Mon., July 2, 2007 – When the classic Mini was first designed by Alec Issigonis (shortly before its 1959 launch), officials of the Mini’s parent company were concerned about the threat posed by the “bubble cars” of the late ’50’s.

This category of “microcars,” as they are more commonly known in collector circles, were fuel-sipping, relatively inexpensive vehicles designed to counter the threat of skyrocketing oil prices on the horizon.

That was then; This is now:

The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles is a great place to see a cool collection of the microcars of that time.

Pictured here is a Messerschmitt, just one example:

Citing from the www.petersen.org website, “The Messerschmitt Tiger (Tg500) was one of very few microcars with sporting potential and many were raced. Unlike other Messershmitts, which had a single rear wheel, the Tiger was equipped with two rear wheels for improved traction and stability.”

The microcar exhibit runs June 23 through Feb. 3, 2008. Other featured exhibits at the Petersen include, among others, American convertibles, Ferraris, alternative-fuel vehicles, Hollywood star cars and classic hot rods.

Always something interesting to see – and well worth a special trip…

Click Here to go to the Petersen Automotive Museum or go to: www.petersen.org