Back in 1950’s post-war Europe, someone had a vision. A teensy, microcar for zipping around around the bustling, urban streets of Europe. Thus was born the Isetta, or bubble car, the dinosaur grandfather of today’s Smartcar. The car was originally created by the Italian automaker Iso SpA and later made by several carmakers. You entered the vehicle by opening and swinging out the hood which had the steering wheel and instrument panel attached to it.
The ‘bubble car’, ‘yogurt pot’ or ‘rolling egg’ seated 2 adults with enough residual space for a micro-child or loaf of bread. Patient drivers took about 30 seconds to reach 30 mph. The ‘egg’ had a top speed of 45 mph and got a very Al Gorish – 50 to 70 miles per gallon – depending on driving conditions. Good stuff.
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