I was at the Pate Swap Meet on Thursday and Friday, spending time with
Shane, Wayne, and Bruce Lowry of East Texas. Whilst wandering with
Bruce, we happened across a very early, microcar. It seems to be a
complete car, with a 3 cylinder engine. I understand this thing used to
dominate racing for a few years, even against Jags and Ferrari's,
perhaps chuck (the incredible shrinking Sprite driver) can enlighten us.
The car was a 59 (if I remember correctly) Berkley. It had the top,
sidescreens, all the lenses appeared to be in the boot area, all for a
grand price of $3,499. I have two photos of it, one with Bruce next to
it for scale. He is about 5'10", and this thing is narrow, if you had
chuck at full form, only he would have fit in it!!
Shane and the Lowry brothers are still out there, and I have cell #'s,
if anyone is interested. It is 7:45 am and I am leaving in 45 minutes
for a few hours. All requests for photos and such will more than likely
be filled after lunchtime, so please be patient.
Pate is a bizarre and wondrous place. I found a Uni-Syn from Vilem B.
Haan Inc. in LA, the guy said he bought it 20 years ago and never used
it. It is still in the box! Frank, smile for me........................
it was $5. I was given a nice looking, but not functioning combo gauge
when I bought a top boot cover for $10. I may need the cover, for my
next car.................
I drove the 68 up there, and Wayne and Bruce were kind enough to let me
park my little toy on one of their spaces. I didn't put a price on it,
as I really didn't want to sell it. I had joked with my wife about it
some, as I had driven the 356 kit car up Thursday, and could have sold
it if I had wanted to. As I left to go wandering the first time, I smart
assed off to Shane, that if anyone asked, it was 10K - CASH ONLY. I was
called back to talk to a man. He has my phone # and his son is an hour
from me. You know, it is strange, I don't think there are not many on
the list that feel they have a 10K car (I didn't) but now that it is
offered, I am hesitant to sell something that is so much a part of me. I
guess that is the appeal of being a checkbook mechanic, you are
distanced from the intimacy that is developed when you build it
yourself. I am not saying that they don't love their cars, don't get me
wrong, it is just not as "deep" a love. Anyway, that was my last two
days, lots of sun, lots of cars, and I am off to a 14 mile long yard
sale real soon.
Brad
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