Simanaitis Says
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A SMALL CYCLE COLLECTION
I AM current custodian of a small cycle collection. Well, not all cycles, as one of them is a Vespa; the others are a Dirt Bike and a Road Cruiser. And, in fact, each is small—about 6 inches long—and each is made of discarded aluminum cans.
I am delighted to share my collection here, with details of provenance and the like.
Vespa, original by Piaggio; this one, of Vietnamese Coca-Cola® cans.
The Vespa, meaning “wasp” in Italian, is the iconic motorscooter manufactured by Piaggio. For me, and I suspect scads of others, it was made endearingly famous when Audrey Hepburn rode one chaotically through traffic in Roman Holiday. Quite the enthusiasts’ flick, it had the Vespa, Eddie Albert’s Fiat Cinquecento—and Hepburn as the princess we all knew she was.
The Vespa’s rear flanks are particularly nicely rendered.
I bought my Vespa in Tokyo, though its Coke cans identify its Vietnamese origin. The model is nicely rendered, with split rubber tubing for edging and trim. Its tires are vacuum-formed plastic.
And don’t you think things like this are beasties to pack for the trip home!
Dirt bike, unknown original; this one, of Benelux Mobil® pesticide aerosol cans.
Dirt bikes live a rugged life, as shown by my particular example. I like its massive tires. The oxidation on its tubes and pipes are original (and completely in keeping with the Preservation Principle of custodianship to which I subscribe).
Controls of the dirt bike are well wrought.
The dirt bike’s gasoline tank gives full details in English, “Do not breathe spray. Avoid contact with skin and eyes.” Perfectly good advice, of course.
My dirt bike’s origin is corroborated by a sticker on the bottom of its chassis: La Gazza Landra, Orta S. Guilio. This is the same shop where I bought my Bugatti (see www.wp.me/p2ETap-IH).
Road Cruiser, original by Harley-Davidson; this one, of Vietnamese Coca-Cola® cans.
My Hog is evidently patterned after a Harley-Davidson road machine, the most elaborate cycle of the collection. I enjoy all of its lights, horns, substantial sidebags and other fitments. The wheels are especially well rendered.
Hog V-Twin and details of its provenance, clearly stated.
The Hog is another of my Japanese acquisitions. Given the level of its details, it was likely the most expensive of my cycle imports. I don’t recall what I declared at customs, but by that point of my career, they were used to me. ds
© Dennis Simanaitis, SimanaitisSays.com, 2013
Simanaitis Says 
Like your V twin hog, I think I have one the same although mine is not in great condition
I like these, I’ve been seeing them since the 1970’s but not to own, I have actual Motocycles to ride .
I cannot imagine how you packed them well enough to avoid shipping damage .
-Nate
Hi, Nate,
I recall I padded it with soft clothes, then surrounded it all with more stiff stuff as protection.
Since it made it home in good condition you did well .
-Nate
I hope you forgive the shameless name dropping but after a Geneva Daimler/Chrysler event, I took a side trip to Zurich, along the Lake. I happened to stop at a lakeside open air cafe in Tolochenaz, and recognized Audrey Hepburn, lunching alone.
She caught my eye, and emboldened, I confessed to having followed her career since Roman Holiday and had been captivated, especially by the variety. She graciously invited me to join her, recommending a soup/sandwich which turned out to be delicious and unique in a country not known for their cuisine.
She asked if my Merc was new, and I confessed to being a journalist, which led us to two faves, Roman Holiday and Two for the Road. She agreed, speaking of the light spirit of the films, and I mentioned owning Vespas and classic MGs … and she said she had owned both as well.
I chose to mention that it seemed to me that she seemed to often be cast with men who appeared stiff, stoic, almost stodgy in their performance; Finney, Peck, Harrison, Grant, etc. She laughed, and charmingly confided that had been the various director’s choice, emphasizing her lightness, and giving her freedom, much to her benefit, and spoke highly of each, delighted to have been cast with each.
I since learned that she had a considerable estate there, recently put on the market for only 19 million Swiss Francs – $24M US.
Sounds good to me, no shame in sharing stories, I love them .
-Nate