1971 Bogliq Fanatic Engage
Have you ever looked at a car and laughed at it, asking yourself why anyone would buy such a piece of junk?
Konstantin Bogliq never asked that question, and his company had a very, very long history of ignoring that very question. It seems a risky business move from the outside. But somehow, on the inside, it’s right. A visionary method without being radical.
Meet the Bogliq Fanatic, the quintessential 70’s version of Konstantin’s not really giving a shit what people think. A car that, very surprisingly, sold by tens of thousands, and quietly earned a reputation for unparalleled value and amazing reliability. And a terribly cramped interior that didn’t really seem to bother anyone.
The near ubiquitous presence of the little 750cc three cylinder coupe-sedan on our highways definitely bothered one person: Charles Bergman, CEO of Ardent. This was the moment that their long-time rivalry shifted, with Bogliq capturing the hearts and minds of the motoring public, and Ardent suddenly struggling to stay relevant.
So when you see one puttering along the road, faded paint and rusted body, just remember that car represents so much of the era. Free spirits, economic upheaval, and the changing of the guard.
Scoring:
Counter Culture - Spiritual Classics: Very High (Currently in 1st)
Counter Culture - Jalopy Culture: Very High (Currently in 1st)
I have to give you a standing ovation with this one, HOL. I recognize that this would have destroyed the Piper in sales and popularity, hands down.