powered car sounds like it's crowded in recent years. Moreover, Nissan began selling the Leaf as the world's first mass electric car or because Tesla more "happening" among the actors and actresses of Hollywood, so the attention of the world.

Ford’s electric Comuta Concept had first debuted in Geneve Motor Show 1967. (PIcture from: http://bit.ly/1vR8TJY)

Actually, the electric car technology is already there from the 1960s, but its development did not get a good response by the community. The proof, Ford has ever introducing Ford Comuta, as the pure electricity tech two-seater compact concept car in 1967.

Look how small are the size of these two cars of 1967 Ford Comuta battery-powered concept car compared to one normal-sized sedan. (PIcture from: http://bit.ly/39sQsWi)

This car is a prototype and equipped with four 12-volt batteries, Comuta able to move as far as 60 km with an average speed of 40 kph in one single charge. It could also be invited to speeding up to 60 kph.

Although still a concept, but the presence of Comuta an authentic proof that electric car technology is not new. Now, a number of automotive manufacturers are still trying to make the technology is proven and reliable.

1967 Ford Comuta Electric Experimental Concept. (PIcture from: http://bit.ly/2OKn5qw)

Interestingly, there is a quote of Leonard Crossland, Managing Director of Ford at the time said, "We hope that electric cars can be started commercially viable within the next 10 years, even though we believe in the type of vehicle will be used primarily for introduction in the city car or car shopping in the countryside."

Crossland continued, "The internal combustion engine (conventional) will still be the key for long-distance travel and driving the automotive industry, but we also believe that electric cars have a role discover the future of human transportation future."

After 10 years introduction of Comuta, as is known, no anything about the development of electric cars. But now, almost all manufacturers vying to prepare the electric car to be sold into the market. As an icon of the automotive industry's development history, two units of Ford Comuta is still tucked neatly at the Science Museum of London, in England. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOCAR | GIZMAG]

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An Estonian-made classic-style electric three-wheeled vehicle

The electric-powered vehicles are currently being developed as an alternative to the increasingly limited fossilized fuels. While consumers are still less interested in electric vehicles, various carmakers from around the world continue to innovate so that electric vehicles are increasingly glimpsed by consumers.

A cool retro-styled three-wheeled electric vehicle, Nobe 100. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/387IUbH)

One of them is a three-wheeled electric car named the Nobe 100, which is produced by Nobe Cars, an Estonian company. This unique electric-powered microcar was created by Roman Muljar and was inspired by the Messerschmitt Kabinenroller, a 1950s classic German microcar, and VW Beetle. 

Front three-quarter view of Nobe 100. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Yki9fE)

After years in the development processes, and now the car available with two variants (Nobe 100 and 100 GT) and can be ordered online through the company's website on the price ranging of €31,000 for Nobe 100 and €40,000 for Nobe 100 GT.

Left side view of Nobe 100. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Yki9fE)

This microcar is claimed by the maker as the most environmentally friendly car in the world. Because the Nobe 100 car is fully driven by electric power and its sleek and simple body design makes it easy to park and fit into urban life. This Nobe microcar is very different from any other three-wheeled vehicles we've seen before. This is not a motorcycle like Bombardier or a car like Uniti or Elio E1c. Despite sharing classic cues with Morgan's three-wheeled car, the Nobe 100 has a cutie 'neo-retro' design.

A simple dashboard layout of Nobe 100. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/387IUbH)

The Nobe electric-powered car has small dimensions give it a large turning circle and the ability to adjust to small parking spaces. It is classified as a three-wheeled motorcycle and has the same accessibility as a motorcycle. This vehicle is also semi-convertible with a removable hardtop, making it the first three-wheeled EV cabriolet.

Rear three-quarter view of Nobe 100. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Yki9fE)

This tiny cutie car is equipped with 2-batteries, one to drive its all three wheels and the other to power various car's supporting systems such as lights, heaters, and radios. The speed of this environmentally friendly car can reach 110 kph, and also has a suitcase-sized battery at the front of the cabin and can be removed without using any tools.

While inside of the cabin, it has a minimalist design, taking on classic styling such as analog gauges, chrome finished on the switches and door handles as well, and the wooden accents also look adorn the dashboard neatly accompanied a white-colored steering wheel that reminds us to a 1930s classic car. The Nobe's teardrop-shaped-designed microcars can accommodate 3 people in it with space for luggage behind the third passenger.

