A look back at the tiny cars that once ruled the road

A timeline of micro cars.

By Jordan Golson

Published Sep 26, 2018 5:33 PM EDT

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2012 Renault Twizy — The Twizy is what the REVAi should have been. Driver and passenger sit piggyback along the center. The entire steel vehicle structure could protect the occupants in an accident.
Length: 92 inches Chris Hebert

Cars are getting bigger—the better to protect you with, my dear. But back when fuel was scarce and safety wasn’t a concern, tiny machines thrived. These wee rides filled a niche for decades, but today, some commuters still demand exceptionally small vehicles.

1953 BMW Isetta — Chris Hebert

1957 Fiat 500 — Chris Hebert

What is a Horsepower? thumbnail

1962 Peel P50 — Chris Hebert

1973 Reliant Robin — Chris Hebert

1998 Smart ForTwo — Chris Hebert

2001 REVAi (G-Wiz) — Chris Hebert

Now/future: Elio — Chris Hebert

This article was originally published in the Fall 2018 Tiny issue of Popular Science.