Sunday, June 26, 2005

A Rare Beauty Posted by Hello

Messerschmitt Tiger

1960 Messerschmitt TG500

Only 320 of this rare four wheeled model were manufactured and of those, only 120 are still known to exist. Of the 6 imported into Canada, this car is one of only two still known in Canada.

- 498 CC twin cylinder, two stroke motor
- runs on 25:1 gas/oil mix- top speed 130 kph (80 mph)
- averages 45 - 60 mpg

With thanks to Ralph and Wendy Hough, hosts of Micornorth 2005
Close inspection. Posted by Hello

Trudi draws a crowd

Our return to Toronto after the Micronorth meet was a breeze compared to our drive up to Orillia earlier in the day. We had fun following a flock of Fiat 500s out of town on Highway 11.

"Trudi " provoked many comments and questions at the Street Classics Cruise back in TO. We are quickly becoming adept at answering the standard questions: 1. What's it like on the highway? (we had no problem cruising at 120 kph on the 400 yesterday) 2. What's the fuel economy? ( early for us to be precise but around 65 mpg) 3. Is it electric/hybird? ( only diesel models imported to Canada) and the most difficult question 4. What do you like most about your smartcar? ( it's different, fun to drive, easy to park, environmentally sensible, cheap on fuel...all of the above and more).

Saturday, June 25, 2005

An Autobianchi pursues a flock of Fiat 500s on the Micronorth rally.
Posted by Hello
Amphicar at Lake Couchiching Posted by Hello
back on dry land Posted by Hello

Micronorth

By RLT

Saturday morning I'm cutting the hedges when the Mrs gets wind of a microcar rally up north that afternoon. We decide to go for it and crank up the smart car and head for Orillia and the "Micronorth" rally. We make the mistake of joining the 400 Highway south of Barrie and get snarled in the traffic - folk are leaning out of car windows to enquire about the smart.

The microcars are gathered on the dock at Lake Couchiching in a heatwave. A small but select gathering including our pal John with his Isetta, originally made in Brighton. There are Isettas, Messerschmidts, Fiats, DKWs, 2CVs and other rare vehicles along with a smattering of smarts. A number of Amphicars are present and one actually takes to the water - it hoots as a large ferry approaches.