Since the invention of the first automobile over a century ago, people have continuously sought the perfect car to meet their personal and family needs.
Over the years, individuals have developed preferences for different types of vehicles some favor high-performance supercars, while others prioritize energy-efficient models.
Regardless of personal tastes, automobile manufacturers have designed a wide array of vehicles to cater to various needs. One significant factor that buyers consider when choosing a car is its size.
Those with large families or a desire for ample interior space often opt for bigger vehicles. However, driving and parking larger cars require more room, making them somewhat challenging to maneuver.
Some of the largest vehicles on the road have even earned the nickname “yachts of the car world” due to their size.
While these sizable automobiles have remained popular, there has also been a growing interest among consumers in much smaller cars.
Since the 1940s, automakers have been producing ultra-compact vehicles known as microcars to meet the needs of consumers seeking smaller options.
To be classified as a microcar, a vehicle must have an engine size of 1000cc or less and provide seating for either one or two passengers, though some modern microcars can accommodate up to four people.
These tiny cars have gained popularity for several reasons: they are more affordable, come with lower insurance costs, and require minimal space for parking and storage.
While not all microcars have been praised for their aesthetics, automakers continue to refine their designs, with some models even being considered cute.
Among these microcars, some stand out as the smallest ever produced, while others are so long they resemble boats more than road-legal automobiles!
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10. Zündapp Janus
The Zündapp Janus microcar, produced between 1957 and 1958, was the only car ever manufactured by the German motorcycle company Zündapp.
One of its most unique features was its unusual design, making it difficult to distinguish the front from the rear due to the placement of its doors at both ends rather than in the middle. In theory, this compact car could accommodate up to four passengers.
Powering the Zündapp Janus was a single-cylinder, two-stroke engine that produced 14 horsepower.
Zündapp manufactured only 6,902 units of this microcar, making it an extremely rare collector’s item today.
Given that it was named after a Roman deity associated with beginnings and transitions, one might have expected the Janus to achieve greater success in the automotive market.
9. Peel P50
The Peel P50 is a three-wheeled microcar featuring two wheels at the front and a single wheel at the rear. Over the years, this tiny vehicle has gained considerable popularity.
Originally produced between 1962 and 1965, the Peel P50 made a comeback in 2010 and has continued to be manufactured ever since.
The Peel P50 was recognized in 2010 as the smallest production car ever made. Since its initial release, the vehicle has been offered with three different engine options.
The 1963–1964 version was powered by a DKW 49cc engine, generating 4.2 horsepower and reaching speeds of up to 38 mph.
The 2011 revival introduced two new engine choices: a gas-powered 49cc four-stroke engine producing 3.35 horsepower and a brushless DC electric motor delivering 3.08 horsepower.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Peel P50 is its incredibly compact size it can fit just about anywhere. Weighing only 123 lbs, it is so light that if you are accustomed to lifting weights, you could simply pick it up and move it yourself.
8. 1952 Champion 400
The 1952 Champion 400 is an adorable German microcar that, at first glance, somewhat resembles a Volkswagen. This compact vehicle featured a steel body and was powered by a two-cylinder 398cc ILO engine.
The fuel for this car had to be a mixture of gasoline and oil.
Despite its small size, this microcar was capable of reaching a top speed of 50 mph, making it faster than many other microcars of its time.
Unfortunately, the company struggled to compete with larger automobile manufacturers and eventually went bankrupt. Following its financial troubles, the brand was acquired by Maico Automobile Company, which leads us to the next car on the list.
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7. Maico 500
The Maico 500 was introduced following Maico’s acquisition of the Champion Car company. According to RM Sotheby’s, this microcar made its debut at the Frankfurt Show in 1955.
Designed as a two-seater, it was only in production for a few months before Maico shifted focus to its 403 model, which could accommodate up to four passengers.
According to Lane Motor Museum, the Maico 403 was rebranded as the Maico 500 when the company decided to equip it with a larger engine and a four-speed manual transmission.
