G'day to all,
Just joined this place to get "the feel of the place". I had an old Mini once (years ago) and it was fun briefly till it expired and went to Mini heaven.
Well many years later I now find myself trolling round looking to buy another original Mini in much better condition. In doing so I've become fascinated at the contempt held by some for the new MINI and had to say something.
Straight up to those who think little of the new MINI....yes I already own a new Cooper S and no, the ill-feeling ain't reciprocal. Obviously there is a distaste for BMW's "theft" of the mini identity. I'm quite happy fence sitting on which is better......I love em both!!!
For those stuck in the past, you must of seen it coming that things couldn't stay as is...I see a new generation of kids who want to drive newly built MINIs, as did some original Mini owners years ago. They want that fun packaged with a Mini badge on the front of it. In the club environment I see many young people who love MINIs, but have no understanding of the history. It's just too bad when an old Mini don't wave back. How do I explain that?
For your insight there is a comparative resentment of BMWs by new MINI owners as I've seen here against the new MINIs. Essentially you buy a BMW if your a snob and a MINI if your not. Its a challenge for example to type "BMW MINI", ....no its a "MINI" from Mini Garage, and that’s owned by BMW. (Also note originals are "Mini" to fairly separate from MINI). Yep for some people it's all in the details!
Yeah OK, they are not the same car in body..... but I reckon they are in spirit. For those who feel their religion has been breached by a newcomer, then let me give a few pointers on what Mini and MINI share.
1.The Mini was new and revolutionary when introduced and drew all types of people. That situation remains unchanged.
2. Take a car and put it hard into a corner...if it still comes accelerating out the other end, then look that direction and likely be seeing a mini.
3. If a crowd of very small children suddenly turn and point at the road, then get exited, its probably cause they have just seen a mini. I've yet to understand this, but I guess children get eventually corrupted by parents who drive Toragos, Falcons, etc. I'm certain children innocently know what fun is. They aren’t bias about what brand is stamped on the front of good driving fun.
4. Most other things are arguable. Body styles are a matter of taste. Whether the MINI copies the Mini or not, who gives a....... I do note that Mini owners (old or new) are proud and very individual (as no two liveries seem the same). Owners are of strong faith and proud of what they have. To you whom resent all that is new...we come to add, not take away. PS for those with true knowledge that MINIs are a collection of other makers parts, many MINI drivers would be keen for your factual information regards alternative parts. I note that from John Cooper Works website there seems no shame in embracing all MINIs, and mixing them together.
If you are like-minded, live near NSW Central Coast and are lonely for a cruise (or just wants to sample a herd of MINIs) most Sunday's (inclusive 28/11/04) start at Pie In The Sky (PITS) at Cowan at 9am via the most bent roads we can find.....This week...the Hunter Valley. If you live on the Central Coast or Newcastle we start earlier via Yarramalong Valley for a cool little hill climb up Bumble Hill and across to Kariong for the Old Pacific Hwy. If you are someone who's allergic to "club crap carry-on" the good news is we only want to drive and you were just going the same way. For this reason further info availble if you contact.
CYA on the bends
|
Madness?, nah!!!)