Despite the fact that it does not emit any exhaust gas, aka zero-emission, also the zero-emission car comes with a reusable part. It can also be upgraded to ensure its longevity. For exceptional handling, the car's battery can be fully charged in 2 hours, but if you are worried about running out of power while on a drive with this car, you even can carry an extra battery. No problem. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | NOBE CARS | INDIEGOGO] 

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Here is it the Mini, a legendary cute car from England

Small, unique, classic and classy. That's a little picture of the impression when talking about these British famous car brands. Let's re-trace its history, the beginning story of a car that is often identified with Mr. Bean, a fictional character in the comedy series that aired on television back in the 1990s.

1976 Morris Mini Cooper with Mr. Bean, a fictional character in the comedy TV-series aired back in the 1990s. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2DDb93Y)

This car production cannot be separated from the Suez Crisis that occurred in the late 1950s. At that time, there's the fuel rationing were imposed for most European countries, including the United Kingdom. To overcome this problem, an automotive company as the merger result between Austin and Morris, the British Motor Corporation (BMC) group planned to make the small, compact and fuel-efficient cars.

Then, Sir Leonard Lord as the CEO of the BMC at the time gave an assignment to Sir Alec Issigonis, who also known as the Morris Minor designer to make the intended-car designs. He started to work in March 1957 and two years later, the car was ready to be produced. Physically, the car has a length, about 3 meters. And in August 1959, this small car was launched into the automotive market. In the early days, this car was called the Austin Mini Seven and Morris Mini-Minor.

1959 Morris Mini-Minor with registration number 621 AOK was the first Mini off the production line to be badged, Morris. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2P2NGhV)

After 1969, the names of the Austin and Morris were no longer used, so the official name was the Mini. However, for the international market, the Austin or Morris brands are still used. In addition to the sedan model, there are also other variants, namely the Mini Van, Mini Pick-up, Mini Moke (shaped like a jeep) and Mini Clubman (with a square nose shape). But the most famous is the Mini Cooper.

1969 Morris Mini Cooper. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2P2NGhV)

In addition, this car has always been a winner at the Monte Carlo rally, in 1964, 1965 and 1967, and always entered the top three from 1964 to 1968. The winning key of the Mini Cooper lies in the transverse engine layout with the front-wheel-drive system. Even though at that time the concept had never been applied by any automotive manufacturers. With such a layout, the position of its four wheels allows the driving very agile and easy to control.

After being in production almost for 44 years, the company finally ceased its production in the early 2000s. Then the company's shares were acquired by BMW and then the Mini Cooper was replaced by the New Mini design of the BMW team. Since the beginning, the total number of Mini production was around 5.5 million units. This number makes Mini Morris as the best-selling British car in history. In fact, in 2001 the Autocar magazine awarded it the title of the most influential car of the 20th century, defeating the Ford model T and VW Beetle.

Over time, the Mini Cooper underwent design improvements. Such as, its sliding windows were replaced by the wind-up windows. The next change was the use of an 850cc engine which was replaced with 1,000cc, which was then replaced with a 1,275cc engine. Then the carburetor system is replaced with injection and the disc-brake standardization. But uniquely, the basic shape of the Mini barely not changed, there was almost no noticeable change if we compared between the 1959 Mini with the 2000 Mini. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA]

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Another unique and scarce French-made microcar

It can be said if the car is not much different from humans when viewed in terms of size, there are those who have large sizes and some are even small and cute. There are types of vehicles known as microcar that are so small that they only can be used in tandem positition. Not only small in size, but also has a cute design but very adorable when you see it.

1950 Reyonnah prototype microcar. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/33DgxP4)

Then these cute cars or microcars ever reached their peak in the late 1940s to early 1950s. It recorded, some of the world's automotive manufacturers have ever been made variants of these cute cars such as BMW Isetta, then there're Heinkel Kabine, Messerschmitt KR175, Piaggio Vespa 400, Paul Vallée Chantecler and many others.

Well, have you ever heard or seen the figure of the French-made microcar named Reyonnah Microcar? If not, we will discuss it now. The microcar was originally made by Robert Hannoyer, the owner of an auto repair shop in Paris. Uniquely, the name of the car is taken from the car maker's last name reversed was Reyonnah (the reversed of 'Hannoyer').

