William Towns' Microdot, a Microcar with a Big Impact
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 8 фев 2025
- In this video, we dive into the fascinating realm of microcars, exploring their quirky designs, innovative engineering, and unique charm. From compact size to eco-friendly appeal, microcars have made a big impact in the automotive world.
Join us as we look at some of the most significant microcar concepts, including the iconic Microdot, designed by the renowned William Towns. Discover the history behind these miniature marvels and their role in urban mobility.
Read Jason Torchinsky's article in The Autopian - www.theautopia...
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more exciting content about automotive design and the evolution of transportation!
-- CHAPTERS --
00:46 - Driving the Microdot Inside the Museum!
03:05 - The GM XP 512E
04:07 - The Microdot
05:13 - William Towns
07:18 - Microdot Interior
09:40 - Driving a Microcar
15:58 - The Zagato Zele 1000
16:58 - HMV Freeway
17:25 - The Fiat 500L
--
SEE THEM AT THE PETERSEN
www.petersen.o...
--
CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Like us on Facebook: petersenmuseum
Follow us on Instagram: petersenmuseum
Follow us on TikTok: tiktok.com/petersen_museum
Now , I know where the inspiration of Cyberpunk 2077's most basic transport comes from. Cool!!
as long as the car doesn't sink into the tarmac or spontaneously explode from the slightest touch
& the cybertruck :)
@@Eduardo_Espinoza I actually like the microdot
The Microdot is a great bit of design, and a gorgeous colour. It should be remade with a better interior and modern (electric) drivetrain, light body parts, etc. A brilliant car.
Most importantly modern powertrain. Basically something out of a Electric Sports Bike i.e. 18kwh battery and 70hp motor. That should be some risky overkill.
Would _absolutely_ drive this if it were maybe slightly longer, maybe enough for a usable trunk with a rear hatch.
@@autofox1744 like a pickup truck would be cool. And mix it with a DeLorean and make it out of stainless steel.
@@tiov3001 Stainless Steel is nice, although I think a big part of the fun of something this size would be making it in bright colors.
@@tiov3001The Microdot is the exact opposite of that car in every way
I love the Microdot! 🤩
It's so tiny but looks very spacious from inside.
Anyone watching this should pop over to Diccon Towns YT channel, where there is original film footage of the Microdot, amongst other William Towns material. My memory of the car, having examined it when it was in the Motor Heritage Museum at Gaydon in the UK, was that the engine/generator was built in and the tray at the back was intended to be used as a shopping trolley. That's what's shown on Diccon's video.
Link here! ruclips.net/video/s27wkeGaDTE/видео.html
БлагоДарю за экскурсию по микро👏 Узнал немало интересного🤓 Быть Добру и СоЗнанию✊️
This thing is fantastic, way ahead of its time, its hybrid system is still more advanced and useful than most plugin hybrids today, spectacular.
haha touch screen turn signals sounds like a nightmare! love this car! i really like the all glass roof and flat planes.
I love that space age prototype!
Would love to own any of them :)
Interesting video looking into the electric micro car , who'd thought they had to change screen computer dash in the 70s 🤔😯
We are glad you liked it!
What kid would not love to have one of those? With all the mobility and climate issue, They SHOULD make those more than ever.
the microdot is so beautiful, ill take 10 of them ty very much
A microdot was something I used to take before going to a rave party in the 90's😁🙃🤪
Love these
At that same time here in Brazil Gurgel was making a tiny electric car, wedge shaped, if you never seen it check it out its called Gurgel Itaipu.
Love a good microcar, everyone should drive something tiny!
@MichaelMcCardle-q8o absolutely! One of those little Messerschmitts is a micro/mini car I've wanted for many moons
Everyone should walk or use public transportation.
@@TinLeadHammer You're fun. Not everyone is lucky enough to live in walkable areas with public transport. Why come to a youtube video about a niche tiny old electric car and be a vibe assassin? We arent solving societies structural problems here just enjoy the cute little car.
@@Grand_Prix_Racer Wrong. Microcars tried solving society's structural problems.
@@TinLeadHammer WE aren't solving anything as viewers and commenters, which is what I said. There is nothing to be accomplished by being a wet blanket in the comments of a lighthearted RUclips video. You should try driving something tiny, it might put a rare smile on your face, as per my original comment.
that 1925 Phantom 🤩
Micro Dot car ….. I’m in love with this❤❤❤
I saw Sir William Towns last car built, the Railton convertible built on a Jaguar XJS convertible chassis.
Microdot? Yes please?
