Any Mini (original) Owners out there?

[SmartPassion]

Hey all! Just picked up my cabrio in the LA area. Its so cool! Driving the car brings to mind my old school Mini (abeit much more refined). I was wondering if there are any other smart owners out there who owned or still owns an original Mini.

[SmartAzz]

Congrats on your new Smart

Husband imported an original rhd Morris Cooper S many years ago but that is long gone - we don't count now with our 'new' 05 MCS ;)

[jwight]

Absolutely, although ours is not that original; RHD Rover Mini with 1.3 fuel injection engine, 12 in wheels, front disc brakes, etc. Pretty much the same driving feel as the first one I owned in the UK, brand new 1975 Mini 1000. Great fun cars.

Here it is hibernating for the winter:

[SmartPassion]

She's a beaut, Jwight. You have a well represented collection in your garage.

[jwight]

Originally Posted by SmartPassion

She's a beaut, Jwight. You have a well represented collection in your garage.

Thanks! Didn't manage to cram the WRX wagon into the garage - it's the outdoor car.

[Winnetou]

I own a 1962 Mini 850, and a 1966 Mini Cooper 1275S. It will be some time before I own my smart, due to late reservation, but I recently test-drove a new 2008 smart. I found the driving experience very different than that of either Mini—and that is the accomplishment of the smart: a “luxury� micro-car. I like Spartan vintage micro and mini cars (and their driving qualities), and did not look to the smart as a replication of those.

There have been many complaints about the fuel consumption of the 2008 smarts, but I see the compromise between fuel economy and performance as just about ideal, given the aim of the smart design. My 850cc Mini will get 50MPG and can cruise at its top speed of about 80MPH, but most American drivers would find its acceleration inadequate. On the other hand, the race-modified 1275S is very fast, with 25 – 30 MPG, or less, depending upon how hard it is driven. The smart does not really have the handling ability to justify the high power and lower mileage ratio of a fast original Mini Cooper S, but it needs better acceleration than an original 850 Mini (or an Isetta, for that matter) to be successful in the U.S. And, as much as I hope to get my smart (I am, alas, a 1482) before the model year changes from 2008 to 2009, I hope even more that the smart will be a success in America.

[24-42]

I had a Cranberry 1000cc Austin 7 Mini Minor new in 1960. My wife said it was larger on the inside than the outside.

Joseph Lucas (Prince of darkness) was responsible for ignition problems exacerbated by the upfront distributor. Canadian Cold Kit helped a little.

I wanted a Wolseley Hornet but they weren't imported. Neither was the Mini Moke.

Liked the car

BTW: Was that the 'Real' Mini or is the present Mini the 'Real' Mini' ? Just thinking of a parallel.

Donald LaFavor

[SmartPassion]

Originally Posted by 24-42

BTW: Was that the 'Real' Mini or is the present Mini the 'Real' Mini' ? Just thinking of a parallel.

They are both "real" ... the originals were real "Minis" and the current ones are real "MINIs".

[bentoutofshape]

I've thought of getting an old one. How is the leg room in them? Daily driver dependable?

[jwight]

Originally Posted by bentoutofshape

I've thought of getting an old one. How is the leg room in them? Daily driver dependable?

Did a search for KC Mini clubs; the only one is for the new BMW MINIs - not the same car by any means. You might search on the Minimania.com forums for any owners in the KC area. Leg room is adequate if you're not too tall or have short legs, but not great. If you get a car that has been completely rebuilt recently you should be OK; older cars will have the usual issues. Be prepared to either work on the car yourself or find someone local who really knows the older Minis. Having said that, you won't regret getting one - they are too much fun!