The BMW Isetta, on display at Alhambra’s New Century BMW dealership.
Also known as the rolling egg, yogurt pot, and coffin on wheels (see the Wiki).
I’ve often thought while lumbering down an L.A. freeway that I should have a car for one. Here I am in a 5-seat sedan with tank-like walls and I am all by my lonesome – one person going to the drugstore, one person making a run to the beach, one person…. Okay, this isn’t a single’s ad. Nevertheless, feeling like I am wasting space and gas, I would wish for a car for one. Well, after visiting Alhambra’s BMW dealership, I ain’t making that wish anymore. I climbed into this little one-seater (or two), the BMW Isetta, and thought this was an instant death wish. The single door is in the front and it closes in on you like a roller coaster safety bar. The little car is clausterphobic and cramped. I’m a relatively small person 5’4” and I felt trapped. Yes, it’s the cutest little thing ever, but nope, you won’t see me in this little rolling egg. I’ll stick with my airbags and tank.
Turns out that the Petersen Automotive Museum is currently running an exhibition on microcars that will be ending February 3, 2008.
Microcars, the minimum in motoring
Petersen Automotive Museum
6060 Wilshire Blvd.(at Fairfax,)
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Tuesday through Sunday
10:00 am – 6:00 pm
(323) 930 – CARS
www.petersen.org
Beep! Beep! Go microcar go!
