By Do you remember the Bubble Car? I know it was made in the 1950s, but there are still a few models that can be seen out and about on the road.
Egg Shaped
The egg-shaped three-wheeler was powered by a small motorcycle 236cc engine. The only access in and out of the things was by the one door at the front. As far as I know, the early models did not have a reverse gear, so going back wasn’t going to happen unless you got out and pushed it. This must-have caused a few problems over the years for some unfortunate owners.
Uh Oh!
There must have been a few owners who drove home in these bubbletastic bubble cars, straight up the driveway and into the garage. Stopping at the far end against the boundary wall, handbrake on and then realising they can’t open the door to get out! No worries, just reverse enough to leave room to open the door. Uh oh!!! No reverse. Imagine the feeling when it dawns on you that you are trapped in this three-wheeled chariot. Especially if you were living alone.
Bubble Trouble
There were no mobile phones in those days, so you were well and truly up s**t creek without a paddle. I suppose this is one of the reasons they fitted the later models with a reverse gear. Some people could have been trapped for days on end and dare I say it, some were never found at all until it was too late. What an awful way to go. Just remember, if you decide to buy one of these little bubble cars, make sure you get one with a reverse gear. You can thank me later.
Here is a Wikipedia page on the Isetta Bubble Car.
SueW
February 23, 2020I remember them well. Not a well thought out design was it? ????
admin
February 23, 2020Thank you, Sue. No, I’m sure someone must have thought it was going to be stack em high, sell em cheap moment.
The Hinoeuma
February 23, 2020Oh, how cute. I don’t believe we’ve ever had anything like that on this side of the pond. The smallest thing we’ve seen is the Smart:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_(marque)
Ridiculous looking things.
admin
February 23, 2020Thank you, Chris, they were a little strange.
angloswiss
February 23, 2020Bein a golden oldie I remember them. I didn’t realise that they had no reverse gear. They have something developed in Switzerland called a Smart car, but much more refined and not very cheap. They were taken over by a Mercedes and with a reverse gear There is also now an electric version according to my Mr. Swiss. 🙂
admin
February 23, 2020Yes, the Smart car is quite a good little car. Thank you, Angloswiss.
bereavedandbeingasingleparent
February 23, 2020I remember those. Actually went in one once. At the time it seemed so the thing of the future.
admin
February 23, 2020Wow, I’ve seen many, but never been in one. As I remember, they were quite nippy about the place.
librepaley
February 23, 2020Wonder if there’s anyone still in there.
admin
February 23, 2020I bet there is! ????????????
KINDNESS
February 23, 2020Good story mate ????????
admin
February 23, 2020Thank you, Kindness.
Yetismith
February 23, 2020What an awful thought!
Invisibly Me
February 23, 2020Trapped to meet a lonely & bloody awful death in a Bubble Car, that doesn’t bear thinking about! I hadn’t realised the earlier models didn’t have a reverse gear. Hard to imagine not being able to reverse let alone all the other restrictions this car had- and I thought I had it bad with my old KA having wind-down windows & no central locking key fob ????
admin
February 23, 2020Thos KA’s are great. I nearly bought one a few years ago and I’ve even been looking at the new one recently. You can get good speed from them old KA’s. Yes, the old Bubble Car could be a bit of a death trap. Thank you, Caz.
susiesopinions
February 23, 2020I sure as hell remember them.
admin
February 24, 2020Thank you, Susie ????