Following the lead of the smart car, and the forthcoming Fiat 500, several automakers have been pondering the introduction of a minicar--or even a micro-sized model--for the U.S. market. They're actually almost a half-century behind the times. Way back in the 1960s, thrift-minded American car shoppers had a long list of lilliputian models to choose from.
Remember the DAF from Holland? The German-made Lloyd? How about the Goggomobil and Messerschmitt, the original British Mini, the Citroen 2CV and Renault 4CV from France, or the Japanese-produced Subaru 360 that reached America in the late 1960s? How about BMW's Isetta, marketed in the U.S. from 1957 to 1962? Sometimes known as "bubble cars," these imports–mostly from Europe–never approached the sales success of the original Volkswagen Beetle. Still, they captured the hearts of countless fans.
In June 2010, Chicagoans had an opportunity to gaze upon 18 minicars and microcars, lined up along a city block in the area of the annual Old Town Art Fair. Organized by Teeny Tiny Productions, the brainchild of Burt Richmond and Diane Fitzgerald, the Tres Petite Concours attracted some 5,000 visitors, including 150 children from the local elementary school. Winner of the "People's Choice" awards were a 1960 Scootacar and a 1969 Fiat Abarth Zagato coupe, the latter owned by Mr. Richmond.
Cars are categorized by engine size. Minicars have engines with a displacement between 501 and 999 cubic centimeters. Microcar engines are 500 cc or smaller. Specifications for each car are displayed, including country of origin and expected gas mileage.
Another Petite Concours will be held on July 17-18, in the DePaul University neighborhood, near Chicago's lakefront Lincoln Park. Next spring, a comparable Concours is scheduled to take place in connection with the New York Auto Show. For information, check www.teenytinyproductions.com.
Small-car fans who crave even more might want to consider the Micro/Mini Car World Meet, to be held on August 21-22 in Crystal Lake, Illinois (50 miles northwest of downtown Chicago). Hosted by Ken and Sylvia Weger, the World Meet will include exhibit, technical sessions, and "joy rides." Details are available at www.worldmeet2010.com. (Photo credit: Liza Berkoff, for Teeny Tiny Productions)
Check out the photos and story, The Best of France & Italy and Fiat 500: On Its Way.