"Clown car" (or "clowncar") is the nickname for the Soviet BA-64 vehicle in the realistic war game Red Orchestra: Ostfront
41-45. Coined by an unknown community member, the term spread like wildfire. The reason why many
people call it the clown car is because the vehicle is often used in favour of unrealistic and "gamey" tactics. Such tactics include the popular drive-by-satchelling (wich envolves racing towards a
tank, instantly jumping out at the very last second, dropping an explosive satchel charge on the back of the enemy
tank, then quickly driving off before blowing up the
tank).
Such "tactics" are frowned upon by many RO players (especially those who enjoy realistic tactics), but it is also considered fun to do every once in a while by quite a lot of
people.
"K guys let's try to
pile as many soldiers as possible on this clown car and open up a can of
pwnage on them lolol!"
"We should name the BA-64 the Clown Car in honor of all the brave clown
satchel-throwers serving for their Motherland!" -- Feldwebel Crin
"the Tigerpolizei are rounding up BA64 drivers so look out! :-O" -- middenrat