Microcar Classic Day 1

"Jonee" (Jonee) 07/15/2016 at 15:01 • Filed to: Microcars

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Getting the Vespa 400 ready.

Last weekend I was in New York for a wedding which fortunately coincided with the best car show in America, The !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , a celebration of small and weird cars up in Newton, MA. The show lasts the whole weekend, but I was just there for the first day which consisted of a 120 mile round trip drive up to Wachusett Mountain. It was an awesome parade of oddballs that took about 5 hours. I was mostly in the passenger seat of a sweet Mini panel van, but I got some turns behind the wheel of a Goggomobil, one of my favorite cars ever. Here’s some pictures taken with a shitty camera.

Citroën Ami8 Break that drove up all the way from Florida.

Goggomobil TS250 Coupe. Small can be swanky.

Renault 4 Fourgonette in magnificent Michelin delivery livery.

Messerschmitt KR200.

Panhard PL17 Tigre.

S-Cargo

Ami6

Dig that rear window rake.

Velorex, the world’s greatest Communist fabric bodied 3-wheeler.

The Mini panel van I rode around in. It had an Austin America motor with a rally cam and could really haul ass. Sounded amazing, too.

The adorably homely Citroën Visa. Never thought I’d see one of these on our shores.

Vespa 400 at our first bathroom break.

This is the parking lot of my dreams.

It was a chilly, foggy day on top of Wachusett, but all the cars made it. The weather was quite friendly to air-cooled engines.

On the way back we stopped at our host Charles Gould’s storage buildings which are wall to wall weird cars. It’s what my house would look like if I ever won the lottery.

That’s an ultra rare Messerschmitt Tiger.

Renault 4CV, BMW 600, and NSU Prinz.

A very rough, but very rare, French Isetta Velam.

A forlorn looking U.S. spec Ami6 Break.

Sometimes you need to put your cars up on shelves. That’s an original Peel Trident on the left.

A shy Zündapp Janus.

A Daihatsu Trimobile in original Civil Defense livery behind a Mini Comtesse with the dash of a Bond Bug in the foreground.

That’s a Kleinschnittger in primer grey up there among the Messerschmitts.

Goggomobil Van

Is there anything cooler than this? I want to live in the alternate universe where this is an everyday scene.

A beautiful low mile Messerschmitt KR175

There were 2 S-Cargos and 2 Velorexes. Incredible.

Being around all these cars is heaven to me. I still haven’t recovered from it.

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Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Jonee 07/15/2016 at 15:04

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I have a bizarre wanting for an SCargo.

Jonee > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 07/15/2016 at 15:05

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I don’t find that bizarre unless you’re talking about doing weird stuff to it.

RallyWrench > Jonee 07/15/2016 at 15:06

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Amazing!! I want that Michelin R4 in the worst way. What a crazy stash of cars in the warehouses, I can’t imagine the sensory overload.

Jonee > RallyWrench 07/15/2016 at 15:08

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I’ve been there a couple times before, so I’m a little used to it, but it is mind-blowing. I could live in those buildings surviving on mice and brake fluid.

For Sweden > Jonee 07/15/2016 at 15:09

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neat!

S65 > Jonee 07/15/2016 at 15:09

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Came for the Subaru 360, left satisfied.

Berang > Jonee 07/15/2016 at 15:15

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I’ve had a renewed interest in the Subaru 360. If only I had a bit more space. Maybe someday soon.

thebigbossyboss > Jonee 07/15/2016 at 15:33

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Haha, this has you written all over it. Glad you got to go.

Jonee > thebigbossyboss 07/15/2016 at 15:57

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It's my favorite weekend of the year for obvious reasons.

Jonee > Berang 07/15/2016 at 15:59

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Yeah, I need another one. I helped my parents buy a Forester while I was back there and the Subaru dealership had a long dormant 360 in the showroom that I tried convincing them to throw into the deal if we paid full sticker price.

smobgirl > Jonee 07/15/2016 at 16:00

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OH GOD I’M HYPERVENTILATING!!!!

smobgirl > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 07/15/2016 at 16:01

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I could sell my house and live in one, they're fantastic!!

thebigbossyboss > Jonee 07/15/2016 at 16:49

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Don’t ever change Jonee.

Spridget > Jonee 07/15/2016 at 16:57

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Man, that looks awesome. We need a photo gallery of just the Citroens; I think you got most of them, but the Mehari and DS feel left out.

How can you have an original Peel and not drive it? I know it’s sort of painful to use, but that would be amazing. I’d never tire of it.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Jonee 07/15/2016 at 18:17

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!!!...I would live in that garage...were there many little Italians there? :D I see one or two little FIAT 500s! They tie for my favourite car along with the FIAT 126. :)

Jonee > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 07/15/2016 at 19:22

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There were a couple Cinquecentos, a Bianchina, and a Topolino. I guess I didn’t get too many photos of the Italians. Because Fiat was so powerful, they’re pretty much all you get when it comes to micro/minis. Hundreds of German names, but just Fiat and Autobianchi on the Boot.

