Niche narrow car question

[crisp packet]

Now this is really niche!

Wife has a horsebox lorry thing like a motor home. Bed, fridge etc. Want to go ‘camping’ with it. Not then easy to go from campsite to explore. Could get a towbar and tug a small car along but not ideal. Current thinking is get a tiny car, remove partitions and chuck it in the back. Narrow though with storage lockers. Want 4 seats so dogs can go in the back so rules out a road legal buggy. Currently thinking classic Fiat 500 with full length roof to climb out of when car’s on board. According to Google they’re 1320mm. Have around 1450mm.

Anything I”m missing?

Niche topic is niche so can’t quite see this thread as “President Trump is this your amazing photograph of Flemke’s F1 in Ukraine” but any advance on a car with more than 15bhp would be most welcome.

[paul_c123]

crisp packet said:

Anything I”m missing?

Are you going to sit in it for the entire journey while your wife drives the horsebox?

I'd say that issue is possible to overcome, eg open the hatchback before you load it (but then what's the height of the car?). Harder will be:

- Strong enough ramp(s)
- Breakover angle on ramp (notice how recovery trucks are typically beavertail, or tilt & slide?)
- Adequate tie down points for all 4 wheels
- Access to be able to get your hand in, to throw a strap around the wheel, then operate the ratchet alongside the car without scratching its paintwork

[paul_c123]

If you go down the towing route, you might have issues going over the gross combination weight you are licensed. If the horsebox is a 7.5t, then you can only tow another 750kg if you have the 107 endorsement on your C1 entitlement of your licence.

[jeremyc]

How big are the dogs?

Citroen Ami is 1390mm wide.

[crisp packet]

Thanks Paul. Excellent points.

Hadn’t thought about a hatchback. That would work. Enough height. Tie down points should be ok. Will get extendable ramps to get it over the ‘sill”. Definitely need to be careful on weight. Probs rules out most things electric.

Appreciate the response. Wasn’t sure I’d get one at all. I’ll look into potential narrow and light hatchbacks. Cheers.

[clockworks]

Narrowest car currently on sale is the Citroen Ami/ Fiat Topolino, at 1390mm

Narrowest proper car is the Kia Picanto, at 1595mm


How about a motorbike and sidecar? Or 2 electric bikes, one with a big basket for the dog?

Or go old school, Reliant Robin, 1422 wide.
They did a van version, full-size back door

Edited by clockworks on Thursday 24th April 12:30

[crisp packet]

Thanks Jeremy. An Ami would fit but dogs wouldn’t. Currently a collie and skinny rescue whippet type who’ll both squidge into most spaces but Rottie pup coming next week who won’t be diddy for long.

Actually like the idea of an Ami anyway though as a fun run around. As good an excuse as any to browse the classifieds sat in a hotel room on the Amalfi coast while the weather’s a bit grim!

[crisp packet]

Thanks Clockworks. There’s a Topolino in sight from my balcony as it happens. Didn’t realise they’re the same as an Ami. It has rope for doors! Would post a pic if I knew how.

[jeremyc]

Costs almost as much as the Ami.

[Shaw Tarse]

crisp packet said:

Thanks Jeremy. An Ami would fit but dogs wouldn’t. Currently a collie and skinny rescue whippet type who’ll both squidge into most spaces but Rottie pup coming next week who won’t be diddy for long.

Actually like the idea of an Ami anyway though as a fun run around. As good an excuse as any to browse the classifieds sat in a hotel room on the Amalfi coast while the weather’s a bit grim!

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[EmailAddress]

New:
Citroen Ami
Fiat Topolino

Ford Ka too big?

Old:
Mini

[Starfighter]

Errrr…..

Take the horses?

[crisp packet]

Actually not hard. Me being dumb.

[crisp packet]

That bike is ‘challenging’. 100kg weight limit and 4 seats. Maybe designed for small kids. £5k though!

A convertible mini could work. Bar the Ami/Topolino all the moderns are too wide.

Go with the horses to events plenty of times. No way I’m getting on one myself though!

I think a Fiat 500 is still the front runner. Just need to not go far or in a hurry.

[jeremyc]

crisp packet said:

I think a Fiat 500 is still the front runner. Just need to not go far or in a hurry.

Electric converted one will be a bit quicker.

[BenS94]

jeremyc said:

Costs almost as much as the Ami.

Put a tow bar on this and fashion a funky dog trailer?

[RSTurboPaul]

How wide is an original Mini?

2005 Chevrolet Matiz (65bhp in the 1.0) comes in around 1495mm according to at least one vehicle size comparison website, so if you can find an extra two inches to play with and enter via the rear hatch... (said the actress to the bishop).

Fiat 126 appears to be larger than a 500 (just)!

[EmailAddress]

Any Kei car. Their limit is 1480mm I think.

There's a post somewhere from someone with a Suzuki Alto in Readers.

https://carfromjapan.com/tags/kei-cars-for-sale?bo...

[boyse7en]

RSTurboPaul said:

How wide is an original Mini?

1410mm

But it'll be tricky to get out of. Maybe a Moke?

[EmailAddress]

Suzuki Alto Turbo RS



... and a couple of fun alternatives: