Driving the Mt. Washington Auto Road is an eight-mile journey that invokes a range of emotions. The start of the ascent fills one with excitement, while the first views into the distant New England surroundings move you to a sense of awe. Transition from tarmac to dirt, however, and awe gives way to trepidation. This is a narrow road with two directions of traffic, no protective barriers and a long drop-off that sits uncomfortably close to your car's tires.

Still, this a must-drive road, and we were delighted when Mini reached out with an invitation to join them on a trip to the top. Our ride was a 2011 Mini Cooper Clubman with fresh rubber and a manual transmission, and our expectations for the experience climbed into the clouds. Would the compact Clubman prove to be an ideal chariot for this New Hampshire ascension adventure?

Full writeup and gallery photos at Autoblog...

 

I may be a bit biased but that was an excellent article & photo gallery.

 

http://vimeo.com/25644786

 

Nice video!!

 

Excellent article. I am from central NH but living in Colorado. Someday I will get myself and my 09 MCS to Minis on Top. I have been up Mt Washington numerous times but not in a mini.

If you want some more mountain, come on out to Minis in the Mountains in Aug 11. We can drive up a few 14k mountains.

Ray

 

i am so going next year. i found out about it after the sign ups were shut.