Automite Car? A Modern Microcar?

 Awhile ago, I came across plans for a very tiny car; actually barely a car but it was very tiny. It was similar in size to the Peel P50. Both were three wheel cars but I think the P50 is more advanced of the two with the Automite being like a Mode T and the P50 being like a more modern vehicle.

Prismz Automite.

I think it is neat that the site for the plans for the Automite is still there. One does not hear much about; at least to what I have seen on the internet. The site also has links to other things. 

I believe I acquired the plans before (not sure if I still have them). I had noticed that there is no barrier between the engine area and the passenger area. I always wondered if the driver is inhaling the exhaust from the engine since there doesn't seem to be an exhaust pipe leading out. There doesn't seem to be any turn signals or a rear light (IIRC). The design is a simple structure of wood. I don't remember how one got in or out of it but I don't think it had a door. I think it left much to be desired; design wise. 

I do like the simplicity of the design. I think it could be a fun run around vehicle is one sticks to ones driveway and not far from it on back roads where the speed limit is very slow. Since it is a three wheel design, it might be classified as a motorcycle or scooter? (depending on the rules and regulations in your area). 

They do have a more complicated design called the Xzillerator. That will be for a separate post / blog. 

Cyclops Car - Old Version And My Version?

 In the past, I have seen an odd little car called the Cyclops car. It was very small and not really practical. I think it might have originally been a joke. It was funny looking. Below is a link to an article about it. 

Concept Carz - 1957 Cyclops 2

Lane Motors Museum - Cyclops 2 1957 (replica)

Paper Modelers - Stan Mott's Cyclops 2 (design and build).

I decided to take pencil and graph paper and create what I think it could look like; a gas version and an electric version and an odd version of it. I am not a mechanic or engineer but I do like to be creative with things. I doubt it would work and I doubt I would ever get to make it but it was a lot of fun to create; at least on paper.

This is my idea as what it could look like as an electric car. With mine - at least in my mind, it would be a lot bigger (not huge bigger) than the original with room for two people (sitting like one would on the floor - assuming that is a comfortable way to sit). 

Here is the wider more inclusive view of the electric version.

Here is the gas version. While one cannot see the gas engine, it would be located in the back behind the drive / passenger. One can see the air vents for it. It would power the back wheels in a similar manner to the original. 

This is my oddly shaped pyramid Cyclops vehicle. It would - without doubt - be bigger than the first two. It would still be a little on the cramped side. It is like the first one in that it is an electric vehicle but it could be gas powered. The figures / shapes on the right were ideas for a company name that would make them. 

It would definitely fit into the micro car category. Not many cars would be smaller than this is. I guess it would be a micro mini car? I am not sure if it would be modern since I doubt anyone would want to drive it on the roads now; I guess that would depend on how big they make.

California Commuter? a Micro Car That Is No More?

 In the past, I came across vehicle called the California Commuter. It was designed and made to have an incredible amount / high MPG. It seems their site - that sold plans for it and other things - is no longer there (at least I have not found it, yet?).

As the photo shows, it was a single person vehicle that was extremely small. What it didn't show was the single cylinder engine that powered it or how it was steered.

Here is the top and side views of the CC.

Here is the inside view; top and side.

This shows how it was steered. It is unique in that there isn't a steering wheel but two levers. 

Here is the electrical system of the CC. I always wondered if this could be used in other peoples homebuilt vehicles? 

Here is what could have been but never was. The CC2. It seems they had designs for a two seater that never seem to have come to fruition. It is a shame since it looked really nice. 

It was true and funny back when this was put out. I think this would probably be more appreciated now. I wonder how many would drive such a small vehicle on todays roads with all those huge SUV's and PU's.