|
As we reach the end of our Mini 'Through the decades' series Mini Scene NW editor Jenna Richards talks to Chorley based John Bullas, a self confessed mini-nut and founder of online discussion forum Minilist, about what he thinks made the Mini a British icon. John was in his garage working on his Mini when I arrived, he set down his tools and made me a cup of tea before eagerly explaining why he thinks the Mini has such universal appeal.
“The Mini can be anything from an unassuming metal box granny takes to the Post Office on pension day to a fire breathing dragstrip monster,” he said.
“Most of our parents have owned, driven or been carried home drunk from a party in a Mini. This has lead the car achieving the same status of Britishness as roast beef and morris dancing.”
The Mini was developed by Sir Alec Issigonis after then head of BMC Leonard Lord famously demanded a car to ‘beat the bloody bubble cars.’ At the time few people realised the impact Issogonis’ creation would have on the motoring world.
After the launch of the Mini Cooper in 1961 and the Mini’s phenomenal success on the rallying circuit, with no less than three outright wins in the Monte Carlo Rally. The Mini was soon being driven by the rich and famous. Mick Jagger, The Beetles and Lulu all owned Minis, reportedly even the queen asked to be taken out in one. Celebrity endorsement soon made the Mini the must have fashion accessory of the 60s.
In 1994 John seized on the continued success of the Mini and launched Minilist, which now has more than 2,000 members worldwide.
“The lack of a forum for those whose Mini interests verged on addiction is now filled by Minilist, it has become a true online self-help group for fellow suffers!” Said John.
And people do suffer for the love of their Mini. Scraped knuckles (from the lack of space in the engine bay) and oily fingernails are a common sight at Mini gatherings.
John spends as much time in his garage tweaking his A-series trying to maximize performance as he does at his computer surrounded by Mini memorabilia.
“My car began as a restoration project,” he explained. “It is now a carbon fibre fronted, roll caged, bucket seated, harnessed, heavily modified 100bhp 1978 Mini 1275GT.”
It seems the ability of amateur mechanics to spend a bit of time with their Mini and the feeling gained from being part of the Mini community has lead many people over the last five decades (almost!) to fall in love with this small car.
“People are attracted by the cars enduring image, the buzz of being ‘flashed’ by other owners, and the true joy of breaking down and being set on by passing Mini owners waving their well thumbed Haynes manuals, jump leads and voltmeters, all desperate to get you back on the road,” said John.
John talks about the BMW MINI.
|