While the Maico 500 performed reasonably well in terms of sales, Maico eventually returned to its roots manufacturing motorcycles.
6. 1957 Biscuter 200-F Pegasin
According to The Microcar Museum, the 1957 Biscuter 200-F Pegasin was designed to resemble a Spanish version of a Ferrari.
Produced by Autonacional SA, this microcar gave drivers the experience of owning a miniature Ferrari though it certainly didn’t match the high speeds of its inspiration. With its stylish design, the Biscuter 200-F Pegasin remains an exciting collector’s piece.
This microcar was powered by a Hispano-Villiers single-cylinder, two-stroke engine that produced 9 horsepower.
Production of the Biscuter 200-F Pegasin was short-lived, lasting only two years before ending in 1960. Today, this rare microcar comes with a hefty price tag, with collectors potentially paying up to $32,000 for one.
5. Microcar MC1
The Microcar MC1 was a microcar produced by the French company Groupe Beneteau between 2003 and 2007. This three-door hatchback was powered by a 505cc two-cylinder engine, allowing it to reach a top speed of 72 mph.
There were two versions of this vehicle: the MC1 and the MC2. The MC2 was slightly longer than the MC1 and featured a plastic body. However, one drawback was that the car tended to vibrate at higher speeds.
Despite its small size, the Microcar MC1 was practical for everyday use, making it easy for drivers to navigate traffic and find parking.
This microcar was particularly popular among teenagers, many of whom customized their vehicles with upgraded stereo systems to blast their favorite music.
4. BMW Isetta
The BMW Isetta is an Italian-designed microcar that had several different versions on the road during its production run from 1953 to 1961.
Only 300 of these microcars were manufactured at a remote factory in Great Britain, where all parts had to be shipped in and out by train including the finished vehicles.
This is the same car that Steve Urkel drove in several episodes of the 1990s TV show Family Matters.
One of the most unique features of the BMW Isetta was its single front-opening door, positioned where the hood would typically be. The compact interior could accommodate up to two passengers, and the car had a top speed of just 53 mph.
3. 1956 Eshelman Deluxe Adult Sports Car
The 1956 Eshelman Deluxe Adult Sports Car is an incredibly small vehicle, but its charming design makes it stand out. Resembling a garden tractor, it may be hard to believe that this microcar was actually designed for adults but it was.
This tiny car was only available in two colors: red and yellow. It was powered by a B&S single-cylinder engine that produced 8.5 horsepower.
The 1956 Eshelman Deluxe Adult Sports Car had a top speed of just 20 mph but boasted an impressive fuel efficiency of 70 miles per gallon.
One of its most distinctive features was its completely open design, lacking a roof to protect passengers from the elements. However, on a pleasant day, it could make for an enjoyable ride.
Today, this microcar is quite rare, and if you manage to find one, it won’t come cheap the estimated cost ranges between $15,000 and $21,000.
2. Rolux Baby
The Rolux Baby was produced between 1945 and 1948 by the French company Ets. DeConstruction General Auto-Cycles.
As noted by the Microcar Museum, this compact vehicle was powered by a 124cc engine, delivering 4.5 horsepower.
Designed as a two-person microcar, it featured a convertible top, allowing drivers to enjoy open-air cruising regardless of the weather.
Driving this tiny car around town was sure to attract attention. Only 300 units of the Rolux Baby were ever built. If you’re interested in owning one today, expect to pay between $42,500 and $45,000.
1. 1953 Allard Clipper
Now moving on to microcars, the first one on the list is the Allard Clipper, produced between 1953 and 1954 and designed by David Gottlieb.
According to 3-Wheelers, this car was described as “indestructible” and was the first to feature a plastic body.
It was equipped with a Villiers 24B 346cc single-cylinder two-stroke engine, making it suitable for short trips, though it did suffer from mechanical issues.
During its production run, only twenty Allard Clippers were built, and it is believed that just two remain in existence today.
While this microcar had a short-lived presence in the market, it is now considered extremely rare. Any collector of microcars would love to own one if they could ever find one.
