How I fell in love with the Mini
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Joined: Oct 2007
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How I fell in love with the Mini
Hi everyone,
I've been lurking here for some time, and I thought I'd finally get around to registering. I'm not a Mini owner yet, but I have lots of questions to ask.
First, though, my story of how I met the Mini:
In 1997, I was living in Britain for a semester in college, and one day I was walking/hitchhiking down to the next town. This was a very rural area, with lots of trees and winding roads. All of a sudden, this tiny little car zips around a corner, and despite my outstretched thumb, didn't even slow down for me. Came close to hitting me, in fact. My first thought was "HEY! Watch it, jerk!" My second thought was, "Dang, that's a nice car!" It was a dark red classic Mini, and I barely had time to read the sticker on the back-- "You've Just Been Mini'd".
Well, even though the driver didn't stop for me, I've been in love with the classic Mini ever since. When BMW brought the new Mini to America, my first thought was that they were far to big to deserve the name "Mini". However, I've come to realize that if I want a Mini as a daily driver, and with a young family, the classic is probably not for me. Besides, Mini's are still the smallest car on the road!
I still don't actually own a mini, but I'm finally to a point in my life where a Mini might be a practical-ish option. I commute about 30 miles to work, 7 of which take me through delightfully twisty canyon roads. I do have a young family, so it's most likely a Clubman for me in a couple of years. Unfortunately for me, we just bought a family car for my wife this summer, so it's a least a few years before I can satisfy my Mini jones, but, I'm still daydreaming about it.
Anyways, I'll probably be pestering you all with questions as I daydream about speccing out my Mini. Thanks!
I've been lurking here for some time, and I thought I'd finally get around to registering. I'm not a Mini owner yet, but I have lots of questions to ask.
First, though, my story of how I met the Mini:
In 1997, I was living in Britain for a semester in college, and one day I was walking/hitchhiking down to the next town. This was a very rural area, with lots of trees and winding roads. All of a sudden, this tiny little car zips around a corner, and despite my outstretched thumb, didn't even slow down for me. Came close to hitting me, in fact. My first thought was "HEY! Watch it, jerk!" My second thought was, "Dang, that's a nice car!" It was a dark red classic Mini, and I barely had time to read the sticker on the back-- "You've Just Been Mini'd".
Well, even though the driver didn't stop for me, I've been in love with the classic Mini ever since. When BMW brought the new Mini to America, my first thought was that they were far to big to deserve the name "Mini". However, I've come to realize that if I want a Mini as a daily driver, and with a young family, the classic is probably not for me. Besides, Mini's are still the smallest car on the road!
I still don't actually own a mini, but I'm finally to a point in my life where a Mini might be a practical-ish option. I commute about 30 miles to work, 7 of which take me through delightfully twisty canyon roads. I do have a young family, so it's most likely a Clubman for me in a couple of years. Unfortunately for me, we just bought a family car for my wife this summer, so it's a least a few years before I can satisfy my Mini jones, but, I'm still daydreaming about it.
Anyways, I'll probably be pestering you all with questions as I daydream about speccing out my Mini. Thanks!
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 38,578
Likes: 2
Welcome to NAM....maybe by '09 you'll be in the market for a 50th anniversary edition!!
I think many of us began our love of MINIs with a veneration of Minis...I know I did. It is amazing the degree to which the new car carries on in the footsteps of the classic, especially in the characteristics that made MINI's so much fun/engaging to drive. Add to this all the safety features, convenience features (and even AC!!), it's hard to not respect the "real-world" benefits of the MINI and BMW for it's financial commitment to continuing the marque.
I think many of us began our love of MINIs with a veneration of Minis...I know I did. It is amazing the degree to which the new car carries on in the footsteps of the classic, especially in the characteristics that made MINI's so much fun/engaging to drive. Add to this all the safety features, convenience features (and even AC!!), it's hard to not respect the "real-world" benefits of the MINI and BMW for it's financial commitment to continuing the marque.
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Joined: Oct 2007
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Ooh... 50th Anniversary... don't get me dreaming about the possibilities...
If they offered a 1:1 replica of the classic mini w/ modern trappings (like A/C), I'd line up for it yesterday.
But all in all, I think you're right-- BMW has done a pretty good job preserving the Mini while updating it for modern needs.
Now if they'd just offer woody C-pillars on the Clubman...
Maybe by the time I'm in the market, they will!
If they offered a 1:1 replica of the classic mini w/ modern trappings (like A/C), I'd line up for it yesterday.
But all in all, I think you're right-- BMW has done a pretty good job preserving the Mini while updating it for modern needs.
Now if they'd just offer woody C-pillars on the Clubman...
Maybe by the time I'm in the market, they will!
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Cool story, btw. For me, I think it was watching classic Rally Monte Carlo footage that brought me around.
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