A zillion years after its 1950 introduction, the iconic VW hippie van is still rolling off the production line in Brazil.
Virtual Tour: The Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum
By James Grahame
The Microcar Museum in Madison, Georgia is a unique tribute to the wonderful variety of microcars that were created in Europe and Japan following the devastation of WW2. Most of these tiny vehicles featured motorcycle-size engines and offered room for only a couple of occupants. Those of us who don't live in Georgia can experience the museum through a wonderful virtual tour that includes excellent photos and background on well over 100 of these strange vehicles.
World War II came to an end in 1945 and Europe lay in ruins. A shell-shocked population came out of the bomb shelters and faced an unimaginable scene of devastation and ruin. As if the seemingly endless task of clearing away the rubble wasn't enough, there were crippling shortages of food, raw materials, electricity and gas. Value and worth were measured in Chesterfield cigarettes.
The population collectively rolled up its sleeves and went to work... The microcar or "bubble car" came to symbolize this period of renewed energy and pulling together. The
bubble car boom lasted only a decade, but the period left a lasting impression even on those who abandoned their Kabinenroller for a 'real' car. [thanks, Rob!]
