Issue #10


September-October '07:

Well, it was a great summer for MINI enthusiasts with some Big Time events happening around the world. Now that fall is definitely on the march and MINI meets promise to thin out a bit during the off season, we thought we would use this issue to highlight some of the incredible MINI events of the past summer. Here's a synopsis of this issue's highlights:

Our cover story this issue is on MINI United, the biggest MINI bash in the world. MC2 was the only publication in attendance at the Zandvoort, Holland event that had a pavilion right in the main display area, where it attracted hordes of visitors from around the world. Rob Marshall, our U.K. Correspondent was also on hand covering all the action at the biggest gathering of MINI owners in the history of the marque. His detailed coverage of event includes begins on page 26 and ends on page 32 with a brief review of the MINI Cooper Diesel.

Next up is a trip to the clouds as Theo Matthias takes up New Hampshire's Mount Washington in MINIs Climb to the Clouds. According to Matthias, over 250 new and classic Minis made the eight mile climb to the mountain's 6,288 foot summit for the annual MINIS On Top pilgramage, an event held to benefit charity. According to Matthias, this year's event raised over $16,000 for Rosie's Place, a woman's shelter in Boston, Massachusetts. Good works and loads of MINI fun make this event a great way to spend a mid-summer weekend. You can read all about it starting on page 34.

Then it is a blast to the past when Kris Spiller writes about her 2006 Cooper in Clear as Black and White. Paying homage to 60s designer Mary Quant and her original designer Minis, Kris has recreated the famed Mary Quant Edition on her new MINI. to see what an incredible job she did, you'll have to turn to page 38.

This past summer has seen a host of classic and new Mini events across the country and we highlight Mini Meet East and Mini Meet West events on pages 42 and 44, respectively. Molly Bunton does the honors for Mini Meet East, held this year in Alcoa, TN and publisher Barry Brazier hits the highlights of Mini Meet West, held in the ultra windy Columbia River Gorge in Hood River, OR. Both these saw a slew of classic Minis in attendance, a few new MINIs and tons of fun.

After that, it is off to Kansas where on page 46, Editor Gary Anderson takes a close look at Marcus and Brenda Gow's exquisite go-to-jail-red MINI that has been subtly tweaked by the tuners at Autobahn Power so that it handles and goes like a race rocket, but is still comfortable enough for use as a daily driver. Not just a car feature, Are We Still in Kansas? is virtually an encyclopedia on how to customize a MINI the right way.

If you've ever wanted to know all about the design and development of the New MINI, then Senior European Correspondent Graham's piece on Who Designed the New MINI? on page 50 is just the ticket. An accomplished automotive historian who has written a number of books on the classic and new Minis, Graham gives all the details from the design ideas to the political infighting at Mini. It is a must read for any MINI owner interested in the development of the brand.

We all know that Minis are small cars, but Stevanne Auerbach, PhD (aka Dr. Toy) tells us about the world of really small Minis in Miniature Minis. Stevanne talks about the fun of collecting little Minis, discusses radio controlled models, die-cast models and even the Yafa pen and collectible Mini Cooper Desk Set. Yep, it's a small world and the story begins on page 59.

On page 64, Technical Editor Matt Richter tackles the issue of buying a pre-owned MINI. In Should I Buy a Used MINI? Matt writes about the fact that prices for used MINIs have started to fall, lots of them are coming off lease and what the possible pitfalls and rewards are when buying used. He digs deep into the problems that used MINIs often develop and even provides some tips for those thinking about selling their own MINI.

Stephan McKeown takes us to the Infineon Raceway at Sears Point on page 70 for an in-depth piece on Learning a new Track. Getting around any track smoothly is always a learning curve that takes some drivers longer than others to learn. Stephan describes his experiences at the famous and tricky racetrack, providing sage advice and plenty of tips to make your track time count.

As they say in the television infomercials, "But wait, there's more." We've only covered the main features in this fully packed issue, so before we go it is necessary to mention that all the usual stuff from columns and product reviews, to garage tips, business highlights, club news/events and even a look at the Great Ice Cream Run of 2007 (page 84) are covered. We had a great time putting this issue together and hope you enjoy reading through it. Let us know what you think. ~ The MC2 Editorial Team