Microcar MC1 / MC2 History

Launched in 2003, the MC1 and MC2 replaced the ageing Virgo series. The MC1 was a compact two-seater; the MC2 extended the wheelbase by approximately 280 mm (some sources note 40 mm — the exact figure varied by market trim) to accommodate four passengers, giving families a licence-exempt option that was unusual in the segment.

Both variants used a 505 cc Lombardini twin-cylinder four-stroke petrol engine with fuel injection, producing 21 hp and mated to a CVT. The powertrain gave a claimed top speed around 72 mph and fuel economy exceeding 60 mpg — numbers that kept running costs low for their core urban-commuter buyer. A diesel version was also offered in some markets.

The MC series remained in production until 2009, when the newly merged Ligier-Microcar group replaced it with the M.Go. Parallel to this, Canadian firm ZENN Motor Company assembled electric variants on the MC platform from 2006 until 2010, when Microcar brought electric production fully in-house with the M.Go Electric.