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Here are some pictures of my unique Bubblecars, and some of their friends!
My BMW Isetta beside a red New Beetle. Hmmm, was BMW ahead of itself with this timeless design??
1956 Messerschmitt KR-200 Convertible This is one of my Bubblecars! This car was the second model of the Messerschmitt Bubblecar built by the famous warplane manufacturer. The KR-175 was first, consisting of motorcycle-type handlebar controls. The KR-200 was more refined, and came in a bubble-top canopy as well as the convertible. This model was produced from 1955 to about 1962 when a four-wheeled, two-cylinder version was introduced. The engine is a 2-cycle, one-cylinder engine, with a four speed transmission. For reverse, the engine was started using a second set of points, causing the engine to run backwards. Theoretically, you could drive the car backward through all 4 gears, which would tend to cause the car to roll over because of the go kart-like handling! Many people tried this with disastrous results!!
	The interior "cockpit"! Ready for take-off. Since the car was designed by the famous German warplane manufacturer, Messerschmitt fashioned the interior after the cockpit of an airplane, right down to the steering bar! The passenger even sits directly behind the driver, and there is a little flip-up seat to accommodate a small child or luggage. Driving the Messerschmitt is like no other car on the road. You sit very low. Steering is direct, so you basically only have to "think" your way around a corner. Brakes aren't the greatest, so you have to look out in advance for other drivers and gawkers in order to take best advantage of the cable-operated system!
1959 BMW Isetta 300 This is my second Bubblecar! These were designed by an Italian car maker, Iso, and the production rights were sold to BMW. Built from 1954 to 1961, they were basic transportation after the war, and were typically scooter engines with a body to protect the driver and passengers from the elements. The Isetta engine is a BMW one-cylinder, 300 c.c. 4-stroke motorcycle engine, which gets about 65 mpg. Most of these Isettas were built in Germany or England. The ones used in England were the 3-wheeled versions to save money on taxes, licensing, and insurance. The U.S. got the German-built Isettas, while Canada got the English-built ones. The Isetta was the most popular and best-selling bubblecar, and people remember it for its egg-shaped body and its unique front-opening door. People entered the car through this door that opened like a refrigerator. The steering wheel moved on an ingenious universal joint to provide ease of entry.
	1960's BMW 600 After the Isetta, BMW had enough money to produce the BMW 600. Nicknamed the "Limousine", it had a door on the side for the people in the back seat, in addition to the Isetta-like front opening door. Some sales success with this car, plus the Isetta, helped save BMW from bankruptcy! I used to own a two-tone yellow/creme version of this car, which was in pretty good condition. The two-cylinder BMW Boxter motorcycle engine was fairly quick and made a nice grumbling sound.
Nifty Isetta with its own trailer! Owned by John and Mary Kovacs, this neat rig is restored to its pristine original condition. No detail has been overlooked.