Past Editions:
OCT/NOV '07
SEP/OCT '07
AUG/SEP '07
JUL/AUG '07
Monthly Newsletter Of
MINI-SOTA MINIS, PIZZA EATING, AND PSYCHIATRIC SELF -HELP ASSN
Volume X, Number IV November/December 2007
Hi All:
Winter has finally arrived, and most of our li'l cars are in hibernation. Time to start writing those letters to Santa for Christmas presents for our Minis and MINIs. When you do, I hope you'll check out our member-owned businesses in the "Service Offered" section of the "Wanted & For Sale" pages.
In This Issue......a report and pix of our last meeting, our Fine Fall Mini/MINI Lunch at AlleyGators; an interesting article, A Bit o' Mini History....; plus the usual This & That and Fluff & Fill.
Our Last Meeting....was on Saturday, Nov. 17th, '07......a gathering of 10 of the Faithful for A Fine Fall Mini/MINI Lunch at AlleyGators Restaurant for some fine food and to swap Mini/MINI stories.
Left to Right....George Farr, Karl Jenstad, New Members Susanne & Pat Clay, Merlin Holtz, Shaun Holtz, Todd Bjerknes, Harry Reynolds, John Engstrom, and (behind the camera) Jim Baumann.
Our Next Meeting....Due to the Holidays, there will be no MMPEAPSHA or MMEW '09 Committee meetings in December.
Since we have quite a few new MINI owners who've joined the club recently, I thought it might be useful for......
A Bit o' Mini History.....
After 41 glorious years, the Mini finally reached the end of a memorable journey. In tribute, we bid a fond farewell to a motoring classic. 4th October 2000 marked an important moment in motoring history. It will be remembered as the day when production ceased of the most successful British car, ever. Since its launch in 1959, over 5.3 million Minis have been built with its lifetime spanning over a third of the entire history of the UK motor industry. In 1999, 130 top motoring journalists, worldwide, voted the Mini 'European Car of the Century'. We bid a fond farewell by taking a look at how this British motoring icon became so endeared to the hearts of so many.
Alec Issigonis inspired the original design for the Mini in March 1957, in response to fuel rationing during the Suez crisis. The scarcity of fuel and increased imports of the German 'bubble cars' prompted BMC Chairman, Sir Leonard Lord, to look for a small economical vehicle, which would seat four passengers and use an existing BMC engine. Armed with no formal engineering training, but with a radical and creative mind, Issigonis put pen to paper and outlined an innovative design on a cafe napkin.
His simple sketch led to the birth of Britain's most popular car in motoring history. Issigonis, a trained chassis designer who had previously developed the Morris Minor, created a car measuring just 10ftx4ft; 80 per cent of which was for passengers and luggage with the remaining 20 per cent for housing the powertrain. It would ride on 10-inch wheels and all independent suspension. To resolve the problem of limited engine space, Issigonis was truly inspired. His solution was to employ a traverse engine, driving the front wheels via a gearbox and final drive built into the sump of the engine - a concept never tried before. Just 15 months later in July 1958, the prototype was finished and Sir Leonard Lord was able to conduct the first test drive around the factory. It took only five minutes for the BMC Chairman to make up his mind to approve the design and launch the new car into production. Less than a year later, in May 1959, the first production models rolled off the line, a major achievement even by today's standards.
The name Mini was not given to the new car until later years. The new BMC models launched were the Austin Seven and the Morris Mini-Minor, all but identical, except for badges and radiator grilles. Both cars were available in standard and deluxe versions and cost £537 and £497 respectively. However, success was not achieved over night. Although the workers at BMC believed they were onto a winner, the public was not so enthusiastic. In fact, they viewed the car with suspicion leaving sales somewhat disappointing. It wasn't until the rich and famous of the swinging sixties, abandoned their Bentleys for this chic little run-around that the Mini received the recognition it deserved. Stars such as Peter Sellers and Peter Ustinov, zipping up and down the Kings Road in their tiny fun machines, brought star status and transformed the Mini into a trend setting fashion icon.
