You can read all you want about crash tests but I now know from personal experience the worthiness of the first gen Minis.

http://www1.snapfish.com/slideshow/A...00/t_=11053500

This occured Monday night when I was stopped waiting for the car infront of me to turn in their driveway. I saw a 99 Pontiac Bonneville barrelling down on me. As soon as the way was cleared I floored it to try to get out of the way. I probably only was at 10 mph when she struck me. I estimate she was going somewhere around 55 -70 I don't think she slowed at all.

The front seats broke (I am a little concerned about that) but the back seat was totally intact. Here pontiac looked like it hit a brick wall. My wife and I walked away, albeit very sore two days later.

 

WOW. If your speed estimate is anywhere near accurate, that is very little damage! Glad you're both okay.

 

+1

 

WOW... glad you are fine man!

 

Amazing picture, Im glad both you and your wife are ok!

 

WOW glad you're OK. I wish you had snapped a pic of the Pontiac too

 

Sorry to hear about your personal experience, but it's always good to have first hand testimony about the crashworthiness of our Minis!

 

Glad you are ok, the MINI did it's job and protected you!

 

I was walking to get one, I had pulled off about 60 yards from where she hit me as the momentum had pushed me even after the engine shut off, but i started to get REAL dizzy and decided to sit down!

 

gotta love bad drivers..
but as long as you're perfectly fine. and hopefully it isn't totalled.
glad to hear you're ok tho..

 

Glad you're not any more banged up than you are - it could have been much worse.

I hope she was insured. If so, then take it from my own personal experience, and do not sign a medical release until you and your bride know for sure that there's no lingering medical issues. Be patient, that may take a while..

One question.. did she drop her cell phone when she hit you?...

 

Of course, VERY glad that you're okay ! That appears to be quite a hit and it is a testament to the crash worthiness of the MINIs that you didn't have more extensive injuries other than the apparent muscle strains.

The NIHS rates MINIs "satisfactory" in rear end collisions, the lowest rated area for our beloved cars. So, seeing this pic and reading your post should make us all feel good about the safety of drivers and passengers, even those in the rear seats.

Thanks for sharing and again, very glad you're okay. Hope the insurance process is smooth and you get that gorgeous car back on the road soon (doesn't appear to be a total loss).