Seventy-four-year-old former electrician Mr. Ma began creating intricate model bicycles out of copper wire after he retired nearly two decades ago. Until now, his unique works of art—which fit in the palm of your hand—were available only on the streets of Shanghai.
Modeled after what is known as a san lun che, literally "three-wheeled vehicle," this miniature is 5.5 inches long, 3.75 inches tall and 2.13 inches wide (14 cm x 9.5 cm x 5.5 cm). It has a collapsable canopy and a rear seat that moves up and down. The "Shanghai Taxi" Tricycle is available in blue and red. San lun che are rarely seen transporting people on the streets of Shanghai anymore, but Ma remembers a different time. "These tricycles were everywhere from the 30s to 50s," he said. "Back then there were no taxis. These bikes were the taxis."
http://mudanboutique.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=158&ccSID=9c7cfeee4b3a140daca365dabd635df1 | See also the interview with the maker - Thanks Joe!
Anyone interested in this sort of thing, can head for Thailand's night markets (or beg someone who's going) — they've had Thai rickshaw, vespa, Beetles, made from bent wire for years, sometimes adorned with Heineken cans acting as the "ads" on the rickshaws. They're very very cool, very cheap, and make for a great souvenir.