Microcar Museum Trip ?

[Dangermouse]

I just read that Bruce Weiner’s Microcar Museum in Madison GA is to close in February 2013.

http://microcarmuseum.com/info.html

I heard about it a couple of years ago, supposedly the largest microcar museum in the world (or at least North America), and have been meaning to plan a trip down there. Time’s now running out and I was wondering if anyone would fancy a SEDOC trip there, with perhaps the Atlanta guys meeting the Carolina guys there at the museum. Alabama guys and Florida guys welcome too of course.

Busy time of the year of course, with Christmas and Thanksgiving and new year, plus unpredictable weather.

So, firstly, who would be interested in going, and when would be a good time (November, December or January; Not knowing the actual close day, I would discount February)

[Kerichbe]

Laughing at the thought of Jeremy Clarkson driving the Peal P50 around the BBC. That had me in stitches

[Freaky Beetle]

Hate to hear about the museum closing. I went a few years back. It is a fantastic place! I think the location may be its problem, but would highly recommend a visit. Apparently soon.

[Iznodmad]

I'd consider it. Probably sometime in January for the exact reasons as listed above.

[Dangermouse]

Due to overwhelming response to this thread, I'll be meeting Darren in the parking lot on Jan 19 (with a backup date of the 26th, if really bad weather)

Seriously though, let's pencil in those dates and revisit this trip closer to the time.

[Freaky Beetle]

I will be out of town on work trips most of January, so I will unfortunately not be able to make it. However, this is a seriously cool place to visit. There is even a small tie in back to the DeLorean factory if you pay close attention.

[ccurzio]

I'd be down for a visit.

[stevedmc]

Steve Rice might be interested.

[Mark C]

There is even a small tie in back to the DeLorean factory if you pay close attention.
Found it. Thanks a lot, now I want one for some odd reason.:cool:

[Dangermouse]

Found it. Thanks a lot, now I want one for some odd reason.:cool:

They are hard to come buy, particularly on this side of the pond.

[dmc6960]

I got lazy and did a Google search, "microcarmuseum delorean".

Second hit. First hit is this thread.

I agree, that thing looks neat.

[Kerichbe]

Another tie in to Delorean... Barrie Wills was involved with the C5 as well http://www.sinclairc5.com/sinclairstory/c5conceived.htm.

[Mark C]

I should be free on the 19th if it's still on.

[Dangermouse]

I'm not going to be able to do the 19th, I don't think.

Personally I was trying to go down on Sunday 27th, but I see on their website that their last days of opening are Jan 25/26. That's a bugger. Need to regroup.



Auction is on Feb 15

http://microcarmuseum.com/events.html

Lot-by-lot listing:

http://www.handlewithfun.com/lot-search.cfm

[Dangermouse]

This is an absolutely fascinating catalog. I never knew these cars were so expensive.

http://www.rmauctions.com/digitalcatalogs/2013/BW13/

the microcars start on page 84.


$100,000 estimate for the Krispy Kreme 14HP microtruck on page 188 (lot 269)!

[Mark C]

I visited the museum today, since I was already out that way for a birthday party. Lots of visitors, and the parking lot overflowing onto the side street and the main road. There is so much history in this place, a very impressive collection, and it's a shame that it's closing. My personal favorites:
1593515936

[Dangermouse]

I think I'm going to take a loooooong lunch on Friday and go down. I would imagine Saturday will be packed as it is the last day.

[Dangermouse]

As I promised myself, I went down over lunch on Friday. I lucked out with the crowds as there was only a few dozen folks there, but they were expecting to be swamped the following day, The Last Day

Fascinating place, showing all sorts of microcars in various stages of restoration, and I must say that the ones fully restored were remarkable. I like the Bond Bug and C5 that mark posted above.

How about 1 of only 26 left in the world Peel P50, the worlds smallest car (as seen on Top Gear getting in an elevator)

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=16082&d=1359394146

Or 1 of only 3 Fuji Cabin car

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=16079&d=1359394143

Or the only remaining Messerschmidt Dealer Service Car

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=16077&d=1359394142
possibly for some of these:

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=16078&d=1359394142

Three of these beautiful Goggomobil Vans (with potent 250cc or 400cc engines) Must deliver donuts individually :).

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=16080&d=1359394144

What do you think they are listed for in the catalog?


Would you believe $80,000 - $100,000 each !!


Not forgetting this thing - BMW bubble car with a Chevy V8 transfusion. Even inspired it's own HotWheel version

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=16081&d=1359394145

I'd love Speed to show this auction live, like they do the BJ ones. Interesting to see what these things go for.

[DMC5180]

I find it interesting that they don't have a bunch of Crosley's in there. I know the focus was primarily european models but the US had it's own mini cars back in the day.

[Dangermouse]

They have/had one, a 1949 Farm-O-Road Prototype (Lot 288 on Page 254 of the catalog). Looks like a jeep/john deere off-shoot.

I would speculate that the main reason, based on looking at some Crosley cars on Wiki, is that they were too big. They had a Smart car (Brabus edition) and it was absolutely huge compared to many of the others. It was as big as the Krispy Kreme van above.

[Kenny_Z]

Not forgetting this thing - BMW bubble car with a Chevy V8 transfusion. Even inspired it's own HotWheel version


It was actually inspired by a Hot Wheels car, not the other way around. I think it's amusing that no one in their right mind would take that down the track. That is one cool car. Thanks for the photos.

[Dangermouse]

Yes, you are right. My mistake. Custom made by the museum owner.

Yes, 730Hp through a single rear wheel. Don't see any potential problems there.

[Dangermouse]

Holy Microcar batman

$9.1 million dollars !

http://automotive.speedtv.com/article/vintage-microcar-auction-hits-big-numbers/

$120k for the Peel P50
$322k for one of the 'schmidts
$92k for the Whattadrag Hotwheels one

http://rmauctions.com/results/result.cfm?feature=No&category=all&sort=lot&view=list&SaleCode=BW13&fromYear=&toYear=&lot=&make=BMW&model1=+&submit=Search