Blog: thoughts on cars
Blog: thoughts on cars
Small is beautiful — finding your dream ride in microcars
Small is beautiful — finding your dream ride in microcars
Journey through time and style: greetings from the Classic Motorshow
Journey through time and style: greetings from the Classic Motorshow
We recently had the pleasure of attending the Classic Motorshow in Lahti, Finland. This exhibition is a paradise for anyone with a strong love for the nostalgia of automotive history. In the Classic Motorshow, there is an annually changing theme, and this time it was 'Small is Beautiful,' with microcars and small vehicles taking the spotlight.
A microcar is typically referred to as the smallest category of automobiles, characterized by their compact size, often featuring three or four wheels, and powered by engines smaller than 0.7 litres (700 cc). They emerged as a practical solution for urban transportation as easy-to-use city cars.
Microcars were originally designed to cater to users such as war veterans and disabled individuals, as they were tax-exempt at the time and typically registered as motorcycles. Introduced to the public after the Second World War due to poor economic conditions and material shortages in Europe, their popularity reached its peak in the 1950s and 1960s before the rise of small affordable “real cars” like the Mini and Fiat 500.
During our visit at the Classic Motorshow, the BMW Isetta was arguably one of the most common exhibits. Its unique front-opening door and bubble-like silhouette makes it instantly recognizable — and the design helped lower manufacturing costs as doors are expensive to produce and Isetta only has one door. Originally introduced in the 1950s, this petite vehicle quickly gained popularity as a practical solution for urban transportation. However, its limited speed capabilities and lack of modern safety features are notable drawbacks to consider.
Purchasing a piece of automotive history: pros and cons of classic microcars
Purchasing a piece of automotive history: pros and cons of classic microcars
Microcars have maintained a consistent level of popularity over time. With prices gradually increasing, they prove to be affordable to own over several years. When considering their utility for daily transportation, microcars excel in areas such as fuel efficiency (due to their lower weight compared to other classic cars), manoeuvrability, and ease of parking. While classic microcars may not be the best option for those seeking rapid returns on investment as there's no significant surge in their value, their compact size makes them easy to store, and they tend to retain their value well.
If you are contemplating the purchase of a classic microcar, you might want to consider the following:
Consider usage and plan for storage: Determine how you plan to use the microcar. Will it be for occasional joy rides, daily commuting, or display purposes and investment? This will influence the type of microcar you should consider and how much you're willing to invest in maintenance. Ensure you have a suitable storage solution in place before making a purchase.
Budget wisely: Set a realistic budget not only for the purchase price but also for potential restoration and maintenance costs. Consider the availability of parts and the expertise needed for repairs. Additionally, factor in any additional expenses such as storage and insurance.
Inspect thoroughly: Look for microcars with a well-documented history, including service records, ownership history, and any restoration work done. This can provide peace of mind and potentially increase the car's value. When possible, inspect the car in person or have a trusted mechanic do so. Look for signs of rust, structural damage, and mechanical issues. Consider hiring a professional inspector to assess its overall condition and value.
As we concluded our journey through these miniature marvels at the Classic Motorshow, it became clear that while personal tastes may vary (and ours tends to lean more to the larger and more powerful side of vehicles), there’s undeniable beauty in small classic cars. For this millennial attendee, however, the bigger wake-up call came when we stumbled upon 90s and early 2000s cars like the Mercedes Benz A and Renault Twingo among the classics — a not-so-subtle reminder that we were not just browsing history but are also gradually becoming it!
After the exhibition, we went to Bus Burger, an American-style diner located in Lahti, for lunch before heading back home in our not-so-small Pajero.
Reach out to us for a discussion on potential cars to add to your collection or share with us what aspects of classic cars you're most curious about — we're all ears!
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