BMW Isetta 250 vs Fuldamobil S7 vs Zündapp Janus

[cawimmer430]

Today's snapshot shoot for Auto Classic Magazine: German Bubble Cars of the mid-1950s!

BMW Isetta 250 vs Fuldamobil S7 vs Zündapp Janus






http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_Isetta#BMW_Isetta_.28Germany.29

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuldamobil

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zundapp_Janus

This shoot took place in the deep provincial countryside of Haundorf, roughly 200 km northwest of Munich.

The owner of these classic cars used to run a Peugeot dealership, but now has converted his dealership into a museum dedicated to the Wirtschaftswunder (Economic Miracle) cars of post-war Germany. There are some unique and ultra rare cars in his collection such as a Kleinschnittger, a Heinkel Kabine , various Messerschmitt Kabinenrollers, Maico's, NSUs, Goggomobil's, Glas', some early East German Trabants etc.

He also has some classic Peugeot products in his collection, including an ultra rare and rust-free Peugeot 104!!! Colin, are you reading this!? Those are practically non-existent even in France!







There was a lovely Peugeot 504 Coupe in the showroom as well as a Peugeot 304 Convertible. In a garage not far away, he has a Peugeot 404 Sedan, Coupe and Convertible, a Peugeot 403 and a few others. One of the most impressive cars in his museum is an all-original 1911 Peugeot "Bebe"!
Colin, if you're ever in this area you should stop by and visit him. Tell him that "Wimmer Fotografie" sent you there.

http://www.automuseums.info/germany/honold-collection

Impressions of the cars. The Fuldamobil S7 and Zündapp Janus were relatively "spacious" for their size. But man, these cars are fragile! When I sat in them to take some interior photos, the suspension groaned due to my weight. Well the suspension did that with everyone who sat in them! Not much to say about the BMW Isetta.
The fun thing about the Janus was the fact that the rear passengers sit facing out the rear window. Both the S7 and Janus are powered by sub-300cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke engines making less than 20-horsepower. These cars are slow and they smell. The BMW Isetta was the only car here with a 4-stroke engine - and "smelled better". Back in the day, these cars transported entire families across the Alps to a vacation spot in Italy. And with a top speed in the 70-80 km/h region, that short trip across the mountains was an adventure!

Getting photos of the engines of the S7 and Janus was quite a chore. In the S7 the engine is located in the back underneath the rear window. It's about the size of a small sewing machine! The Janus engine is behind the front co-passenger and powers the rear wheels.

During the shoot on location, several people stopped to admire the cars and many of them had family members or friends who used to have one of these cars or a similar product from another brand. These cars might be slow and ugly, but they do have that rare ability to make people smile.


BMW Isetta!



















Fuldamobil S7












Zündapp Janus











The owner had two lovely dogs! 











More snapshots - the museum.

[2o6]

Gah! These little things are so cute

[cawimmer430]

Gah! These little things are so cute

You should trade in your Yaris for a Zündapp Janus! Think of the parties you can throw in there!!!

[GoCougs]

THANK YOU for correct grammar in citing the ere (1950s vs. 1950's, the latter of which is a crime against humanity).

[hotrodalex]

era

[Madman]

Nothing prepares you for how tiny these cars really are.  Luckily for me, I've had the opportunity to get up close and personal with both the BMW Isetta and the Zündapp Janus (plus many more) thanks to this place....

http://www.lanemotormuseum.org/?gclid=CNu439SPzb0CFbFaMgodjkoANg

If anyone is ever in Nashville, the Lane Motor Museum is definitely worth a visit!

[cawimmer430]

THANK YOU for correct grammar in citing the ere (1950s vs. 1950's, the latter of which is a crime against humanity).

You're welcome! 

[cawimmer430]

Nothing prepares you for how tiny these cars really are. 

And fragile.

I put my heavy camera with a Speedlight on top onto the floor of the Fuldsmobil and the suspension sagged slightly. 

Imagine the position of the car when I had to get inside to photograph the engine. It's hard to imagine that people traveled across the Alps to Italy with these cars. I like adventures, but I definitely wouldn't want to ride in one of these things. They're so tiny and noisy.