The small car with the huge personality had won over the hearts of the public and sales began to soar. Mini's appeal transcended the class barrier and was admired and cherished by young and old, rich and poor. It took the blame for the collapse of the British motorcycle industry as the less well-to-do abandoned their traditional motorcycle and sidecar combinations in favor of four little wheels. Seen as the cheeky, gutsy David against the clumsy Goliath, Mini was chosen for the leading role in the most famous stunt driving movie of all time, 'The Italian Job'. Finding fame, if not fortune, the featured Minis received more applause than their 'co- star', Michael Caine. Ringo Starr had his Mini converted to a hatchback to accommodate his drum kit, adding weight to the theory that Mini was gaining pace as the most sought after accessory. By 1978, Minis could be found on every corner. For many it was the first car they ever owned or it was the car they learned to drive in and more women than ever took to the road, making up half of all Mini sales.
Despite star ratings and an expanding range of derivatives, such as the Countryman, Morris Mini Traveller, Riley Elf and Wolsely Hornet, it was the introduction of the Mini Cooper in 1961 finally brought the Mini to the world's attention. Fitted with a twin-carburettor 997cc (later 998cc) tuned engine inspired by Formula One Champion Constructor John Cooper, front disc brakes, a remote-control gear change, the Mini was instantly recognisable by its two tone colour schemes and infamous stripes.
It became the car to be seen in, whether it be Kings Road or Carnaby Street, and was also to begin a career in Motor Sport. Renowned for its achievements in the RAC Rally throughout the 60's, the Mini Cooper eventually went on to win the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, 1965 and 1967. This was to be the Mini Cooper's last stand as the BMC Competitions Department at Abingdon was virtually closed down. However, a new career was in the pipeline for the lovable car, acting. Starring in the ever-popular cult classic, 'The Italian Job' alongside Sir Michael Caine brought the Mini instant fame and life-long recognition around the world for its characteristic qualities and quality stunt driving.
Stripped and re-formed from the inside out, six Mini Cooper S's were prepared for the gruelling stunt work, under the supervision of driver, Remy Julienne and his stunt driving team. A total of 14 Mini's were used altogether. Significant emphasis was placed on the importance of the exterior appearance, the brief being to make them look sporty but not like boy racers. Spotlight clusters and Minilite wheels completed the desired appearance of the 'makeover' Mini with 1275cc engine. Completing the spectacular stunt work proved to be more complicated than imagined but despite a few write-offs the 'gold-chase' scene was a success, highlighting the true ability of the Mini Cooper to perform deft and shrewd manoeuvres.
Over the last 20 years Mini has been transformed, incorporating the most modern technical refinement, taking the competition of the day head on. In the fashion stakes, Mini has continued to lead the way. Celebrities, not content on simply owning a Mini, designed their own. David Bowie, Kate Moss, Paul Smith and Jay Kay have all contributed flair and imagination to a spectacular line up of star cars. Natasha Caine, daughter of 'The Italian Job' actor Sir Michael Caine, made a particularly momentous contribution to the design of a limited edition Mini, incorporating a black body with gold bullion (Italian Job). Never short on style, the Mini was one of few remaining examples of classic 60's nostalgia and became increasingly popular in overseas countries, Italy, France and especially Japan, where sales figures overtook those in Britain during 1995. A total of 20,044 Mini's were sold worldwide that year. In competition with the ever-changing safety and environmental issues of modern car manufacturing, the Mini had to overcome some drastic changes to remain a contender in the modern market. Fitted with an exhaust catalyst as standard when launched, standard fuel injection and a fully compliant closed loop catalyst, introduced in 1991, led to the car being badged 1.3i. In 1996, even more significant legislation led to a multi point fuel injection, sophisticated electronic engine management and 'the impossible' - a drivers airbag. With this action came a rationalisation of the range of just two models - Mini and the Mini Cooper. The addition of a wide-ranging option and accessory package allowed full personalisation of the car to the customer's taste.
Unfortunately, declining sales and the declining fortunes of it's maker, Rover, led to the demise of this wonderful little car.
