The most successful microcar ever produced has to be the Goggomobil. Developed by Hans Glas and named after the pet name of his young nephew, which was goggi, it sold more than a quarter million during its 13 year production span from 1955 until 1968. It was even in production when BMW was already owner of the Glas company.
Propulsion was by a two stroke two cylinder engine, with 250, 300 and even 400 cc displacement, the latter meant for the American export markets. The 250 engine produced 13.5 BHP, 1.5 less than the 300, while the 400 had a whopping 20 BHP!. It could take four (small) people. Kerb weight was just over 400 kg, and top speed under favourable circumstances was over 100 kph.
The Goggomobil provided the financial basis for a the later 4 cylinder and even 8 cylinder cars that Hans Glas produced, but unfortunately the cash flow was not good enough to prevent the company from being taken over by BMW in November 1966.
Shown is a mint example at the Nuerburgring Old Timer GrandPrix in 2004.
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