Amazing
Beautiful car! I'd love something similar but electric and with more modern live comforts.
I'm guessing it was named after LSD 😂
Don't buy the brown ones maaaan.
I thought it was a techy car like Microsoft 😂
nice museum!
Come and visit us!
The Microdot looks really good, but if I were the designer, I would've given it a roof with a sunroof.
to be scorched by sun? Maybe for passing out from temperature while driving? To make a driveable sauna?
@@wdwadindwatri Yes it gets VERY hot in there. Atleast theres a fan
OH MY GOD ITS MY FAVORITE CAR FROM CYBERPUNK , I NEED IT
This could be an inspiration for today..
Interesting cars and I totally agree about OHMSS!
WOW! It was such a pleasure to listen to you Johnny! Love your voice! Instant sub! Thanks for the content, and cheers from Ukraine! :)
It's so beautiful
Nice Video! Thx!
Sir William Towns is definitely a master from God! Lucky that during his life he managed to realize his bold and daring dreams.
The Fiat Multipla had 3-across seating in the front as well! You need a big SUV to haul six people now, but the Multipla managed to do it while being shorter and having ample cargo space.
The first micro car is the most disttopian thing I've ever seen other than orwells work.
love it
Cool topic!
The cars we wish we could have but can't.
It's a Mai Mai IRL! That's awesome! (I'm referring to a microcar in the Cyberpunk 2077 open world RPG BTW, have a look with an image search, they're fascinating.
for some reason... the name MaiMai would fit this car very well
Cool video! Next time, make sure to conform your drone footage to the frame rate of your timeline, as the playback in this video is a bit jittery.
Ok thanks!
❤ Toyota GR ♥️
I really enjoyed this video! It was fascinating to see those micro cars, especially the Microdot. I was really curious about the XP car though - I wish you had opened it up to show how it worked and how people got in and out of it.
Speaking of unique cars, I was hoping the Peterson might consider adding a Dymaxion car to its collection someday. I saw one in a museum in Reno, Nevada, but it wasn't in very good condition and was displayed in a dark area. It would be amazing to see one fully restored and displayed properly, with a view of the interior and undercarriage.
It makes me wonder if a modern, electric version of the Dymaxion could be made. With its aerodynamic shape, do you think there would be enough surface area to add solar panels to help power it? That would be incredible!
Thank you for your lovely comment! The XP is a bit cumbersome to open and extremely fragile but maybe in the future?
@@PetersenMuseum Thank you for your reply! I understand the XP is delicate, but if you could document its opening and closing in a video, it would be a fantastic resource for enthusiasts. It would allow everyone to appreciate the car's unique features without risking damage to the original.
Even better, imagine if you could 3D scan the XP and other cars in your collection! People like me with VR headsets could explore every detail up close in a virtual environment. It would be a dream come true for car aficionados, especially microcar fans like myself.
Speaking of microcars, I used to own a 1970 Honda 600Z and a 1969 Honda 600 (with a custom ragtop!). Those were the days! Do you know of any microcar clubs in Los Angeles? Or does the Peterson ever host microcar events or meetups?
By the way, I once had the thrill of riding in a "Moonbeam," a retro Vespa scooter converted into a dome-shaped car. I've also seen a Vespa converted into a three-wheeled car with hand controls for wheelchair users. Microcars are full of surprises!
Thanks again for considering my suggestions. I'm excited to see what the Peterson Museum does in the future!
The all new MaiMai P126, Necessity over style.
If the Cybertruck actually looked cool and wasn't designed to slice pedestrians' heads in half
I love micro cars, I wish I could afford one
nice, that's like a tiny cybertruck but 50 years ago
it even has a touchscreen
This is, approximately, the best car I've seen.
18:42 right corner: Is this silver car (we only see the left front wheel and fender) a GM EV1?
Yes! Maybe we should do a deep dive on it…
@@Zero2Niero Oh yes, please. :-)
That car has to be the inspiration for the MaiMai p126 in Cyberpunk 2077
Gosh, a touchscreen interface *designed NOT to be distracting.* Imagine that, modern car manufacturers...
I like the green one😂
lagonda rear lights… it’s a cygnet!
If you are in LA, make sure to pay a visit to our friends at Galpin Auto Sports. Call in advance to make sure they can accommodate you!
The little wheels in the back is a Shopping basket, comes out.
correct!
