Despite the great sales success of the VW Beetle in the 1950s, the dream of owning a car was still unrealisable for many Germans. At that time, even the possession of a passenger car driver’s license was not yet a matter of course. However, the old Class IV driver’s license was valid for motor vehicles up to 250cc. Many manufacturers took advantage of this regulation, e.g., Glas with the Goggomobil and Messerschmitt with the cabin scooter. The Isetta was originally a design of the Italian refrigerator manufacturer ISO. Entry was via a forward-opening front door with a pivoting steering wheel. BMW acquired the license to reproduce the small car in 1954. The Isetta received the single-cylinder four-stroke engine from the BMW R25 motorcycle, which was installed on the right side, as well as a double rear wheel, and thus became a resounding success for BMW. During the 7-year production period between 1955 and 1962, more than 160,000 examples of the cab scooter, affectionately known as the “Knutschkugel,” were produced. After the Goggomobil, this made it the most widely built small car in post-war history. Today, the Isetta is regarded as a typical symbol of the economic miracle in Germany.
Security Concerns of the Front Door Design
The Isetta’s unique front-opening door, while innovative and practical for urban environments, raised significant security concerns. The primary issue was that in the event of a frontal collision, the door could become jammed, trapping the occupants inside. This design flaw posed a serious risk, especially considering the limited safety features available in cars of that era.
During the production of the Isetta, these security concerns were not widely discussed or addressed. The focus at the time was more on affordability and practicality rather than safety. The economic conditions and the urgent need for affordable transportation overshadowed the potential risks associated with the front door design.
The Microlino: Revisiting the Front Door Concept
Fast forward to the present day, the Microlino, a modern electric microcar, has revived the front-opening door concept. Inspired by the Isetta, the Microlino features a similar door design, which opens towards the sidewalk, providing easy access in tight urban spaces. However, advancements in automotive safety have allowed for better mitigation of the risks associated with this design.
The Microlino incorporates modern safety features and materials that were not available during the Isetta’s production. These improvements help address the security concerns that plagued the original design, making the Microlino a safer option for today’s drivers.
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