I was not going to post on the (13th) annual Antique Car Meet sponsored by Historic New England’s Phillips House and held right here on Chestnut Street because I’ve been there, done that, but I changed my mind. It’s just such a great event: the cars are beautiful, the cars on the street are beautiful, the entire event joyous. This year’s meet was bigger and better than ever, and the spectacular run of weather that we have been having has put everyone in a great mood. But the main reason that I’m pushing cars is that I fell in love with one yesterday–and now nothing will ever be the same. I’m going to set the scene and give you some car context before I zero in on the object of my affection: fully half of the street was lined with classic cars (and a few vintage bicycles too) for a good part of a glorious day, and 20th century machines cast in bright primary colors popped against the 19th century background of neutral Federal facades.
All the cars had their particular admirers, but it seemed to me that the three-wheeled 1955 Messershmitt drew the most consistent attention. Very cute.
But once I spotted it, the only red that I could see was another little German car, a 1958 BMW Isetta 600 Limo! I have no words for how adorable this car is: it’s cuter than a Bug (for which it was built to compete), literally. I really want one, even though I heard it referred to as “death on wheels” several times. I’ll just look at it–for the rest of my life.
August 11th, 2014 at 6:43 am
that car is adorable, but here in Salem traffic, I don’t know…
August 11th, 2014 at 6:54 am
I know; I would be very vulnerable.
August 11th, 2014 at 7:25 am
you could just tool up and down Chestnut Street with an occasional left or right turn around the block on Sunday mornings 😉
August 11th, 2014 at 6:49 am
Darn it-I cant beleive I missed the show! If you have more pictures Donna I would love to see them all!
August 11th, 2014 at 6:53 am
I have a few more–but I think I have most of the cars covered in these, though I obviously became a bit fixated on the BMW!
August 11th, 2014 at 8:28 am
Thanks for the great photos, will have to try and see this in person next year.
August 12th, 2014 at 10:44 am
Be still my heart! So many of the biggest car crushes of my mid-century youth, all in front of so many of the Federal house crushes of my adulthood? Too good to be true