November 1 2008
The Isetta was
one of the most successful microcars produced
in the post-WWII years—a
time when cheap, short-distance transportation was most needed.
Although the design originated in Italy.
Because of its egg shape and bubble-like windows, it became
known as a bubble
car—a name later given to other similar vehicles. Other
countries had other nicknames: In Germany it was das
rollende Ei (the
rolling egg) or the Sargwagen (meaning
something like "coffin car"; the name apparently came from the
small (or rather nonexistent) distance between the passengers
and oncoming traffic). In France it was the yogurt
pot. In Brazil it was the bola
de futebol de fenemê (soccer
ball of FNM [a truck]), and in Chile it is still called the "huevito"
(little egg).       |