Bamby Cars was a British manufacturer of microcars established by Alan Evans in Hull, England, during the early 1980s. The company is recognized for producing some of the smallest three-wheeled vehicles in automotive history.
History and Development
The original Bamby microcar was introduced in 1983. It was designed as an ultra-compact, single-seat vehicle intended for economical urban transport. Following a brief initial production period between 1983 and 1984, the company transitioned through various phases, including a later revival by Evans to produce replica microcars and continuation models.
Design and Specifications
The primary Bamby model featured a lightweight, one-piece fiberglass body and a single gullwing door for driver access. Its mechanical configuration typically included:
- Chassis: A steel frame supporting a three-wheel layout (one wheel at the front and two at the rear).
- Engine: A 49cc two-stroke engine, frequently sourced from contemporary mopeds such as the Yamaha Passola or Suzuki models.
- Performance: Given the small engine displacement and lightweight construction, the vehicle was classified in many jurisdictions as a moped or motorized tricycle, requiring minimal licensing compared to standard automobiles.
Production and Rarity
Production of the original 1980s Bamby was limited. While exact figures are subject to some variation in historical records, it is generally accepted that approximately 25 to 50 original units were manufactured before the initial production run ended. Due to these low production numbers, original Bamby cars are considered rare within the microcar collector community.
In the 21st century, the brand name was utilized for the production of modern replicas of other historical microcars, most notably the Peel P50 and the Peel Trident, alongside updated versions of the original Bamby design. These later units often utilized modern four-stroke engines or electric motors.