Mini Facts:
1. The Mini is a motoring legend and was in production during the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and into the 21st century - effectively six decades!
2. The Mini was at one stage going to be called the Austin Newmarket.
3. In March 1957, less than 30 months before the Mini was unveiled to the public, Leonard Lord authorised Issigonis to start on preliminary designs.
4. The Longbridge Mini was launched with the name Austin Seven and the Cowley produced version was called the Morris Mini Minor.
5. The purchase price of the 1959 Mini was £496.95 including tax when it was launched to the public on 26th August 1959.
6. The universal joints used in the Mini were produced from a design used for submarine conning-tower control gear. Today most of the world's front-wheel-drive cars employ this type of constant velocity joint.
7. The first 'mass produced' Mini, 621 AOK, now part of the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust's collection at the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, Warwickshire, was hand assembled by Longbridge foreman Albert Green in just seven hours.
8. The first million Minis were produced by 1965, the second million in 1969, the third million in 1972.
9. The Mini was the first British car to win the European Rally Championship.
10. The Mini won the Monte Carlo Rally three times (1964, 1965 & 1967) and more recently the 1990 & 1991 Pirelli Classic Marathon. In 1994, the Mini returned to the Monte with Paddy Hopkirk at the wheel - again as car No.37 and this time as L33EJB.
Famous Mini Owners: The Beatles (John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr & George Harrison), Peter Sellers, James Garner, Enzo Ferrari, Brigitte Bardot, Twiggy (Purple automatic), Steve McQueen, David Niven, King Hussein of Jordan, Jackie Stewart (F3 Cooper World Champion - with 'A' Series engine), Paul Newman, Dudley Moore, Spike Milligan, Mary Quant (who went on to design the Mini skirt), Clint Eastwood (had a Mini Countryman), and Jim Baumann.
1. The Mini is a motoring legend and was in production during the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and into the 21st century - effectively six decades!
2. The Mini was at one stage going to be called the Austin Newmarket.
3. In March 1957, less than 30 months before the Mini was unveiled to the public, Leonard Lord authorised Issigonis to start on preliminary designs.
4. The Longbridge Mini was launched with the name Austin Seven and the Cowley produced version was called the Morris Mini Minor.
5. The purchase price of the 1959 Mini was £496.95 including tax when it was launched to the public on 26th August 1959.
6. The universal joints used in the Mini were produced from a design used for submarine conning-tower control gear. Today most of the world's front-wheel-drive cars employ this type of constant velocity joint.
7. The first 'mass produced' Mini, 621 AOK, now part of the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust's collection at the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, Warwickshire, was hand assembled by Longbridge foreman Albert Green in just seven hours.
8. The first million Minis were produced by 1965, the second million in 1969, the third million in 1972.
9. The Mini was the first British car to win the European Rally Championship.
10. The Mini won the Monte Carlo Rally three times (1964, 1965 & 1967) and more recently the 1990 & 1991 Pirelli Classic Marathon. In 1994, the Mini returned to the Monte with Paddy Hopkirk at the wheel - again as car No.37 and this time as L33EJB.
Famous Mini Owners: The Beatles (John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr & George Harrison), Peter Sellers, James Garner, Enzo Ferrari, Brigitte Bardot, Twiggy (Purple automatic), Steve McQueen, David Niven, King Hussein of Jordan, Jackie Stewart (F3 Cooper World Champion - with 'A' Series engine), Paul Newman, Dudley Moore, Spike Milligan, Mary Quant (who went on to design the Mini skirt), Clint Eastwood (had a Mini Countryman), and Jim Baumann.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Dates in RED are MMPEAPSHA Club Events
Dates in BLUE are other local events (and we're invited)
Dates in GREEN are other events of Mini/MINI interest
December '07....No MMPEAPSHA meeting due to the Holidays.
December '07....No MMEW '09 meeting due to the Holidays.
January 5th (Sat.), '07, 9:30AM....MMEW '09 Breakfast & Planning Meeting at The Square Peg Diner.
January 19th (Sat.), '09.....MMPEAPSHA Tech Session, time and place to be announced.
