The lowest car in the world: an insane record!

In the automotive world, the search for personalization and exclusivity leads enthusiasts to make surprising modifications to their vehicles. One of the most radical trends is extreme drawdown, where cars are lowered to sit as close to the ground as possible. In this article, we will explore the most notable low-slung car designs, highlighting their unique features and the challenges faced in their construction.

Flatmobile: The Pioneer of Low-Body Cars

In 2014, British artist Perry Watkins introduced the world to the Flatmobile, a vehicle that entered the Guinness Book as the lowest car in the world, with only 48.26 centimeters tall. Inspired by the Batmobile, the Flatmobile was built from two 1963 Hillman Imps and equipped with an 875cc engine. In addition, Watkins installed a homemade jet engine, capable of shooting flames from the rear, although the main engine is a regular internal combustion engine. The experience of driving the Flatmobile is described as "horrible" by its creator himself, due to the almost lying position of the driver and the limited visibility.

Lowered Fiat Panda: Italian Innovation

In 2023, the YouTube channel Carmageddon took the concept of relegation to a new level by modifying a Fiat Panda first generation. The team cut the body at the height of the windows, removing the entire lower part and leaving only the roof, columns and windows. The result is a vehicle that resembles a car “lid”, with minimal ground clearance. To move the vehicle, a small gasoline engine and three wheels were installed: a large one at the front, responsible for steering, and two smaller ones at the rear. The driver lies down on a wooden and steel structure, using a camera installed on the roof to view the route through a smartphone.

Lowered Lada Niva: Russia's Answer to Lowriders

The Russian channel Iling Show decided to create his version of a lowered car by modifying a Lada Niva, a classic Soviet SUV. The team lowered the vehicle to extreme levels, cutting the body and adjusting the chassis so that the front wheels were exposed above the hood and the rear wheels were inside the rear seat compartment. All the windows were removed, and the exhaust system was relocated to the side. The result is a Lada Niva that defies convention, combining the ruggedness of an SUV with the aesthetics of an American lowrider.

Challenges and Considerations of Extreme Modifications

Extreme lowering projects like these present a number of technical and legal challenges. Modifying the vehicle’s structure can compromise its integrity and safety, as well as affect driveability and comfort. Visibility is often reduced, requiring creative solutions such as the use of external cameras. In addition, many of these modifications are not approved for use on public roads, limiting the use of the vehicles to controlled environments or specific events.

Conclusion

The quest to find the world’s lowest car continues to inspire enthusiasts and professionals alike to explore the limits of automotive engineering. While these vehicles may not be practical for everyday use, they represent the creativity and passion for customization that permeates automotive culture. Whether it’s the pioneering Flatmobile, the innovative lowered Fiat Panda or the boldness of the modified Lada Niva, each project contributes to the rich tapestry of modifications that delight and amaze enthusiasts around the world.