Jonee > Spridget 07/15/2016 at 19:31

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I guess I never got a close up of the DS. Compared to everything else it felt so ho-hum.

I’ve gotten a ride in the Peel in the past, so he brings it down every once in a while. It really is painful to be in, no joke.

Jonee > thebigbossyboss 07/15/2016 at 19:32

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Never, man.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Jonee 07/16/2016 at 07:17

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Yay! Giardiniera! :P

Jobjoris > Jonee 07/18/2016 at 12:11

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Somehow I imagine you singing this all day long:

Good lord, so much awesomeness. A Velorex. A Goggo van. A Messerschmitt Tiger. A Vespa 400. And then I faint... A KLEINSCHNITTGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That owner of the R4 Fourgon n ette sure has a sense of humor. Garage des Ch’tis! Les Ch’tis live in the most deprived area of France. Check this movie out (if you haven’t already), highly enjoyable.

I almost bought that Nissan Pao behind it for Krista three years ago...

Jonee > Jobjoris 07/18/2016 at 23:59

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No Kroboth or Fulda, though, so it’s not a perfect collection. He does also have a Pacer, however. The Kleinschnittger is one of two built from remaining parts by Paul Kleinschnittger and shipped to Texas back in the early 60's. Why is a mystery.

Ah, I’ve heard of Ch’tis, but I didn’t think of it as a joke. Cool Fourgonnette, though. I don’t know if I’d want it, or your buddy’s fire brigade version.

I love those Paos. What made you not do it? There used to be out here not far from me. I always wondered how the guy got it registered.

Jobjoris > Jonee 07/19/2016 at 16:29

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Sounds like an amazing story. Research that! And sell the story to Hollywood. The world needs to know!

But did you see that movie? I even went to see Bergues (the city the story is situated in) once on the way back from Deauville.

It was in the era I felt every car should have at least 150 hp. I was so wrong... The steering wheel on the right was an issue as well. “Mama kan niet parkeren”, remember?

Jonee > Jobjoris 07/20/2016 at 03:11

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Haha. I don’t know how cinematic a story it would be, but I can always punch it up with some sex and violence. Maybe they needed a tiny car so they could pull off an even bigger heist than the Italian Job. A bigger heist of something very small.

I didn’t see it, no. I’ll have to find it. You went there because of the movie?

Oh, yeah. Mama would have a great time with the RHD. Although, she could also be better from the other side. Who knows?

Jobjoris > Jonee 07/20/2016 at 15:22

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SAX AND VIOLENCE! One of the best Muppet-scenes ever!

A Kleinschnittger in Texas. It probably even has a relation with the Kennedy assassination!

I see a lot of French stuff due to my lovely wife. This was one of the few I actually really enjoy and had quite some laughter from. We were planning a drive from Deauville to Merelbeke (Belgium, where my brother in law lives) in the Z4 so a short de-tour was no problem. We had to see it due to that movie knowing we came so close anyway.

Let’s just not start trying. Although that Pao is on the list again. I love it.

Jonee > Jobjoris 07/22/2016 at 01:00

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Ha. That is a classic Muppets skit. That guy playing the bell is the best.

I just started watching this comic French spy show on Netflix that’s pretty good. A Very Secret Service . It takes place in the 60's and they do it well.

That Pao is a great looking car and seems pretty practical. How many are over there?

Jobjoris > Jonee 07/22/2016 at 15:38

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He’s such a jazzy character. Mostly known for...

YES! I’ve started watching that one as well! Those African leaders coming by for their independency: classic!

There was a time (when I was in the market) I saw several on a local site. None today when I checked...

Jonee > Jobjoris 07/23/2016 at 01:27

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That’s definitely his legendary turn. I love his furry vest.

That is classic. Some good French period humor.

I only know of a couple here, but I guess they’re legal now, so there’s probably a handful more at this point. I’m more of a Figaro fan myself, but I like them both, really.

Jobjoris > Jonee 07/23/2016 at 15:09

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Well, you were going to the retirement home already to get that rocket sweather, I’m sure “gramps” can get you a vest like this as well!

The Figaro... Not sure about that one. The Be-1: yes. Pao: Totally. But the Figaro always seemed to just try too hard.

Jonee > Jobjoris 07/24/2016 at 22:38

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I have to find a pretty creative old fogies home.

I know what you mean, but I think the Figaro still pulls it off. At least on the outside. The interior is a little too precious. The Be-1 may the best, actually, now that you mention it. Love those taillights.

Jobjoris > Jonee 07/25/2016 at 15:33

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The Be-1 definitely was my favorite. Was. But the PAO grew on me lately. That’s the more practical one. Most vintage look with a modern, dedicated twist. Form follows function.

