When treaties grounded German aircraft manufacturers after the war, companies like Messerschmitt, Heinkel, and BMW turned to building cars. Drawing on aircraft design principles such as lightweight construction, aerodynamic forms, and minimalist controls, these manufacturers created vehicles that were, quite literally, grounded airplanes. The KR200’s bubble canopy, tandem seating, and yoke-style steering all reflect its aviation DNA. Even BMW’s Isetta, originally designed in Italy, was re-engineered with aircraft-inspired precision to meet strict German standards.

These weren’t just practical machines—they were playful. With cartoonish proportions, bold colors, and futuristic lines, microcars quickly earned a place in popular culture. They buzzed through cobbled city streets, rolled across film sets, and charmed collectors worldwide. Their appeal continues today, not for their speed or power, but for their spirit of ingenuity and joy.

“In many ways, microcars are the unsung heroes of postwar Europe,” said Mark Foster, president of Lyon Air Museum. “They emerged in an era of rebuilding, giving people the ability to move again. And they did so with a unique blend of practicality, creativity, and whimsy—qualities we believe will resonate with our visitors.”

The exhibit runs from July 1 through September 1, against the museum’s backdrop of rare World War II and Korean War-era aircraft. Together, they tell a larger story of how innovation in aviation translated to survival on the road—and how some of the most celebrated aircraft engineers found new purpose in designing cars that barely reached shoulder height.