Micros from Japan

One of the still affordable microcars, the Subaru 360 is the cute little car that almost wasn’t. Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd., Subaru’s parent, evolved from the Nakajima Aircraft Company that was dismantled at the end of World War II. While founded in 1953, car building only began in 1958 with the Subaru 360 microcar.
The Subaru 360 was one of the earliest and most successful of the 360cc class of Japanese microcars, in Japan. The 360 used a tiny air-cooled, two cylinder, 356cc, two stoke engine placed transversely in the rear. It produced just 16hp which was increased to a whopping 20hp in 1964. A three-speed transmission was fitted initially, but a four speed became available in 1964. Mechanical brakes were used through the mid-1960’s, then replaced by hydraulic ones, and tires were tiny 4.80x10s. Overall length was 118in with a 70.9in wheelbase. The fully independent suspension system used trailing arms, torsion bars, and coil springs in front and split semi-axles and torsion bars in the rear.
A beautiful car to own and drive, this Subaru micro is a delightful addition to any enthusiast's collection. Also delightful to wear, drink from, or send. All kinds of Subaru 360 apparel, mugs, cards, stickers and much more is now available. If you don’t see something you’d like, just let me know!

MicroSouth 2006 just 15 days away!

An absolutely fantastic microcar and minicar event is just a couple of weeks away, down in Florida. An bi-annual event, MicroSouth 2006 is a great place to see some rare and delightful cars, show off your own car(s), meet old friends, make new friends and have a great time! And the car events are FREE to attend (no registration fee). This three-day event takes place in/near Maitland , Florida, and consists of car show-and-shines, short and long cruises, and great fun! Check out the Official MicroSouth 2006 website for more information and DON'T MISS IT!

Smallest Street-Legal Car

I thought it was about time I got around to illustrate the smallest microcar. These things make a SMART car look huge!
Peel 3-wheelers were manufactured from 1962 to 1965. The Peel P50, was produced by Peel Engineering Company, manufacturers of fiberglass fairings and boats on the Isle of Man. Peel Engineering was the only car manufacturer based in the Isle of Mann. At only 53 inches (1.34m) long and 39 inches (99cm) wide the Peel P50 is currently the smallest 3-wheeler ever produced. With a top speed of just 38mph and powered by a tiny, 49cc 2-stroke DKW engine it was designed to accommodate one adult only (and maybe a shopping bag).
The Peel 50 had no reverse gear, but at just 132lb (59kg) it was light enough to park manually using the convenient lifting handle provided at the rear of the vehicle. These cars are so rare that they command a high price, if you can even find one, of $15-$30K.



Take a look and see the delightful little P50 as well as its bigger brother, the Peel Trident and have fun shopping.
And, if you can't get enough enjoyment out of some of my Peel P50 gift items and you want the real thing, vist Andy Carter's Microcar Replica site. He reproduces the bodies and running gear so you too can toodle around town in your very own pocket-sized microcar.

50cc Streamliner Speed Attempt

Here's a friend of mine attempting to break the existing speed record for 50cc motorcycle streamliners at both Bonneville and El Mirage. This year has been the year to work the bugs out. Next year, just wait! Built from scratch and powered by an Aprilia 50cc, normally aspirated motor, the BuddFab Streamliner has reached 95 mph recently at El Mirage.
John Buddenbaum and Eric Noyes are building this 50cc motorcycle streamliner to break the oldest record at Bonneville. 121.7 mph, set in 1956 by NSU with a wankel supercharged 50CC 2 stroke and fuel it made 13 HP. The attempt motor is a 2002 Aprilia RS50. Stock these motors make about 6 HP. Fully modified with Nitrous Oxide it should make around 20 HP.
Check back here and at their site to see how things progress.