Austin Ulster

How about a 1930 Austin Ulster Replica? The factory racers, or "works" models acquired the Ulster name due to their success in the Tourist Trophy races on the Ards circuit in Ulster -- although Austin described the cars in their advertising as the Austin Seven Sports Model.

The Ulsters were so popular (and easy to replicate), that there are certainly more Ulsters on the road now than Austin ever made -- and new replicas continue to be made from other Austin Seven models.

The photo above is from the 2008 VSCC Lakeland Trials.

Mini Scaling Mighty Mount Equinox

This Mini made quick work of Mt. Equinox (Arlington, VT) the weekend of August 10th.

At 5.2 miles, Mt. Equinox is the longest paved hill climb in the world -- and the Vintage Sports Car Club of America runs an annual event every August, to see which vintage car can reach the top fastest. (While some seriously race to the top -- just getting there is reward enough for others.)

This Mini made it to the top in just over five and a half minutes -- while the best time of the event was turned in by a 1968 Saab Sonnet, with a time of just over 4:51.

The Lane Motor Museum

Took a quick trip to the Lane Motor Museum in Nashville this summer. The facilities are pretty basic, but they have a great collection of mini- and microcars. We only had an hour in the museum before closing time...it's definitely worth a longer stay.

Sima Violet Cyclecar

Sima Violet was a French manufacturer of cyclecars from 1924 to 1929. Their only car was a two-cylinder model. It was manufactured as a two-seat cyclecar and as a single-seat racer.