Mini GREEN As previously stated, it seems that the world's automotive industry players are increasingly determined to enter the era of electric powered vehicles. So do not be surprised if at this time one of the French automaker companies, such as Alpine Cars, also stated its readiness to enter the era of electric cars.
The Alpine A290_β concept car is presented as a preview of Alpine's new electric hatchback. (Picture from: MoveElectric)
For this reason, the French automotive company has recently introduced its newest concept car called the Alpine A290_β (Beta). This car is presented as the first preview concept car of a series of electric cars to be released by this performance brand owned by Renault.
This Alpine A290 Beta show car has a similar silhouette to the Renault 5 Electric featured with a typical Alpine's four-eyes fascia with a more aggressive appearance. (Picture from: ArenaEV)
Well, what makes the Alpine A290 Beta is unique, as it's said to have the potential to become the first hatchback product to return to the Alpine name since the Renault 5 Alpine. This revealed by Laurent Rossi, Chief Executive Officer of Alpine Cars that the Alpine A290_β is the first stage in the new era of Alpine, and this urban show car has rewritten the rules for electric-powered hot hatchbacks.
The Alpine A290 Beta has the same cabin layout as the McLaren F1, where the driver sits in the middle, and two passengers seats mounted behind it on either side. (Picture from: MoveElectric)
Related with the Renault 5 Alpine, it is not surprising that the Alpine A290 Beta carries a design silhouette similar to the Renault 5 Electric concept car. As it bringing a similar futuristic impression, so the Alpine version of the Renault 5 Electric has a typical Alpine four-eye fascia with a more aggressive appearance.
The Alpine A290 Beta's cabin is like a fighter jet has, featured with the tapered dashboard shape and the switch console placed above the driver. (Picture from: GridOto)
Of course Alpine didn't make the A290 Beta a run-of-the-mill urban electric hot hatch concept. This can also be seen when entering the interior, the A290 Beta has the same cabin layout as the McLaren F1, where the driver sits in the middle, and two passengers seats mounted behind it on either side.
The Alpine A290 Beta show car has rewritten the rules for electric-powered hot hatchbacks. (Picture from: MoveElectric)
The treats provided by the A290 Beta also have a mix of sports cars, hypercars and racing cars rather than the usual hatchback. In addition, the company also claimed that the interior of the Alpine A290 Beta is like a fighter jet. Let's say it has a carbon fiber bucket seat driver's seat and a flat steering wheel with an overtake button.
Well, another fighter jet references in the A290 Beta cabin can also be seen from the tapered dashboard shape and the switch console placed above the driver. Unfortunately, Alpine still hasn't divulged what the specifications for the Alpine A290 Beta will be or when the production version will launch. We'll wait and see....! *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ALPINE CARS | MOVEELECTRIC | ARENAEV | AUTOBANT ]
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1953 Messerschmitt KR200 Kabinenroller 'bubble top version.' (Picture from: DW)
Yes, the microcar known as the Messerschmitt KR200 Kabinenroller (KR stands for 'Kabinenroller' in German, means 'scooter with cabin'). It's a unique three-wheeled microcar that clearly shows that its manufacturer has ever built the aircraft. But after the end of the 2nd World War, the Messerschmitt stopped temporarily in producing aeroplanes.
The Messerschmitt KR200 were built based on the 1950 Fend Flitzer 101 (pictured) made by an aircraft designer named Fritz Fend. (Picture from: DW)
Everything starts in 1952, an aircraft designer named Fritz Fend approached Messerschmitt with the idea of making small motorized vehicles. These were based on his-designed vehicle called Fend Flitzer 101.
The production version which was later made by Regensburger Stahl- und Metallbau GmbH. was a KR175 variant. In line with the brevity of the collaboration, so the production of KR200 which is a continuation of the previous variant was carried out by Fend through his new factory.
The Messerschmitt KR175 'bubble top,' known as the first variant made by Messerschmitt Regensburger Stahl- und Metallbau GmbH. (Picture from: CarAndClassics)
It was happen in 1956, when Messerschmitt returned to producing the aircrafts and was not interested in continuing to build these microcars, so Fend established his own factory called Fahrzeug und Maschinenbau GmbH Regensburg (FMR). Those cars were produced in the span of 1955 to 1964 with 40,000 units ever been produced.
Inside the cabin of Messerschmitt KR200 there's no steering wheel instead a handlebar like that used in a motorcycle. (Picture from: CarFromUK)
Messerschmitt KR200 microcar relied on the Fichel & Sachs two-stroke single cylinder engine with a capacity of 191cc to burst power of 10 horsepower so that able to make it run up to the top speed of 95 kph.
1960 FMR Tg500 'Tiger' is a four-wheeled version of Messerschmitt KR200. (Picture from: Deseeft)
And inside its cabin there's no steering wheel instead a handlebar like that used in a motorcycle. This microcar capable to accommodate with two passengers in a tandem formation like a motorcycle too. So does it qualify to categorize as a car? Instead more deserved to call as a motorcycle? What do you think?
The KR200 combines several unique features on the KR line and its four-wheeled derivative, the FMR Tg500 'Tiger.' Externally, the narrow body, transparent acrylic bubble canopy, and low stance are some of the more obvious features.
In line with the improving economic conditions in Germany and Europe in general in the 1960s, making the KR200 sales figure were declined in the automarket. Because the automotive market demand at the time wanted a better vehicle products. And finally the microcar production are ceased in 1964. *** [EKA [02102019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | DESEEFT | DW ]
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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]
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, whichhas 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 ]
Let's 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]
Unique ONES 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 ]
Unique ONES 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 withfixed 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 ]
Well, another fighter jet references in the A290 Beta cabin can also be seen from the tapered dashboard shape and the switch console placed above the driver. Unfortunately, Alpine still hasn't divulged what the specifications for the Alpine A290 Beta will be or when the production version will launch. We'll wait and see....! *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ALPINE CARS | MOVEELECTRIC | ARENAEV | AUTOBANT ]
