Mid-Century Smarts

The Pasadena Art Center's summer automotive event also displayed a range of other tiny cars from the middle of the 1900s. These Smart Car precursors gleamed in the hot Southern California sun, delighting all with their pleasing forms and exquisite detailing. This pale blue R360 from 1964 was Mazda's first real car — It went on to dominate the diminutive category of tiny vehicles in Japan known as Kei cars, popular for their favorable insurance rates and tax exemptions.




The very odd-looking Messerschmitt KR200 from 1955 — a three wheeler with a bubble canopy roof, that I suppose drew its styling from the infamous WWII warplane. I remember first becoming aware of this "car" when it appeared in the groundbreaking movie Brazil, from the mid 80s — very well cast for its weird and intriguing, alternate future, look.




This red car with the suicide doors is a something called a Goggomobile 400TS Coupe from 1958, while the much more modern-looking orange Barbiemobile convertible below is actually a Goggomobil Dart of '59 vintage.