Let’s Gogo
Glenn, one of our astute visitors sent a post about the story we wrote looking at the possibility of BMW going greener with perhaps a new fourth brand labeled with a badge they have the naming rights to. Triumph and Riley came to mind, but Glenn suggested the Gogomobile.
Around 50 years ago when we here in America hit the highways in chrome laden, 8 cylinder, tail finned Chevy's, citizens of Central Europe were content to drive around in kinder gentler vehicles. Today they are known as microcars.
Still reeling from the ravages of war, a good deal of motorized transportation was limited to old army trucks, motorcycles and scooters. Oh they were making Mercedes and Opals, but they were out of the reach for the average German citizen. Tired of being exposed-year-round-to the elements, more and more folks turned to the emerging Rollermobiles, which essentially were three or four-wheeled motor scooters with a roof.
A contemporary of the
BMW Isetta
the Fuldamobil
and the Messerschmitt Kabinenroller
the Goggomobil was one of the most successful Kleinstautos of all time. Named after the company owner's grandson, Goggo Glas, this vehicle met with instant success because it looked like a real car, albeit a very small one.
Launched in 1955, the 2 cylinder, 2 stroke Goggomobil survived long after all other microcars had perished; production finally ended in 1969. The company was a property of BMW, they purchased the The Glas Auto works at Dingolfing Germany where the car was produced.
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Friday after work, I’m actually going to take off from Traverse City Michigan (home of Hagerty Insurance, where I work) and I’m going to go to the Detroit Auto Show, then to the Lane Microcar Museum near Nashville, then on down to a car factory (Hyundai) in Montgomery, Alabama. It’s about time for this car guy to see inside a car factory – I’ve been trying to see cars being made for 35 years. I’m also going to take “a few” (dozen) photos of microcars while I’m at Lane. See for yourselves
http://www.lanemotormuseum.com/
It’s merely the frosting on the cake that it’s going to be 65 degrees in Alabama and it was 10 degrees this morning on the way to work.
I think i will finally buy a BMW Isetta.