Category Archives: Classic Mini

Mini Desktop Racing for the Nintendo Wii

Here is yet another Mini-related video game being released. Now this game has been out for quite some time for the PC, but it is now finally being released for the Nintendo Wii. I have played this game on the PC before and it is important to note that this game is completely different than the other game we talked about a few days ago, Race 07. Instead of being a racing simulator, this is more of an arcade game that allows you to race Classic Minis around your desk. Honestly, this game gives me a headache every time I play it. Not sure what it is, but I just feel a bit woozy after trying to keep my Mini on track. The concept is “cute”, but I think I may spend my game time sharpening my skills on Race 07’s MINI Cooper Challenge (which by the way, should arrive at my office tomorrow!). Check out this video clip of Mini Desktop Racing for an idea of what it is like:

[ Full Review of Mini Desktop Racing for the Nintendo Wii ]

Franklin Mint 1967 Morris Mini Cooper

Franklin Nichols from Slot Car News posted up a cool review of the limited edition Franklin Mint diecast of a 1967 Morris Mini Cooper.

Morris Mini Cooper Franklin Mint Diecast

…this die-cast represents a factory-production Morris Mini for the home market, done up in British Racing Green with offsetting cream roof and wheels. The twin fender mirrors and extra chrome are Cooper-correct. In keeping with Franklin Mint practice, the model’s hood, doors, and deck lid all open, revealing solid interior detail and an excellent representation of the 1,275 cc Mini-Cooper engine…

Morris Mini Cooper Franklin Mint Diecast

…Franklin Mint is known for their fine attention to detail under the bonnet this car is no different. The motor is wired and in high detail. The interior is also of fine quality, although the instrument cluster is a little hard to read with the warning lights almost illegible…
Morris Mini Cooper Franklin Mint Diecast

For the full review, including more photos, make sure you check out the link below!

[ Full review @ Slot Car News ]

Possible Classic Mini Race Series Coming In 2008

Minis of Miami member “elpez” recently submitted this information for any interested Classic Mini owners. I think this really has potential and would love to see this become reality!

I recently had the opportunity to meet Tico Almeida of FARA (Formula & Automotive Racing Association) and Joe Orriols, of Bullseye Powder Coating, which led to a great conversation about the future of F.A.R.A. in South Florida. This conversation eventually led to a discussion regarding the possibility of creating a new series dedicated only to Classic MINIS beginning in 2008.
Continue reading Possible Classic Mini Race Series Coming In 2008

Mini Breaks The Speed Record

According to Eureka Magazine, British engineer, The Rocket Men strapped a rocket to a classic Mini and sent it flying down the slopes of Lillehammer!


The challenge was part of Top Gear’s Winter Olympic Special.

A team of rocket designers made the propulsion units for the car, then found it needed some Smalley spiral retaining rings to keep the motor unit attached to the rocket housing.

Colin Rowe of the Rocket Men explained: “Speed, mass and deceleration are three pivotal components that have to be controlled in any rocket powered launch. If the motor became disengaged because of a faulty spiral retaining ring, suddenly with one part of the equation missing we would have a potential disaster.î

The spiral retaining rings are upscale versions of those used in model rocketry. The motor retainers need to be light and strong. Using TFC spiral retaining rings allow the operator to insert and remove the motor in the field with only a screwdriver.

[ Original Article By Lou Reade With Photo ]

MINI 50 Years – in Bookstores Soon

Although not due to be released until April 15th according to Amazon.com, yesterday I got my hands on a copy of MINI 50 Years by Rob Golding. Here’s the description from the back cover:

From swingin’ sixties darling to racing champ to twenty-first-century hipster transport, the diminutive Mini has made it big from the first. A favorite among patient, nostalgic drivers and now among new, performance-minded drivers, Mini and MINI seamlessly combine economy and style. With a smart book design as playful as the car that inspired it, MINI 50 Years tells the full story of the iconic car, from its initial launch in the late 1950s through its current superhip BMW-built incarnationóright up to the revised version released in late 2006. The threads that tie together the original Mini and today’s are numerous and fascinatingóalmost as interesting as the differences that set the two cars apartóand MINI 50 Years follows them all.

MINI 50 Years

Continue reading MINI 50 Years – in Bookstores Soon

How the MINI Cooper Works

I came across this very inclusive article on the history of the MINI over at howstuffworks.com. Take a moment and check it out when you have some time as it covers everything from the little car’s beginning back in 1957 “when Leonard Lord, president of the British Motor Corporation (BMC), decided to develop a reliable, efficient small car for consumers…”, all the way to the viral advertising campaign known to all MINI enthusiasts as Hammer and Coop!

[ How the MINI Cooper Works ]

Double-ended Mini Cooper

uberreview.com and AVING.net posted up some interesting photos of a double-ended Classic Mini Cooper. Yes that’s right – a Mini Cooper with 2 bonnets :). See for yourself!

For many people a car like Mini Cooper is already a pleasure to see, so just imagine a Double-ended Mini Copper that enables users to drive in both directions.

That type of car was what BMW presented in Techno Classica Essen 2007, a Car Show that took place in Germany.

I guess 2 people canít be driving this Mini at the same time, or else the final result will be a disaster.

[ Double-ended Mini Cooper @ uberreview.com ]
[ Double-ended Mini Cooper @ AVING.net ]

Late Model Classic Mini vs. Fiat 500

In this 1990’s episode of Top Gear, the Mini is put up against a Fiat 500. While the Fiat shows some promise and even advantages over the Mini in day-to-day function, the Mini clearly comes out as the little car with the best handling and spunk. If you look closely you will even see a classic Mini TV commercial too (nice bonus!!). A big thanks to tphonebill for finding this on jalopnik.com.

Motoring Fun Image Gallery Debut

For those who have not noticed the new link at the top of the page called “Gallery”, let me direct your attention there now. Introducing the Motoring Fun Image Gallery. There you will find pictures of MINI events, club member MINIs and other motoring-related images. Here are the latest additions to the gallery:

MINI Cooper Image Gallery MINI Cooper Image Gallery MINI Cooper Image Gallery
Mickey and MINI British Car Show Club Member MINIs

Attention Motoring Fun MINI Club members – send in your pictures of your MINI or Mini. If you really want to get crazy, send in a picture with YOU and your MINI / Mini. Submit your photos to site.gallery01 @ motoringfun.com. Please make sure to name your files in the following format “username001.jpg”, “username002.jpg”, etc. This will help me sort and organize them much easier. Also, if you could please limit your pictures to no wider than 800 px and no taller than 600 px that would help as well.