In Brazil has Gurgel Itaipu, launched in 1975
Microdot is still the perfect size for a tiny electro-car! I'd consider buying one of these if they were around and based on current technology (not for more features, but better battery) - transporting wife and child is enough for my use cases and I nothing currently available does that in small-ish size. Don't have to go far or fast… say 150km realistic range at 60km/h and I'm sold (well, not really - don't need a car)
interesting golf cart
Microdot reminds me 1975 Anadol Bocek. Interior is totally different though
💚🏁👋🏼✨
i like the idea of tiny "cars" for city travel!
but as long as *big Trucks* and other also use the same roads, i would never feel safe, in one of these tiny boxes!
If possible, please do a feature on the Gordon Murray T.27 electric car. It was such a great vehicle but no one ever talked about it.
I’ve known about the microdot for a little while, always wondered where it ended up. Next time I’m at the Peterson I’ll try to go see the real life equivalent of the cyberpunk 2077 maimai
It looked like straight outa cyberpunk
If steering column is position on center, this mini car would have made much more sense. A real 3 seater.
My great grandmother terrorized Rzcine Wisconsin in a 1911 Maxwell Electric doctor’s coupe called the phone booth by my grandfather. I have the Waltham clock and crustal and silver bud vase from that car.
Great story! Thank you for sharing.
The beamng widgeon is real!!!!
Forgot the CityEl by Steen Volmer Jensen, aka the Ellert
next time!
I'm surprised you don't have a single Corbin Electric Sparrow!
I like it. It's go kart with car parts😂
Glasshouse in summer without retractable windows or roof? nice for someone who want to get sunburns.
A Microdot is also a small but powerful hit of acid
Right… LSD
@@Zero2Niero yep, imagine driving the Microdot on a Microdot
@@DM-wp9vq lol
Oh yes the go pedal.
I am intrigued as to why the Microdot was built in 1976 but carries a 1970 (H) Registration number
Probably because, being based on a mini, they took a Mini registered in 1970? Just speculating.,
@@tizianoniero9165 Good answer 👌
Someone suggested here that it was not perhaps a really license plate, not period correct. Someone at some point just mounted it hoping no-one would notice it...
If a Lagonda was your yacht, this might have been your dinghy.
The reg plate on the Microdot is a cloned plate. It’s currently registered to a red Morris Minor that is still taxed, so technically it’s breaking the law when on the public road. (Would certainly make an interesting legal case!)
Its a shame we never got this in production, but instead got stiffed with bloody G-Wiz's....
13:27 That was a shopping cart not a generator originally
That's a Makigai Maimai from Cyberpunk 2077 and I want one.
Weirdly the Microdot's Wiki say Austin but when you check the Registration on an UK MOT checker it comes back as a 1970 Morris i wonder if it was a Morris badged Mini-Minor that was used rather than the Austin badged one.... Also it was Red. Also accounts for the Black plates as a 1972 car would have white plates
A microdot 2.0 car is needed
The Microlino is freshly commerialized, you can buy it in Europe for around 15000 USD.
@ 15k? No thanks
The Tesla Cyber truck mini.
Why don't you launch a Microcar Design Contest?
Don't tempt him. Mr Eisen LOVES microcars!
"It looks like a wedge." I'd say more like a golf cart with plexiglass cabin.
I'd really rather live in a present where these became our solution to efficient mobility. Instead they're making electric hummers, pick up trucks and SUVs. Imagine everyone commuting in these, that would be great.
I'm 5'5", there's plenty of room in there lol.
In hot climates, a glass roof would be a problem.
I know this car. It is Makigai MaiMai))) it’s a jock)
I know that some helicopters especially the bubble ones have three across seating
i would have named it The Groccery car.
Theres an interview with Townes on YT profiling another prototype he designed.
Matt Watson sent me over
I'm only 5' 3" and the Microdot looked too short on the leg room to me.
Stretch the wheelbase about 8", carbon fibre rebody with less glass and bigger rims, upgrade to todays electric standards; it would totally rock
Honey, I shrunk the Cybertruck
The guy said the Lagonda is all flat planes; you sure can't tell that by the light reflections on it. I don't see anyplace that looks flat.
I didn't hear nearly enough numbers. For me, sanity in transportation begins with achieving a 50% payload.
I see a lot of Lamborghini inspiration in the first car
Time to China to bring back to the life all those prototypes!
3 abreast seating? Almost every American family car had a huge front bench seat for 3. My 2005 Taurus still has seating for 3 in front, with a center console that converts to a center seat, with lap belt.
Non sequitur
My '03 Taurus Wagon has that and a rear-facing, fold-flat bench in the far back. Seats 8, legally.
Looks like Something straight out of a ScyFi Movie.
An electric micro countach you say?