Ep 18. Microcars at Ace Cafe

In season 23 episode 18 of My Classic Car, the focus is on microcars at Ace Cafe. The episode begins with host Dennis Gage introducing viewers to the Ace Cafe, a famous motorcycle and car hangout located in Orlando, Florida. The Ace Cafe plays host to a variety of car shows and events throughout the year, and this particular episode showcases a collection of microcars that were on display at one such event.

Dennis meets with several owners of these small, quirky vehicles, each with its own unique history and charm. He speaks with Don Cooley, who owns a 1957 Messerschmitt KR201, a German microcar that was once used as a three-wheel taxi. Cooley purchased the car in unrestored condition and spent years meticulously restoring it to its original glory.

Next, Dennis chats with Jim Martindale, who shows off his 1960 BMW Isetta 300. The Isetta was a popular microcar in Europe in the 1950s and 60s, and was known for its distinctive front-opening door. Martindale had been searching for an Isetta for several years before finally stumbling upon one at a car show in Michigan. He has since restored the car to pristine condition and enjoys taking it to microcar shows around the country.

Dennis also gets a chance to check out a 1961 Autobianchi Bianchina owned by Jeff Lane, the founder of the Lane Motor Museum in Nashville, Tennessee. The Bianchina was a popular microcar in Italy in the 1950s and 60s, and was known for its stylish design and compact size. Lane's Bianchina is a rare four-seater model, and features a sliding fabric roof that can be opened to let in the sun.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to footage of these microcars in action, driving around the Ace Cafe parking lot and showing off their unique features. The owners share stories of the challenges and rewards of restoring and maintaining these tiny vehicles, and Dennis provides historical context and commentary to round out the picture.

As the episode draws to a close, Dennis reflects on the enduring appeal of microcars like these. Despite their small size and limited capabilities, they exude a sense of whimsy and fun that is hard to resist. He notes that they are a reminder of a simpler time, when cars were seen as a way to get around rather than status symbols. For enthusiasts like those he met at the Ace Cafe, these microcars are a labor of love and a testament to the joy of driving.