mini mini

In 1997 Paul Smith adorned a classic Mini Cooper with his hallmark pattern of stripes.  As I walked around Union Square last nite on my way to dinner I took a look in the Paul Smith store's window display and noticed an assortment of Mini Cooper themed items.  What immediately caught my eye was the die cast model pictured above [and below].  I'm not one for model cars but I immediately fell in love...no doubt in large part because I am a proud MINI Cooper S owner and hope to one day own a classic, old skool Mini [preferably with right-hand drive].

The Paul Smith Mini features 84 pinstripes in 24 different Paul Smith colors.  According to an interview in MINI International, there are probably around 500 Paul Smith Minis out and about.  The boot is lime green as are various parts of the interior.  Paul Smith didn't just design a Mini out of nowhere, he's owned an original one for a long time and also own a new MINI Cooper that he drives around London.  I'd love to get my hands on one of his Minis but I guess this model is the next best [and most realistic] thing.  Check below for a couple more fotos...

And get one here.

Isetta

The Isetta is an old school micro-car...and it was awesome. It still is awesome. Isettas came in different models from different countries, with BWM putting out a popular version in the mid-1950s. Learn more about Isettas here. BWM is said to be bringing the car back as competition with Smart cars in 2010 or 2011.

touring

via yatzer

I can't even begin to describe how amazing the BMW Museum in Munich, Germany looks. Not only is it amazing to see the collection of cars from over the years and all the art that alone involves...but the museum itself is a masterpiece. All I can really says is: wow. On my "must do" list if I ever make it to Munich. Read more [lots more], here.