Jonee > Jobjoris 07/26/2016 at 00:10

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They’re quite practical. A really good car. They should have put that one in wider production because people would have bought it. They could bring it out today and sell a bunch, actually. It might need to be 4 doors, but doing that wouldn’t spoil it.

Jobjoris > Jonee 07/26/2016 at 05:24

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Added to the Wanke r l-line up. Are we just buying old Micra K10's and converting those? Maybe add a MA MA09ER in the process (Supercharger + Turbo!!!) from the Super Turbo ?

Jonee > Jobjoris 07/26/2016 at 23:22

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Wow, that sounds like a great idea. Those Micras have to be dirt cheap, and the body work shouldn’t be all that hard. Is there an AWD we can throw in there, too?

Jobjoris > Jonee 07/27/2016 at 16:35

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It can be done. Other (bigger!!!) engine as well .

Jonee > Jobjoris 07/28/2016 at 01:15

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Yes, exactly. This car will rule the world. The perfect way to build Wanke r l and pay for the multi rotary flagship car. Just like Tesla did with those electric Lotuses.

Jobjoris > Jonee 07/28/2016 at 14:05

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Should we start buying old K10's already then? The re-use of old chassis’ makes it easy to get it compliant to ruling as the ruling would be from 1990!

Jonee > Jobjoris 07/29/2016 at 00:49

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Start looking. We’ll have to find someone to do the body modifications. Find a Pao to make moulds from and just stick some plastic on there and whammo.

Jobjoris > Jonee 07/31/2016 at 06:45

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We want to go all the way, I suggest we’re using CF-panels. Less is more. The hinges will still be steel though.

Jonee > Jobjoris 08/02/2016 at 00:24

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As long as their economically feasible. We have to watch our bottom line. Moving the door hinges might be the trickiest detail. Especially for the 4-door version. I’m going to push for that.

Jobjoris > Jonee 08/02/2016 at 04:19

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Somehow I’m sure none of our ideas are economically feasible. We’re for the elite, the happy few. Remember?

Jonee > Jobjoris 08/02/2016 at 23:08

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Well, I was thinking this was our car for the masses that will finance the exclusive and highly impractical models. After we sell a hundred thousand of these, we give the poors the finger. Although, maybe that’s what the Karenjy is for and these are exclusive, too. The markup from the used K10 will make for a handsome profit.

Jobjoris > Jonee 08/03/2016 at 05:24

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Ah, you’re right about that. Not sure if there’s enough K10 chassis’ to be found. Were these ever sold in the US? Would our clients mind driving a RHD? That’s what most of ‘m have probably. It’s fashionable to drive RHD!!!

Jonee > Jobjoris 08/04/2016 at 02:15

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We never got the Micra. I don’t know if something else was on that chassis like the Sentra, but I doubt it. I think Canada may have the K10. The original Pao was RHD, so this would just make it more accurate.

Jobjoris > Jonee 08/04/2016 at 09:47

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The Sentra was way bigger, sunny-size at least. We had the Sentra on Aruba, yet it failed to come to Europe. As long as we got an option for our customers to chose RHD/LHD (one of ‘m costs extra of course) it’s okay with me...

Jonee > Jobjoris 08/04/2016 at 23:58

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Yeah, the Sentra was bigger. Pretty shitty, too, but cheap as dirt. There might be a way to use those for a U.S. spec model. We should offer something like this contraption has where it can be switched on the fly.

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/the-torchiest-…

Jobjoris > Jonee 08/05/2016 at 04:50

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Didn’t the Sentra SE-R have some sort of cult status over there? I remember the ads on these comparing it to the legendary ‘02. I think. But I was a lot non-sober then.

Hahaha, that 3rd steering wheel is amazing!!!

Jonee > Jobjoris 08/06/2016 at 03:06

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Yeah, the SE-R is well loved. A pretty cool car. They put that engine in the NX2000. I’d like to have one of those one day.

I also like the double brake pedal. Very clever.

Jobjoris > Jonee 08/06/2016 at 06:50

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I’d prefer the boxy/dull Sentra SE-R I suppose. Just talked to my neighbor Jan: He’s sold his company. And is thinking about trading in his Range Rover Sport. For a... “Do you think I’d fit in a 911 Joep?” YES!!! He is tall but it will fit.

In case of emergency the brakes will be found!!!

Jonee > Jobjoris 08/08/2016 at 03:06

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I guess that’s the difference between me and you.

That’s awesome. Another 911 in the neighborhood, and another SUV turned into something cool. We need more of that.

Jobjoris > Jonee 08/08/2016 at 03:52

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And another one I’ll need to support getting one. Pepe’s dad is thinking about a used one as well.

Jonee > Jobjoris 08/09/2016 at 01:04

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Lucky Pepe. That kid lives a charmed life.