Captivating little car brings on mania to the max

Some of the 110 Minis in the weekend display at Manukau City had catchy number-plates. Picture / Greg Bowker

"Mini mania" brought 110 owners of the nimble little car together this weekend at Manukau City to show off their pride and joy.

From Dunedin to Whangarei they came in Mini sedans, vans, utes and convertibles to "show 'n' shine" in a carpark display and compare mechanical and driving prowess on the road, track and field.

Mini Car Club of Auckland president Warwick Robinson said the turnout for the annual national get-together was a good sample of models produced over 40 years.

Some of the British cars boasted home modifications such as turbo-charged engines. Others were standard models but with registration plates such as Porkpy, Asbean and Redhot.

Mr Robinson, who owns a rare "De Joux" - a Mini-based fastback sports coupe made in New Zealand - said it was getting harder to find roadworthy 60s and 70s Minis for everyday driving and hobby restorations.

Some owners spent up to $30,000 bringing their cars to show standard and did not take them out on field skill tests for fear of getting them dirty.

But a little dust was no problem for Regan Hart, of Rotorua, who spends most weekends driving a Toyota Landcruiser through the mud at four-wheel-drive events.

He said his 1980 Mini Clubman was an economical town car and a comfortable one after he had fitted seats from a Japanese sports car.

"It's fun, a little toy, though the 1000cc engine isn't running too sweet - I've added four litres of oil."

Emily Harris, also of Rotorua, got her Mini 1000 for her first car a year ago.

It is painted purple with fluffy dice dangling in the windscreen and a dashboard covered in purple fur.

"I like Minis because they're unique, different and they're cute."

Otago Club member Gary West drove his Mini ute up from his home in north Taieri.

Overall winning club of the meet was the Mini Owners of Wellington Club.

The original Mini was a revolutionary front-wheel-drive British car launched as the Morris Mini Minor and the Austin Seven on August 26, 1959, and with its successor, the Mark II (1967-1969), became a fashion statement.

A Mini starred in the 1969 film The Italian Job and a yellow 1978 Morris Mini 1000 featured in the New Zealand film Goodbye Pork Pie.

Recent New Zealand offerings for sale include a 1990 Mini Cooper for $27,500 and a $9000 1968 Morris Mini, which has done less than 100,000km. A car needing restoration could fetch $2000.


Many Minis

* The Mini Cooper was introduced in 1961 and production ended in 2000.
* About 5.4 million Minis were made, and the production peak was in 1971.
* Minis were manufactured in New Zealand and imported.