isetta

The Isetta was one of the most successful microcars (a very small compact vehicle usually containing enough room for 1-3 people) produced in the post-WWII years—a time when cheap, short-distance transportation was most needed. Although the design originated in Italy, it was built in a number of different countries, including Spain, Belgium, France, Brazil, Germany and Britain. Because of its egg shape and bubble-like windows, it became known as a bubble car—a name later given to other similar vehicles. Other countries had other nicknames: In Germany it was das rollende Ei ("rolling egg"), Sargwagen ("coffin car"; the name apparently came from the small (or rather nonexistent) distance between the passengers and oncoming traffic) or Knutschkugel ("snogging ball"). In France it was the yogurt pot. In Brazil it was the bola de futebol de fenemê (soccer ball of FNM [a truck]), and in Chile it is still called the "huevito" (little egg)