The Tenth Annual Microcar Meet, known as the GPNWMME (Great Pacific Northwest Microcar Minicar Xtravaganza), will be held July 11-13 at LeMay — America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, WA. A full weekend of activities has been planned, including a Saturday Island Hopping drive to Vashon and Maury Islands. Access to both is via car ferries. The LeMay showfield is the ideal place to hold the Micro and Mini car show on Sunday, July 13. This site can easily accommodate an expected turnout of 150 unique micro- and mini-automobiles. Additionally, there will be a new category of cars, known as the Petite […]
The Tenth Annual Microcar Meet, known as the GPNWMME (Great Pacific Northwest Microcar Minicar Xtravaganza), will be held July 11-13 at LeMay — America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, WA. A full weekend of activities has been planned, including a Saturday Island Hopping drive to Vashon and Maury Islands. Access to both is via car ferries. The LeMay showfield is the ideal place to hold the Micro and Mini car show on Sunday, July 13. This site can easily accommodate an expected turnout of 150 unique micro- and mini-automobiles. Additionally, there will be a new category of cars, known as the Petite class. These three classes are based on engine displacement: Microcar up to 500 cc; Minicar from 501 cc to 1,000 cc and Petite up to 1,600 cc. “The goal is to include the new Fiat 500, Minis and Smart cars. We don’t want to turn any enthusiasts away,” said Co-Chairman and longtime microcar collector Burt Richmond.
General registration is $45 for driver and car, which includes access to LeMay — America’s Car Museum for the weekend. There is a $15 per car fee for the 75-mile drive on Saturday, including the round-trip ferry for cars under 14 ft. in length. Passengers are charged according to age. Saturday night there is a Microcar three-course banquet dinner ($32/person) at the LaQuinta host hotel. Meal choices are prime rib, northwest salmon and pasta primavera. The organizers have negotiated a special Microcar rate of $99/night at LaQuinta, available by calling the hotel directly (253) -383-0146 and dialing extension 6 for the front desk.
On Sunday the Micro, Mini and Petite cars will assemble on the LeMay showfield. There will be awards in the major categories of class, as well as several Judges’ Choice awards. Car attendance will include iconic microcars like the Isetta, Messerschmitt, Subaru 360, Fiat 500 and Vespa 400; and equally iconic minicars like the Citroën 2CV, Honda 600Z, Austin Mini, Crosley, Panhard and NSU. The Petite Class will include larger-displacement examples from Mini, MG, Metropolitan and Smart Car, as well as the new Fiat 500, which is the featured car of the weekend. As the interest in the new Fiat 500 grows, this is the perfect opportunity to compare the evolution of the old and the new side by side. Fiat of Tacoma will sponsor new Fiat 500s and four-door Fiat 500L test drives on Sunday, July 13.
MPH Specialties in Portland, OR, is hosting this event. They are your one-stop shop for all your Micro, Mini & Petite car needs. For schedules, registration, classes and event details, visit www.GPNWMME.com.
