There is a common dream amongst many coffee professionals. It involves an espresso machine and the open road and serving coffee at any and all stops along the way. For Nicki Lange, that dream has become a rather stunning reality. The entrepreneur and ultra-distance runner has teamed up with La Marzocco Germany and Officine Fratelli Bambi for a one-of-a-kind Linea Mini and Pico combination that must be seen to be believed.
Before receiving his custom espresso machine, Lange had strapped a white Linea Mini into the passenger seat of his 1979 Porsche 911 and taken it all over the world. And that Porsche, along with Lange’s ultra-distance running, served as the inspiration for his new setup.
Working with designers Stefano Della Pietra and Lisa Gigli at Officine Fratelli Bambi, La Marzocco’s in-house bespoke machine atelier, both the Linea Mini and the Pico come in Oak Green Metallic, the same color as Lange’s 911, and features gold accents similar to those of the car, including the custom gold “La Marzocco” on both sides of the coupe.
The most striking feature, though, is the top section of the back panel. It featured fully hand-hammered brass, resulting in a finish that is “imperfect by design, giving the material a texture that feels alive and entirely one of a kind.” Below it is a meandering gold line, which is a depiction of one of longest routes Lange has even run, the Speed Project, a 340-350 mile unsupported ultra-marathon starting at the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles and ending at the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign.
Around front, his “what if why not” mantra has been included in the knob for the steam wand, and both the Linea Mini and Pico are finished with walnut-colored wood accents.
“Sometimes the most remarkable partnerships begin with a simple idea and the courage to reach out,” Lange states. “This machine is proof that if you ask the right question, the answer can change everything.”
It’s one of the most gobsmackingly gorgeous custom espresso machine and grinder combinations we’ve come across in a while, and is pretty much on par with what we expect out of Officine Fratelli Bambi. And it has me dreaming about what they could do with my own ride. Could they match the silver of a 2010’s Subaru Forrester and how would they incorporate all the door dings and bumper scratches strangers have graciously gifted me in various parking lots over the years? How will they translate the feeling of a stereo system that doesn’t always connect to Carplay into a design element? Will the Linea Mini also have a check engine light that refuses to turn off? OFB, call me and we can work out the details.
Zac Cadwalader is the managing editor at Sprudge Media Network and a staff writer based in Dallas. Read more Zac Cadwalader on Sprudge.
