This is a really neat-o site. I've been watching it for years and now it's more likely that our cars will be a little more like these: [url]http://microcarmuseum.com/

Beats walking!

Rick

http://microcarmuseum.com/

I can't get the link to work so just Google it

You sure you typed that link in right? I'm getting a 404 error.

Dr.Seuss mobiles owned by the whos who of whoville

cars are already like that in europe

Cars are like that everywhere in the WORLD except the USA!

We were in the Dominican Republic last month and there are these little tiny pickups and vans. Some of them were stuck in the wheelwells of a Hummer.

When I was in Japan, Hong Kong, Philippines etc. (back in the 60's) you would only see small vehicles. But nothing as small as the cars in the Microcar Museum.

This nation will grind to a halt before we give up our large cars, I'm afraid.

You sure you typed that link in right? I'm getting a 404 error.

http://microcarmuseum.com/

lets see if it works this time...

Those are some cute little cars. I think the go kart I had as a kid is bigger than some of them.

And here I always thought a Messerschmitt was a real man's toy, something to rival Stukkas and Zeros and such for military dominance of foreign skies.... Not something to putt around streets in, chasing bicycles... :no: :D

Actually, I've always thought these cars were "cute". They do make some sense in some smaller towns in Europe, and places where a compact and lightweight vehicle is an advantage. To go to the corner grocery a few blocks away and bring home the groceries, they are fine. To commute a short distance to school or work, they are economical and convenient. They can utilize parking spaces too small for other cars.

But they are not suitable for all the uses we put full-sized cars to today. You could never commute by freeway between cities in the US in one of those, and they don't exactly have much room for luggage. If you have a family of more than two, forget about going anywhere together. If you are ever in a collision with a hummer or SUV while driving one, well, good luck!

A friend of mine back in High school had an early Subaru that was super-tiny, and another had a former mail-delivery van (3-wheeler) and I rode in both of them. They get a bit frightening at anything near or above 40 mph. True "tin cans". They are full of compromises. For example, smaller wheels make for much faster revolutions, limiting their capacities, shortening their lifespans, adding to maintenance and increasing the risks of driving them. Suitable for shorter local commutes at lower speeds, but wholly unsuitable for long-haul drives or actually hauling much weight.

Yes, they get great gas mileage, and for SOME applications they are a wonderful solution. As a second car, to be used to save fuel where appropriate, they are a good idea (although somewhat dangerous). But I just can't see microcars replacing larger cars in general. Supplementing, yes. Supplanting? No.

At least I HOPE not! :no:

That said, there are SMALL (but not micro) cars which can do a lot, and still save on gas. Things like MGs, Morgans, old Jaguars, even Volkswagens and Porsches (well, Porshes may not save much on gas.... :D ). I'm all for those! :thmbsp:

I've thought about getting one of the little mercedes "smart car"s . There were a bunch of them in London when I was there a month ago, and they're popping up in California. I don't know if I could haul my electronics scores home in one of those, though. I'd have to switch to just looking for BBC monitors.

I'm still waiting for our "flying cars" I was promised when I was in grade school. :sigh:

I think the extreme light weight would offset the smaller tires, and save wear and tear on axles, etc. It would be a wash.

Also, with modern materials like Kevlar and carbon fiber, and titanium etc. they could be built stronger and safer. Add an airbag and a rollbar? Well, now we're adding more weight...

If we were forced to such an extreme means of personal transportation at least we would have the alternative. I mean, we could if we had to! We could adapt.

Maybe such a car with a hybrid motor? Probably get 200mpg. It's a fantasy :D! And if most people drove such vehicles it wouldn't be so dangerous. And the roads would not take such punishment.

But how about a big Semi? That would be hard to replace for obvious reasons. More rail needs to be built, I guess.

Anyway, just wanted to show you guys that Museum. I think it's cool.

Rick

http://blog.modernmechanix.com/page/2/

Like this?

I'm always leary of future "trendcasting".

Back when I was in grade school, the "Weekly Reader" told us we would have "flying cars" by the year 2000, and that the advances of technology would shorten the workweek to 35 hours, leaving us more "leisure" time.

Another trend that was forecast was small vehicles for "city" cars and larger vehicles for city-to-city travel. In fact, they forecast a large vehicle that the small vehicle would fit into. You would drive the large vehicle to another city and then use the "city" vehicle to get around in the other city.

Of coure, you would drive onto a "smart" highway that would control your vehicles course and speed while you swiveled your seats around and all played cards or whatever.

I could deal with a smaller fuel efficient vehicle if you weren't out on the same highway with UPS and FedEX trucks, 1 ton construction company pickups and dualies, Large box-type delivery trucks and tractor trailers.

2 years ago, a woman ran a stop sign and hit my Tahoe in the RF fenderwell.
She was driving a Cavalier and it was totalled! I drove my Tahoe home!

I drive too much on the interstate highways to be out there in a "Smart" car or a MiniCooper! If I only drove a few miles in-town, I'd probably have a MiniCooper!

You would not be allowed on a highway with one of those Messerschmidts, my wife had one when she was living in Japan. One day while climbing a very slight hill in it, a dog passed her. Imagine one of those in Buffalo in the winter.

One day while climbing a very slight hill in it, a dog passed her.

Was it a Greyhound? :D

Heh - if that's what cars of the future are going to be more like, I won't be driving - my 6'6"/220lb frame won't fit in much of anything smaller than a Volvo 240.

I want a real mini!

This is funny:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN0LQJLabqA

Pete

"Are YOU Ready for the future of the Automobile??"


ummm, no...

This one looks like a mini Porsche:

http://microcarmuseum.com/tour/images/dart01.jpg