Procession planned through Nelson in praise of the humble Mini
Monday, 29 July 2019
Whether it's a white-knuckle ride in a hard-driven paddock racer or a tight fit in the family car, the legacy of a Mini has at some point been part of most Kiwis' driving experiences.
To celebrate the iconic automobile's 60th birthday, the Mini in Nelson Incorporated Club is planning a Sunday drive for the ages on August 18.
Meeting at Richmond's A and P Showgrounds from 10am, cars will drive off in a procession through Stoke, Nelson city and Tahunanui before finishing at the WOW carpark off Quarantine Rd around 12pm.
All Minis are welcome to join the club and celebrate all that is great about Minis.
It is hoped to have 60 Minis taking part in the birthday milestone.
Club president Jim Baker said he was aware of other clubs around the country holding similar events, while an official national celebration is planned for October in Tauranga.
The Mini is a small economy car produced by the English-based British Motor Corporation (BMC) and its successors from 1959 until 2000.
In 1999, the Mini was voted the second-most influential car of the 20th century, behind the Ford Model T, and ahead of the Citroën DS and Volkswagen Beetle.
Baker's pride and joy is a 1993 Rover Mini Mayfair 1.3L.
It's the latest in a series of Minis he's owned since the age of 17. However, his interest in the car goes back even further.
'They're iconic I guess - when they were first released I was 10 years old and I was fascinated by them,' he said.
'There's been the odd break but you always go back to one.'
'It brings a smile to your face every time you jump in them - kids love them and when you park up someone on the street will come over and go 'oh I like your Mini, how long have you had it?' … so it's a good conversation starter.'
Baker said maintenance was an easy undertaking and getting a warrant is no issue - especially with the disk brakes instead of the old drums.
His only major work has been a rebuild of the engine from automatic to manual.
'It's all pretty basic stuff - the engine's out in half a day, you do what you need to do and then drop it back in again - and everything's readily available - from that point of view, it's ideal for a DIY person who likes tinkering around.'
Baker said the local club and its nearly 40 members owned a range of Minis, from the classic shape to more modern versions, and had two outings a month
Many members have one for the road and another tucked away as a garage project, Baker said. Some like to modify their vehicle, from extensive bodykits and upgraded upholstery to 'tricked-out alloy under the bonnet' while others are content with the factory standard specifications.
'There's not that many that do that sort of thing because we like to use them - there's that compromise between what they look like and how they go.'