WANTED & FOR SALE
Please Note! The Wanted & For Sale pages have been getting a bit too long as a result of old ads. Our new policy will be to list "For Sale" items three months. Ads will run for three months, and will then have to be renewed or will be deleted....to renew your ad or list new ones, you can contact me at: cbaumann@lkdllink.net or call me at 1-320-963-5681. The Service Offered ads will be continued indefinitely.
Mini For Sale......needs a little work.
WANTED: Mini/MINI stories for The Oily Edition! Do you have a Mini/MINI Article, Story or Adventure you'd like to see in print? It doesn't have to be Great Literature.....we can edit it and polish it up for you (and even have our Staff Cartoonist, Geff Galbari, illustrate it for you)....just something you think might interest or amuse Mini/MINI enthusiasts, and our Club Members. About 1 to 1 1/2 pages (single spaced) is just about right. Soooo....get those creative juices flowing and send your Articles/Adventures/Stories to me at cbaumann@lkdllink.net .
WANTED: Hosts for MMPEAPSHA meetings. If you'd like to volunteer your home or place of business to host a club meeting, contact Karl Jenstad at: jenstad@pro-ns.net or call: (612) 869-7611.
WANTED: Any Mini, decent condition, preferably running, if not all parts to make it do so, low cost (<3000), basically I am getting sick of looking at them and would love to have one of my own. Please call Nick Brogren at (651) 407-9579.
WANTED: I need some headlamp bulbs, the early MK1 type bayonett style with the slotted flange at the base and the glass tube that looks like a pear.These are the old Lucas lamps.Any help would be appreciated. Thanks again Mark A.Illinski (715)342-0361 or e-mail me at: cindylou1@charter.net
SERVICE OFFERED - Consignment Minis & Promotional Items - Member Michael "MiniGuy" Lewis is back and is brokering classic Minis (and other interesting collector cars) via the "Consignment" pages of his new, soon-to-be-relaunched website. He also has a line of Mini Club-related Apparel & Promotional Items. Michael says a large part of what he does now is Club Shirts, hats, jackets, lapel pins, patches, stickers, printing, grille badges and so on, but he can do just about everything. Check out his website at: http://www.miniguy.com/main.php or you can phone him at (805) 405-6263.
SERVICE OFFERED - Dependable Car Maintenance - Tire Rack dealer, Amsoil sales, nut’s ‘N bolts, and repair items, automotive tools & equipment. I have a shop at my home in Ham Lake, MN where I sell tires from the Tire Rack at discount and mount them. I have a computer balancer, and a rim clamp tire machine. I can mount tires from 10" up to 17" and 9.5" wide. Dwight McCullough, 763-754-7111 or dcm@mnautox.com
SERVICE OFFERED - Winter Car Storage....Greg Wold has now opened a car storage business in Maple Grove, MN. The new building has heated car storage complete with security system and sprinkler protection. Store your car with confidence that it will be safe and secure AND will stay warm and dry all winter long. $59/mo for Club members. This site is between I-94 and Hwy. 169 just north of I-494. Sign up now while there is still room! Fourth Stall Car Storage. Greg Wold 763-420-4503 or 612-801-7256
SERVICE OFFERED - Winter Car Storage....Greg Wold has now opened a car storage business in Maple Grove, MN. The new building has heated car storage complete with security system and sprinkler protection. Store your car with confidence that it will be safe and secure AND will stay warm and dry all winter long. $59/mo for Club members. This site is between I-94 and Hwy. 169 just north of I-494. Sign up now while there is still room! Fourth Stall Car Storage. Greg Wold 763-420-4503 or 612-801-7256
SERVICE OFFERED - Good Food! Member Phil Vanner owns The Square Peg Diner "Where The Mini Elite Meet To Eat!" and the home of the BBC Saturday Breakfasts. The diner is located at 2021 Hennepin Ave., E, in Mini-apolis and is open Monday thru Friday from 6am to 3pm and on Saturdays from 8am to 1pm. Check out the website at: www.squarepegdiner.com
SERVICE OFFERED - Mini Towing & Transport. New Members John & Mary Cooley own Classic Transport Services. They specialize in transporting Classic Cars in the Twin Cities Area. John has a 2003 Ford 6500 Flatbed. If you need your Mini or MINI moved, contact him at: 1-651-777-0193, or by Email at: cooley777@aol.com . Check out his website: www.prostreetnova.com