1951 Reyonnah production version microcar. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Y0OsQP)

The prototype was shown off for the first time at Paris Salon de l'Auto in 1950 (the blue-colored car) while the production version in 1951 (the white-colored one). This cute car shaped like a torpedo has a dimension of length of 2.9 meters and width of only 1.45 meters. Even so narrow, the car's cabin layout is made like a motorcycle, where its passenger sit directly behind the driver.

There is another unique thing, the blue-colored prototype car uses the tub with parallelogram hinges construction and can be folded downwards, so the vehicle can occupies a parking area only 75 cm wide. While the production version (white colored car) settled on, with a hinged convertible roof.

To be able to make it run, this cute car (both prototype and production version) uses a 4-stroke single-cylinder AMC's engine with a displacement of 175cc, and capable of spewing power around 8.5 horsepower. But don't expect to be speeding if you drive in this cute car, because the top speed is only 70 kph!

This cute car is very rare, due to were made in limited numbers. So do not be surprised if at this time, Reyonnah Microcar much sought after by the automotive collectors in the world. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MICROCAR MUSEUM]

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Kroboth Allwetter Roller has no chance to be grew

When the season changes into wet in the first years after World War II ended, and people want something with a roof. So, people stopped buying motorcycles. And scooters, too. Even though the economy in Western Europe improved rapidly in the 50s, most people were still unable to buy a new car. Especially in Germany which basically rebuilds its infrastructure from scratch. So what is the German need in the wet season in the time? They need a closed scooter.

1955 Kroboth Allwetter Roller while on display. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/347Rwfz)

Luckily there're Willy Messerschmitt started building in a closed scooter with the help of designer Fritz Fend. Shortly thus was born the Messerschmitt Kabinenroller which been sold like a strudel until Willy could not meet the market demand. So, there are holes in the market. But, designing, developing and producing mass cars, even small ones, takes a long time. It needs almost two years in those processes before being sold of microcars in the time. But the market needs somebody to capitalize the most of the wet season as soon as possible. There's one person who tried to take that opportunity was Gustav Kroboth. He was designing a roofed vehicle back in 1953.

1955 Kroboth Allwetter Roller in an advertisement paper. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Wo9k3t)

He started with a simple, but strong central tube frame chassis and then used as many off the shelf parts to finish it off as possible. Front suspension was two transverse leaf springs, with one longitudinal one for the single rear wheel. Like his scooter, it was mid-engined with a 9 horsepower 175 cc Sachs engine mounted behind the driver and in front of the rear wheel. This was the same engine that was then powering the Messerschmitt which meant it was easy to get serviced and find parts for.

1955 Kroboth Allwetter Roller. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/34b2Nfp)

Within 3 weeks, he had finished a bare prototype that was ready for testing. He knew he had to distinguish his covered scooter from the Messerschmitt, so he tried as possible to make it look like a real car even though it has only three wheels, and named it Kroboth Allwetter Roller or All-weather Scooter. It also used a ZF steering box, ATE brakes, and a VW windshield. One thing Gustav was particularly proud of was the column-mounted 4-speed shifter. The column shift was all the rage, so this was like being in a full-sized car but without reverse gear anyway. Even with 9 horsepower, its top speed was 46 mph which apparently felt quick on a lightweight chassis like the roofed Kroboth scooter has.

Rearview of 1955 Kroboth Allwetter Roller. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/34b2Nfp)

It made its debut, believe it or not, at a hill climb event in Austria where it won its class. Kroboth was certain he had a winner, but the press mocked the little car calling it the product of the 'tinkering of a refugee operation.' Undeterred, Gustav set about making preparations for production. Workers at Kroboth rigorously tested it, driving it over 20,000 kilometers and then taking it apart to check for wear and tear. The handling that had satisfied Gustav when it was a chassis proved pretty squirrely at higher speeds.

After having trouble getting investors to produce it, Gustav finally got it from Fransen and Sohnen, a Dutch bicycle company to make the Kroboth Allwetter Roller in the country. But bad luck returned back when a shipment of a thousand bicycles to India went unpaid, which made the Dutch company have to choose between canceling their offer or going bankrupt, and once again the little roofed Kroboth was forever orphaned. Over the spring and summer of 1955, Gustav Kroboth and his little factory had been built 55 units of Allwetter Roller with the remaining supplies before the factory was shut down permanently.😢 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MICROCAR MUSEUM | WIKIPEDIA | SCOOTERHOOD | UPOST.INFO] 
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