The real Dr. FeelGood.
In today's world of uncertainties, wars and terrorism, people seek refuge and security wherever they can. Every day, as I listen to the news, something horrible has happened and the experts figure that it will occur again. Security measures are heightened everywhere and the overstressed World that we live in becomes even more difficult to cope with. Escaping reality is never an easy feat to accomplish; some read, others crochet and others go for a drive.
For those that do like to drive, few vintage cars can match the enjoyment that is delivered by an MG, a Triumph, an Austin Healy and a Mini. In 1959, Sir Alec Issigonis designed a car that was to become the originator for many technologies such as the transverse mounted engine still used in cars today. Fast forward to 2001 with BMW now at the helm of the company; the Mini got a second lease on life.
A base Mini Convertible starts at $31,500. A Cooper S Convertible with options can be stretched to nearly $46,000. We were handed the keys to a Cooper S with the Sport Package and the 17" wheels. It retails for $40,170.
Styling
The Mini is actually a style. The Mini does not look like any other car, it is
the Mini, point final. I hate to use the word "cute" because this expression better describes my cat, not an automobile that it supposed to be beautiful and fashionable. Unfortunately for me, the darn thing is CUTE! From every angle, the Cooper looks as though it is happy to be able to roam the roads. I guess this is why so many people find the car irresistible. Some of the key elements to its appeal are the headlamps, the short overhangs and the multitude of available roof and body colour combinations. Apart from its looks, the Mini is after-all a BMW which means that body panels align perfectly and paint application is generally smooth and even.
The one touch power-operated soft top requires only fifteen seconds to fully retract. When in place, ¾ visibility is nearly nil even with the presence of the small quarter windows. The roof is fully lined and very well constructed.
The cabin of the Mini follows the flow of the exterior; it is awash with wacky and old school touches. I particularly enjoy the column mounted tachometer and my girlfriend, the huge center positioned speedometer so she can always know what speed I am travelling at. The toggle switches are hit or miss with the people I have spoken to. I happen to like them
very much. I think it is a question of how they are manipulated. There are many different cloth, leather and interior combinations available. The dashboard plastics are well assembled however not to same level that BMW has us accustomed to; perhaps this is done to mimic the original?
Front seat comfort and support are adequate, however the rear bench could be best described as an extension of the trunk. Speaking of which, forget about fitting anything more than a day bag and a very small cooler. The after-thought dealer installed cup-holder is an eyesore and an annoying source of rattling noises.
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For those that do like to drive, few vintage cars can match the enjoyment that is delivered by an MG, a Triumph, an Austin Healy and a Mini. In 1959, Sir Alec Issigonis designed a car that was to become the originator for many technologies such as the transverse mounted engine still used in cars today. Fast forward to 2001 with BMW now at the helm of the company; the Mini got a second lease on life.
A base Mini Convertible starts at $31,500. A Cooper S Convertible with options can be stretched to nearly $46,000. We were handed the keys to a Cooper S with the Sport Package and the 17" wheels. It retails for $40,170.
Styling
The Mini is actually a style. The Mini does not look like any other car, it is
 |
The one touch power-operated soft top requires only fifteen seconds to fully retract. When in place, ¾ visibility is nearly nil even with the presence of the small quarter windows. The roof is fully lined and very well constructed.
The cabin of the Mini follows the flow of the exterior; it is awash with wacky and old school touches. I particularly enjoy the column mounted tachometer and my girlfriend, the huge center positioned speedometer so she can always know what speed I am travelling at. The toggle switches are hit or miss with the people I have spoken to. I happen to like them
 |
Front seat comfort and support are adequate, however the rear bench could be best described as an extension of the trunk. Speaking of which, forget about fitting anything more than a day bag and a very small cooler. The after-thought dealer installed cup-holder is an eyesore and an annoying source of rattling noises.