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.

Fiat Abarth at Lime Rock

1959 Fiat Abarth 850 TC - exiting the left hander and entering the esses at Lime Rock Park. At the 2016 Historics. (Driven by Cam McRae.)

Effyh 500

Swedish-made Formula III racer getting a push start. Driver is Tip Blume.

Very popular in the U.K. And Europe, Formula III was never embraced here in the US. The most common and successful cars were Coopers. Only 6-10 Effyhs were imported to the US. 

Powered by 500cc JAP or Norton engines, these cars are still popular in the U.K. In vintage events.

Remembering HOOP

Artist, "Art Car" designer, Mini/microcar aficionado, and co-editor of this blog -- Steve "HOOP" Hooper passed away on September 22, 2011 after a battle with cancer.

Hoop was a person you couldn't miss, overlook, or forget. His art will be remembered -- and some of it will continue driving around.

His last interview, for AOL Auto News, can be seen at:
Artist Behind Coolest Car Sculptures Ever Faces Life's Greatest Challenge

And, to see some of his work, go to Hoop's website:
HOOPMOBILES from the mind of HOOP

He will be missed.