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Minis

 
In 1990 I reached an important motoring milestone. My brother suggested that for the money I was at the time contemplating spending on a second hand car I could buy a brand new Mini. As luck would have it there was an advertisement in that week's paper for the new Limited Editions - the Flame, Racing and Checkmate. These were red, green and black respectively. I went along to the local Rover dealer (having a look couldn't hurt!!) and they had a Racing Green under the spotlights in the showroom. It looked stunning.

I'd never bought a new car before, and I've never bought one since. However I kept that Racing Green Mini for 18 years, and for many of those it was my main transport. Latterly the car became more of a hobby, and I'm slightly sad to say was overshadowed by my rediscovery of what I suppose was my first love when it comes to engines and wheels, namely motorbikes. So ultimately the decision was made to sell the car.

The closure of a big chapter in my life but one that is full of happy memories.

 

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Delivery Mileage

I'd owned the car all of 10 minutes when this photo was taken - I'd picked it up and driven the 2 miles home. My first task was some photos. The second was to polish every panel - under the bonnet, inside the boot - everywhere. This car was going to be cherished.

Part of the Family

Minis have always featured in our family. The other two in this picture (a Mayfair and a Mini 30) belonged to my brother and his wife

Minis in the Orchard

My brother's Mayfair was succeeded by one of the re-introduced Coopers.

We're Going to do a Job in Italy

Well, perhaps not, but it's as good a caption as any!!

Racing Green and Cinnabar Red

Mum drives Minis as well. The Cinnabar Red Sprite was an earlier limited edition and is now a very rare and sought after model. This particular example was sold a few years later as it was showing severe signs of age (notably rust - something that sadly came as standard with the majority of Minis)

Evolution

Three years old, over 60,000 miles on the clock and now sporting a stage one kit and trendy low profile (and wider) tyres.

Eleven Plus

For its eleventh birthday the car had a heart transplant and a major overhaul of the bodywork. It came back properly cavity waxed, (as all cars should be) and gleaming.

 
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