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While modern car makers are focusing on building the fastest and most technologically advanced vehicles, classic car enthusiasts are often looking elsewhere for their motoring kicks.

Bubble cars from the 1950s and 1960s have become increasingly collectable over the past few years. With their quirky designs, fuel efficiency, ease of maintenance and huge fun factor, bubble cars make a great way to enter the classic car club.

Whether you’re searching for a showstopper for your garage or a canny investment then look no further for inspiration than our rundown of 8 of the best bubble cars. Surely you can find a small spot in your heart for one of these.

Just be sure to have the best insurance for a classic car in place to protect them from harm. After all, these diminutive delights are deserving of the very best of care!

 

Bubble cars – a very short history

Bubble cars first came to prominence in the early 1950s when consumers were looking for smaller, cheaper vehicles.

First produced in Germany, they got their name from the aircraft-style bubble canopies and appearance of the first vehicles.

As concerns about oil supplies from the Middle East took hold, many manufacturers in Britain and Europe began making these cute little cars that were so fuel efficient.

Unfortunately by the late 1960s the bubble car trend had largely burst.

However, showing off any one of these bubble cars at a show or rally today is bound to bring attention and Lancaster can, of course, help you find the right classic car insurance for such adventures.

 

8 bubble car beauties

 

1. Messerschmitt KR175 – 1953-55

The KR175 was one of the very first bubble cars and the first vehicle built in the factory of German aircraft manufacturer Messerschmitt under its 1952 agreement with engineer and designer Fritz Fend.

Its title Kabinenroller means ‘scooter with cabin’ and it featured tandem seating accessed via an aircraft style dome hatch. Around 15,000 were produced before it was replaced by the KR200 in 1956.

 

2. Messerschmitt KR200 - 1955-1964

An almost total redesign of the KR175, Fritz Fend was again at the helm of this highly collectable bubble car with its aircraft cockpit styling. An instant success, 12,000 were produced in its first year of manufacture.

While Messerschmitt eventually lost interest in car manufacture, Fend continued production of the KR200 and his other vehicles for several years to come.

Of the bubble cars, Messerschmitts can be some of the more difficult ones to restore well but the  offers one of the most comprehensive parts replacement service of all bubble car clubs.

4. Heinkel Kabine or Trojan 200 – 1956-1966

Another German aircraft manufacturing company that became involved in bubble car design was Heinkel.

The Heinkel Kabine, and its later UK-made version, the Trojan 200, were some of the most popular family microcars ever put on the market.

Despite being smaller than your average kitchen table, it could fit up to four people inside its cramped interior. A fact played up in adverts at the time.

 

5. Peel P50 – 1962-1965

A beloved feature of the Guinness Book of World Records, the P50 has held the title of smallest production car ever made for over half a century!

Designed as a city car, this cute three-wheeler was made by the Peel Engineering Company on the Isle of Man.

Advertised as capable of seating ‘one adult and a shopping bag’ it had just a single windscreen wiper and one headlight.

While only 26 of the original 47 P50s are known to exist, you’ll be pleased to hear that since 2010 Peel has restarted making them!

 

6. Peel Trident – 1965-1966

With its flying-saucer style dome lid the Peel Trident certainly is a head-turner even among bubble cars.

The second bubble car produced by Peel Engineering, it was launched at the 1965 British Motorcycle Show at Earls Court.

Slightly hopefully, the marketing claimed its 31-inch seat could be used as an occasional two-seater!

Another striking advertising claim was that it got 100 miles per gallon ‘almost cheaper than walking’. Like its predecessor, fewer than 50 were made.

 

3. Isetta – 1953-1962

The Italian-designed Isetta is perhaps the most well-known of the bubble cars. Owing to its egg shape and bubble-like windows it pretty much set the standard for many later vehicles.

Originally manufactured by the Italian firm Iso in 1953, the BMW version became the top-selling single-cylinder car in the world, selling over 160,000 units before it ceased production in 1962.

For restoration enthusiasts these are one of the easiest bubble cars to restore. Remember, Lancaster can help insure your classic during any period of restoration.

7. Berkeley T60 – 1959-1960

If you’re looking for something with a sporty edge, then this really is the car for you.

This very popular UK designed and built sports car was an instant success in the UK where the fact it was a three-wheeler meant that it could be driven on a motorcycle licence.

Around 1,800 were made. A four-seater was manufactured in 1960 but only 50 were ever produced before the company was declared insolvent.

 

8. Bond Bug – 1970-1974

A very late addition to the world of bubble cars, the Bond Bug was a small British two-seater, three-wheeler designed by Tom Karen for the Reliant Motor Company.

With a lift-up canopy, side screens instead of doors and a bright orange paint job there’s no mistaking this car.

Over 2000 were made. An interesting fact is that Karen oversaw the design and production of Luke Skywalker's landspeeder from Star Wars.

Indeed, one of the models was built upon the body of a Bond Bug. The moviemakers hid the wheels with mirrors angled slightly to the ground!

 

Protect your bubble car with classic car insurance

If you’ve bought yourself one of these cute classics, make sure it’s protected. The team at Lancaster can help you find classic car insurance. Call today to get a classic bubble car insurance quote.

Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.