What were they thinking???

Actually quite creative.
L'Oeuf 1942

Final visit to the Dream Car Exhibit At High Museum

Paul Arzens L'Œuf électrique, 1942
Paul Arzens (French, 1903-1990), designer and fabricator
Courtesy of Musée des Arts et Métiers, Paris, France

The three-wheeled L'Œuf électrique ("electric egg") was created by French artist, industrial designer, and engineer Paul Arzens in 1942 as a unique car for his personal use during World War II. As its name suggests, the car was shaped like an egg, and it served as a convenient urban mini-car in Paris. Designed under the duress of the German occupation of the city, L'Œuf électrique creatively responded to the period's shortages and rationing of petrol and other materials. Equipped with only a single pedal and a steering wheel, L'Œuf was a simple device that had a tremendous impact, including the distinction of being the world's first bubble car with its three-quarters Plexiglas dome enclosure. It also signified the beginning of France's industry dominance in mini-cars following the war. L'Œuf was streamlined, highly functional, and, due to its aluminum body, very lightweight. It could travel more than sixty miles on one charge, at speeds up to 37 mph. With the exception of crash safety considerations, by today's standards L'Œuf was a clever approach to low-cost, lightweight, fuel-efficient transportation, and was in many ways the precursor to the electric Smart Car of today.