I believe the latter one you're talkin' about is a BMW Isetta, Bill. However, those actually had 4 wheels, with the rear set of 'em tucked in closer to each other than the wider set front wheels.

(...and yep, the VW "Thing" was closely related to the WWII German Army issue "Kubelwagen", however I've heard they shared few if any common parts)

Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)