SERVICE OFFERED - Auto body work and painting. John Durant owns Spraywerks body & paint shop specializing in Minis! From dings & dents to total body restoration. Panels welded, rust repair, everything a Mini needs. Reasonable rates, free estimates, free pickup and delivery of project cars within 50 miles. Contact him at 1-763-360-3527 or email: spraywerks@hotmail.com
SERVICE OFFERED - Minis and Mini parts: Now, you have a choice. Always the right part at the right price! Free 108 page catalog and MMPEAPSHA club special - free UPS on members orders. Call Harvey or Ernie at 707-570-0511, or miniman@sonic.net and visit our website at www.minimotors.com
SERVICE OFFERED - Mini Parts: Members Graham & Susan Reid own the Heritage Garage. Mini parts at very competitive prices. Friendly, knowledgeable staff with many years of mini experience. Contact them at 949-646-6404 to get on their mailing list for specials or visit the web at www.HeritageGarage.com
SERVICE OFFERED - Auto Accessories: Member Jim Huston owns the
Auto Toy Store and
Motorsport Seats..Discount Quality Motorsport Accessories. He has a full line of after market seats....Recaro, Corbeau, Cobra, Sparco, ProCar, and so on . He also has a full line of street or race harnesses. You need it, he's got it! Call for liberal discounts. Visit his website at: http://autotoystore.com/ and http://motorsportseats.com/
SERVICE OFFERED - Mini Dealer: Member Bill Cox is a Bonded and Licensed North Carolina dealer, Licensed Manufacturer, and Bonded U.S. Customs Importer. See his website at: http://www.montecarlomini.net/
SERVICE OFFERED - Website Design: Member Jen Mueke is a freelance website designer, so if you need any website work done, contact her at: rhen@roadkill.de or at: 1-612-414-5205
SERVICE OFFERED - British Car Repair: BMC Restoration and Repair..... servicing British built vehicles from a minor tune up to full restoration. Correctly restored or built to your requirements. Pick up and delivery service of vehicle or parts on request. Talk to me about your specific needs. Brian Mc Cullough Call (651) 462-0145 or mailto:brian@bmcautos.com See my website at: http://www.bmcautos.com
SERVICE OFFERED - British Car Restoration: Honorary Member Dave Wintz owns a full restoration facility specializing in classic British Cars. Contact Dave Wintz at New Life To Classics, 1101 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato, MN. Phone (507) 387-2277.
FOR RENT: Pole Barn ...... 30X64, located approximately 35 miles So of Burnsville. Lockable with one service door and (2) 11 ft high sliding doors. Building has dirt floor and was probably used for machinery $200 / month with lease. Contact Jerry Harvieux at 952-440-3567 or email: jharvieux@aol.com.
FOR SALE: A beautiful, rust-free example of the nicest of the Classic Minis made - '73 Innocenti Mini 1001 Export, 1275 cc A+ engine with 9 stud head, twin 1.25 SU's, and Pertronix ignition mated to a 4 spd all synchro rod change gearbox with a 3.1 final drive, and pot joint drive couplings. For full info see here: http://www.minimania.com/web/id/7489/Cars4Sale_Detail.cfm Asking $9400. Contact Howard Collins at: miniac7@aol.com
FOR SALE: '73 New Zealand Morris Mini Window Van, only 3000 miles on completely rebuilt 998 engine & new tires; RHD; Black over Old English White; I have updated the weather stripping and window latches. It has just a very little rust on the rear passenger (LH) side quarter panel; a very sound and reliable Mini Wagon. Asking $6000. Contact Rob Mahaney, Phone (1-952-440-4668) rob.mahaney@integraonline.com
FOR SALE: '67 Mini Woody Wagon. 998cc, disc brakes, RHD, Old English White. Only 27k. Perfect in every way. Owned by 3 time Grammy Award Winner Delbert McClinton ( www.delbert.com). $15,999...TN title in Delberts name. Bill Cox: www.montecarlomini.net Earl NC. NC lic dealer.. 1-704-487-6797 billecox@webtv.net
FOR SALE: 4 MINI Rims with tires. Silver, 15 inch, low mileage, not run flat, used briefly on a 2002 MINI. Currently taking up space in Andover, MN. $100 (OBO) for all 4 (delivery is extra). mailto:mini@chessers.org or 763-323-9935
FOR SALE: 2003 MINI Cooper "S". Only 9,000 original miles. Sport Package; British Racing Green w/black top; grey/anthracite interior; leather seats; premium sound; power sunroof; premium wheels. Stored winters....has never seen ice or snow. Looks like, and still smells like new! Car is located in Mpls. $24,000 or Best Offer. Contact Michael Keller at michael.keller@idq.com or phone: 952-830-0317 or 952-830-0480.
