Yesterday afternoon we closed shop early to spend a delightful time at the home of our friends, Ken and Sylvia Weger—micro car enthusiasts—for their annual barn party. Hundreds of people were on hand to enjoy the delicious food, listen to the wonderful music, and get an up-close-and-personal look at what I think is perhaps the largest, singly-owned, micro car collection in the United States (maybe even the whole world!).
Their collection includes 100 micro cars, which were popular in post-World War II Europe up to the early 1960s. Classic examples include the three-wheeled, hawk-nosed Messerschmitt KR200, and the egg-shaped Isetta — an Italian design with one door: the entire front of the car.
Here’s a pretty cool 4-minute video clip of Ken inside their Small Wonders Micro Car Museum here in Crystal Lake, IL where you get “More Smiles Per Mile.”
In August the Wegers facilitated the first-ever Micro/Mini Car World Meet at University Center on the corner of Crystal Lake Avenue and Main Street. The event was extremely well attended — 15, 000 people in 3 days — Len went on the last day and had a blast!
What’s the biggest TINY thing you use in your life? For me it would have to be my camera. It’s very small, but plays a BIG part in my life.
“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
– Laurie Buchanan
www.HolEssence.com
Copyright © 2010 Laurie Buchanan — All Rights Reserved.
Tuesdays with Laurie 
Hi, Laurie — what an amazing collection. I think everyone should be driving one! The biggest tiny thing I use in my life would have to be my flash drive. It amazes me that those tiny flash drives can store as much data as a hard drive and I don’t worry so much about a hard drive crash knowing I have all of my important stuff backed up.
Barbara – Ohhhhhhh Yeeeesssss! Flash drives are of primo importance! They save a lot of heartache and headache, to be sure.
Too cute! Who would have thunk it? You two are always on such adventures!
The biggest tiny thing I use that is important in my life, I can’t mention here! (Smile) oh most likely my camera, even though it is bigger then yours!
I am Love, Jeff
Jeff – Your comment made me laugh!
My Word! I never knew what a small world it really is! I recognize some of those small jobbies from living on Base for much of my childhood. Personnel who had been living overseas in Europe frequently had their tiny treasures shipped home with them and of course, being used to our large American autos we gawked and goggled at these funny looking vehicles that looked like toys for adults. I’m sure that if we had known then what we know now, we would have seen a lot more of them.
Sandi – You’re absolutely right! If we knew then what we know now, we’d hopefully all be driving itty-bitty cars, getting phenomenal gas mileage, and leaving a much smaller carbon print.
Just because they’re small doesn’t mean they are necessarily slow. My old boss had a fiat 500 (Bambina) that he did a lot of work on. He got the Abarth kit for it, and spent about 300 hours working on the motor. He got it to pull 18,500 rpm (down the Hutt motorway in the early hours of the morning). Abarth himself came out to NZ to take a look (Noel was like a cat that got the cream when he got that news).
My smallest gadget in use would be a flash drive. Ailsa has a microSD card in her cell phone, slightly smaller than the finger nail on my little finger.
Ted – Spending 300 hours working on a motor is dedication! That’s pretty darned cool that Abarth came to have a look-see. Flash drive, yes! I’m going to have to Google a microSD card because I’m not familiar with that. Regardless, if it’s smaller than your smallest fingernail, it’s SMALL!
Wow, right here in Crystal Lake!!
I missed out that Sunday, I wanted to go, but Mike and Joey were in a golf tournament……I drove by on Saturday wondering, boy this looks cool.
Is his facility open to the public…??
What’s the biggest TINY thing you use in your life?
I thought of saying my Blackberry (I actually have two) but I realized that is not it……My item is my wedding ring set I got last year for our 25th anniversary…..21 diamonds, almost one for every year, every one was well worth it!
Kim – The Weger’s facility is open on certain dates/times, and then of course by special arrangement for groups. I’ve seen your ring — it’s beautiful!
Your diversity is amazing! I know my boys would really be interested in this, but I do tip my cap to those dedicated towards sustaining this unique passion. Terrific video enhancements here!
Sam – I’m so glad you stopped by and enjoyed the post. I was just over to Wonders In The Dark and loved reading, “The Tillman Story,” “The Flavor of Green Tea Over Rice,” Thriller and Claude Chabrol on Monday Morning Diary (September 13).
Thank you for the link to Speaking from the Heart.
Pingback: “The Tillman Story,” “The Flavor of Green Tea Over Rice,” Thriller and Claude Chabrol on Monday Morning Diary (September 13) « Wonders in the Dark
Looks like FUN! Mine is the tiny blood pressure pills I take. I’ve taken them since I was about 20. They are very important to keep my heart from racing.
Hope you had a wonderful ride today! Happy Birthday to your little boy. 🙂
Beth – Yes, I can certainly understand where itty-bitty blood pressure pills are HUGELY important. We had a great ride and a fun birthday party, thank you. I’ll post about it in the morning.
My first thought was my cellular phone, my whole life is on it, photos, address book, internet access, music, diary and obviously staying in contact and communicating. However because it is so small I cant use it without my reading glasses…
Love & laughter
Gil
Gil – Oh my gosh, I forgot about my glasses. You’re absolutely right — without them I’d be working on the Braille method! Thank you for stopping by, I always appreciate your visits.
How fun! Don’t you love it when Life offers such wonderful adventures to us? Who would have thought that you would meet up with this cool car collection along with food, friends and music? I agree about the camera. The coolest small thing in my life!
Kathy – You’re absolutely right, we always enjoy an adventure! You’ve had an adventure yourself, with the POLICE coming to your house, and all!
Thank you for sharing these pictures with me. I can see the 60s influence in some of the designs. I’d love to own one and transform into an electric car.
The biggest small thing I own is my computer –EPC.Everyone thinks it’s so cute. I agree but as well as looks it’s so portable. Despite its size it can do anything a larger computer can. End of commerical. : )
Leanne – With such an enthusiastic response, that another item that I’m definitely going to need to Google, thank you for the lead!