Micro Trucks: Tiny Utility Vehicles from Around the World - Tapa blanda

route66chronicles.blogspot.com, October 2008 US website Veloce Publishing publishes a wide array of interesting books such as the recent biography of Virgil Exner. However, as they are a British publishing house the books to a large degree target European interests. As my knowledge of European automotive history is embarrassingly anemic I have come to really appreciate their books. From that perspective this title fills another gap in my education. Additionally, as a truck kind of fellow, I tend to think of those mechanical workhorses from a truly American perspective. It was for that reason I found this delightful little volume so entertaining. These little trucks are almost comical in nature. Still, the text is so well written and the photography is of such a professional quality I can honestly recommend this title for those interested in the obscure or the collector who needs to take a walk on the lighter side of the hobby.

The interest and fascination these novel cars generate have made micro vehicles significant collectibles over the past decade, and yet information published on micro trucks has been almost non-existent. Old brochures printed by numerous micro-car builders depict the various truck versions available. In the case of Iso, everything from hook and ladder to vans to pickups were featured, but few if any examples were thought to have been built beyond the prototype stage. This title features full colour photography, text and specs that describe previously unseen Iso production micro trucks, as well as featuring the changes necessary for converting the production Iso into a micro truck. Also featured are rare Topolino Fiat vans, as well as more common production micro trucks from Autobianchi, Moto Guzzi, Vespa Ape, New Map Solyto and Diahatsu. Rare Topolino Fiat vans ready for full restoration are also shown. Whereas very few 1950 Fiat 500 Topolino C Furgone models exist, there is only one known 1948 Fiat 500 Topolino B Furgone believed to have survived. As well, this volume covers the somewhat more familiar production versions built by Moto Guzzi and New Map Solyto. For micro car enthusiasts wanting to expand their collection, this volume includes the more commonly available micro trucks from Autobianchi, Vespa and Diahatsu along with helpful hints on restoration. This title is illustrated with 91 colour photos, many of never-before-seen micro trucks.