FOR SALE: Two NZ Minis. These are nice 99 & 44/100 % rust free examples with solid floors. They are in running and driving condition with straight shells. The 1st car is a 1973 Mini 850 saloon in red with black interior. The 2nd car is a 1977 Mini saloon with a 998cc engine, blue with tan interior. Owner is asking $4500 for each car. Cars are located in Stevens Point, WI. You can email the owner at usakiwis@charter,net for more information.
FOR SALE: 1978 Maroon Austin Mini 1000. I started to strip the engine compartment to do a re-build but I ran out of time and resources to complete it. All the auxiliary parts are in a box and ready for the next gear head to get it running. I have all the records from the previous owner. This little car just needs some TLC, current tabs, and to be trailered to it's new home. $4,000 firm. Call John 612-735-1104 or e-mail cyborgbally@yahoo.com.
FOR SALE: 1980 (1993) and 1975 (1996) Mini SPRITES for sale. One is a 1980 built to 1993 spec. 40 K, 1275 cc engine with carburator. Throaty exhaust. LHD, burl wood dash, new carpeting,excellent interior, new Minilite wheels, new tires. Hiflo centr exhaust, K&N air cleaner with no rust. Refurbished by a mini expert in England before being sent to America last year. It is blue with white racing stripes and a white roof. The other is a 1975 built to 1996 specs. beautiful red, 63K, same wood dash with new carpeting. It has a white roof and white racing stripes. We need to sell because I cannot drive the one I bought because of a foot problem with the clutch foot. Ian has too many cars and needs to get rid of his Mini. Asking $9250 for each. Contact Ian Rivers at 920 261 5218 or Sue Braatz at suebraatz@hotmail.com.
FOR SALE: - I have two beautiful minis for sale ,they will never rust , they are factory fiberglass ,they came from CHILE and they ready to go. My phone # is 515-570-3888 or 515-955-2425 call any time. I will send pictures and information to anybody that is interested in them. Francisco Visedo Francesco Visedo visedo@frontiernet.net
FOR SALE: Fiberglass "Novadash" fits Mini with single or 3 clock center binnacle, N.O.S -- $35; Early style Mini front subframe, seen better days but suitable for as alignment jig when replacing front sheetmetal -- $15; 3 ea. Dunlop SP-Sport Radials, 165/70-10, old, hard, but never used, more suitable for show, not go -- $15 ea.; Left & right Mini front floor repair panels, aftermarket -- $15 ea.; Left & right Mini inner sill repair panels, aftermarket -- $10 ea.; Left & right Mini Mk. 3 & up inner wing hinge panels, M-Machine -- $10 ea.; Heavy duty tow bar for chrome bumper Spriget -- $60. Can Email photos. Contact Karl Jenstad, jenstd@pro-ns.net or 612-869-7611
Any Comments or Suggestions? Any ideas for improving "The Oily Edition"? Give me a call at: 1-320-963-5681 (if line is busy, try 1-612-599-0735) or e-mail at: cbaumann@lkdllink.net .
SEE YA ALL IN THE NEW YEAR!