So! I was driving home today, and my street gets rather congested at parts. Headlights shone, all around me, scintillating at 5 miles an hour; the road a sort of milky sea of yellow and white light. It gave me a remarkable feeling. As I gazed into oncoming traffic, I spied a warmly familiar shape; a MINI Cooper. We passed each other slowly and I strained to see if the driver was looking at me. It's was a young woman with long brown hair, awash in yellow sparks. She too was attempting to discern me, and I wondered what exactly she saw. I wondered if she waved. I think she may have, but it was hard to see her timid motions in the haze.

It's interesting because oftentimes, when I pass another MINI, the person driving it purposely tries to appear aloof. It's so bad that I find myself leaning toward the same habit. Still, I cannot help but look. I really, really want to see who is driving it. Every once in a while, I pass someone who is inclined much the same.

It's a really interesting thing, this MINI. This car and the brand as well. I read a post about measuring the temperature of the heated seats at various points and the results. It did not strike me as at all strange, until today. I can't imagine an enthusiast of any other make or model doing the same thing to their beloved. It's absolutely absurd. And yet, I eagerly read the findings. I really want to know how hot that seat got, and where.

In any case, I find myself wanting to catch the person who takes such interest in me and flag them down. I really want to meet them. I just want to see what they are like, and what kinds of things they will say. There is one person who looks really interesting, who seems to think I look interesting. He drives a blue Cooper--I can't think if it's an S--with Xenon headlights, and he's always wearing a shirt and tie, and sometimes a suit. I can never see his face, he pretty much ends at the collar. The first time I saw him, he was wearing a suit, and I sort of imagined him as being some proper Englishman out for a drive, even as I knew it was improbable. Once or twice a month, we will pass each other.

I just think it's really something how two people can look at each other like that, openly, and yet, never meet. Never even think to really try. And how could you I guess; you'd really have to go out of your way, and for what? But people just fascinate me like that.

Anyway, when I was in college, there was a Chili Red Cooper S (I think, maybe not) that was always parked near my school. I would pass it, and think, man, I wish I could afford that. I didn't even have my license. But I really lusted over it. It had a black roof and wheels I really liked, and a black plastic ball on the antenna that I loved. I always look for those ***** in stores, but I can't find them. I think I saw the driver once, but I can't be sure. He was sort of tall and I think greying, with a beard, with his hair parted and sort of feathered maybe, and I remember him wearing a tweed jacket with elbow pads. And he was a little overweight. I remember really wanting to ask him about the car, but I never did.

And now I have one. I never thought that would happen.

Anyway, I just thought I would share those thoughts.

 

Pass the Doritos

 

I always wonder the same thing about people. Who are they? Do they ever wonder who I am? Would we get along in person if we met? Is our only common interest the MINI? Is there such a thing as a mean MINI owner?

Bleh. All because of one wave.

 

Today was a strange day...I saw two classic Minis in my neighborhood and no MINIs. Weird.....and cool!!

 

I thought I was reading the opening of a Mickey Spillane novel. Very nice visuals, well written, thanks.

I too often pass the same MINIs with the same unknown people behind the wheel. Its a kind of tangible evidence that I have something in common with someone else. You can't help but wonder whether or not you would find more in common with this fellow MINI owner if you had the opportunity to meet face to face. I guess that's why I enjoy our MINI club. Gives one a chance to meet people you know you have at least one thing in common with.

Cheers, and happy motoring

 

I've been described as mean by some of my employees. I like to think that I'm just mis-understood.

ps I live in the SGV too. Maybe I'll see you drivin'. If so, I'll be nice.


-m

 

I know what you mean

 

Whenever I pass another MINI, or even ride along side one of them (waving like an idiot on crack) I wonder what made them get a MINI. Whether it be the love of the car, its 'cute' factor, its go-kart-type ride. I wonder where they are going, are they going to work, the mall, some twisties? I wish I could sit down and chat with all the other MINI drivers I see out on the road, unfortunatly, I can't.

 

one of my neighbors down the street (i don't even know his name) had
a black MC a while back, and i think he sold it after about a year or so of
ownership for watever reasons he had. he has 2 other cars.

regardless, after he got his MINI, him and i started waving whenever
we passed each other (even when im in my Subaru or Honda or Inf,
doesn't matter). even though he no longer has a MINI, we still
wave when we pass each other. him and i have something in
common other than just being good neighbors.

 

I had the driver of a race-spec (rollcage and everything) Porsche GT3 strike up a conversation with me after a bike ride (me) and a run (him) at a local park. Said the MiniS was the most fun car he's ever owned, including the GT3. Quite a statement. Had a 20 minute conversation - great guy.

 

Do you wax poeticially often? If so, keep it up. Very nice observation tied up in a neat little short story.

 

Great post! I always check out other mini drivers and I catch them doing the same. I think the Mini is such a cool car and you must be cool if you have one, right?

 

I saw two Minis today on Atlantic in Monterey Park. Nodded at both drivers, no response.

 

Monk, don't bogart that joint, pass it along!

 

You know, it seems to me that Mini owners just aren't quite as friendly as the biking community. Although I no longer own a motorcycle, MOST bikers were pretty good about acknowledging each other (even across brand lines). I can't really say the same for Mini drivers. That needs to change. I would have figured that most Mini drivers would be more friendly than the biking crowd (and the biking crowd is, for the most part a pretty damn friendly group!).

Having said all of this, I know that I'm generalizing.

Chuck

 

And this sounded like Carrie Bradshaw from 'Sex and the City'

Great writings I love this thread

 

Sorry for the thread hijack, but if you want a wave, Del Mar Blvd in Pasadena. I have never gotten so many waves on one single street. Even got two waves from one driver since I missed his first one.