CRYSTAL LAKE IL, June 22, 2008 -
Local microcar collectors and owner/curators of the Small Wonders Micro Car Museum, Ken & Sylvia Weger, announced today that they, along with three other couples, will be hosting the MICRO/MINI CAR WORLD MEET in downtown Crystal Lake at the University Center, located at 100 S. Main Street, on August 21-22, 2010. This is the same group that successfully organized the National Micro/Mini Car meet in 2006, drawing 300 cars and thousands of spectators, making it the biggest National Mini/Micro car event to date.

This will be the first ever WORLD MEET of its kind. Microcar and Minicar owners and their cars, will gather from all over the world to share their enthusiasm for these small wonders. The Weger's are expecting over 500 Micro and Mini cars. Those cars under 500cc are considered to be "Microcars", and those between 500-1500cc are considered "Minicars". Many marques are expected to fill the lush lawns surrounding the University Center. Vendors will provide food and beverages. Alongside the car show, workshops and classes/seminars are being planned.

These tiny cars, known as “Bubble Cars”, evolved after WWII as European industries were starting back to work and began producing cars for the masses. They were underpowered and lightweight, sipping fuel to get over 70 miles per gallon. These microcars were capable of transporting families in relative comfort!

Some of the more commonly known marques include:

• Austin Mini (UK)- 1st car to use a transversely mounted 850cc engine
• Citroën 2CV (France)- the Ugly Ducking, 4 doors & 435cc to 602cc engines
• Crosley (USA)- ahead of its time in fuel economy, 717cc engine
• Fiat 500 (Italy)- Cinquecento many still in use today, 60 years after production began
• Isetta (Italy & Germany)- one front mounted door that had room for two people; 300cc
• Messerschmitt (Germany)- tandem seating and airplane-type opening canopy for entry
• Subaru 360 (Japan)- yes, the baby of the Subaru family - 2 cylinder 360cc engine
• Velorex (Czech)- lightweight steel tube frame covered with vinyl fabric; 200cc engine

These microcars and many more will be on display at the Meet.
Saturday Awards Banquet will be a locally prepared food.
There is abundant parking for trailers and cars. Many local hotels have attractive rates to accommodate overnight guests. There are 13 restaurants within walking distance from the University Center.