BMA Brio

Symmetrical shapes which minimize tooling costs are a recurring part of minimalist motoring history, but few cars have been quite as bizarrely symmetrical as the BMA Brio. Smaller than the Amica, this was quite the most surreal microcar offering from Italy. The Brio’s polyester resin bodywork resembled a wedge of sculptured gorgonzola turned on its edge.

A fully convertible version was also available. Technically, the Brio recalled the bare-boned days of cyclecars and represented the absolute minimum in transportation. Its tiny 47cc Sachs engine sat in the tail, driving the rear right wheel only. This putt-putted the Brio to a distinctly un-brio-like top speed of just 23 mph (37 km/h).

Specifications:

• Engine: 1-cylinder, 47cc Sachs
• Engine power: 2.2 kW (3 hp) at 5500 rpm
• Engine torque: 4 Nm at 4400 rpm
• Overall dimensions: 1865×1090×1590 mm
• Wheelbase: 1395 mm
• Weight: 135 kg
• Maximum speed: 23 mph (37 km/h)