Issue #24

    

On the cover:  The big news in the MINI World this issue are the debut of the Beachcomber Concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit and the early release of photos of the new crossover, to be named Countryman or Traveler. Originally scheduled to debut at the Geneva Auto Show (Switzerland) held in March, MINI was "forced" into releasing early information when an online webzine published photos that were leaked from factory's public relations department. And while that may have caused a few jitters at MINI, the good news for you is that we are able to bring you full photos and comprehensive commentary on both of these trendsetting vehicles. Crossover coverage begins on page 26 and the new Beachcomber Concept in Detroit starts on page 30.

     
Kicking off the editorial package this issue is a short piece by yours truly, on the Bespoke Clubmans purchased by the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong. The Peninsula, who owns a number of world class hotels around the globe, is famous for its fleet of green Rolls Royces. With the addition of two custom-made bespoke Clubmans to the fleet, the Peninsula has added flair to their famous service, attracting a younger, more active clientel. Read about it on page 22.

    
Anyone who has ever met Chris Chappell knows that this is one MINI owner who doesn't know the meaning of the words "disabled" or "handicapped."  The victim of a tragic mountain biking accident a few years back, the wheelchair bound Chris is officially known as a quadraplegic, has only limited use of his arms and hands, and is unable to move his legs. Instead of bemoaning his fate and riding around in a ramp-equipped, Chris went out and purchased a Cooper S and proceeded to Motor On. Chris tells his own story in The Accessible MINI! and describes what life is like in his MINI starting on page 24.

    

Then, in Cooper's Cooper, Jeff Zurschmeide writes about Cooper MacNeil, a 17-year old racecar driver who has been doing quite well in SCCA racing driving a (what else?) JCW Cooper S. Of course, Cooper could have driven any old car to victory, but when your first name is Cooper, the choice of racecars is pretty much pre-ordained! Read about this young MINI owner's ontrack adventures starting on page 32.

   

We've seen a lot of custom classic Minis lately, but one that truly blew us away is Zahir Rana's 1970 Lambo Yellow customized race classic. According to Barry Brazier, the crazy Canadian who owns the car has A Case of Yellow Fever, having spent over $100,000 building a so-so condition classic into a stunning and very yellow street racer. This 400 hp asphalt eater runs 9x17 inch Yokohams S-Drive rubber, VTEC power, and Brembo brakes. Plus, it delivers about 100 smiles to the gallon. Great photos by Amee Reehal start on page 34 and give the reader a real feel for what this custom Mini is all about.
   
If you are looking to get the most out of your street or track MINI, then you won't want to miss our 2010 Performance Parts Buyer's Guide, starting on page 38. Whether you are looking for go fast engine bits, or stop fast breaking parts, this guide has it. Plus, we've included harnesses, strut tower reinforcers, throttle boosters and more. And, if you want to capture your street or track heroics for posterity, we've even included the MC2 GoPro digital mini cam.

   

For fully enjoying the nighttime motoring experience, nothing beats the installation of a set of driving lamps. In How To Light Up The Night, Neil Chirico takes us step-by-step through the installation process. Unlike with some other vehicles, installing a set of driving lamps on a MINI, is a bit more complicated, if you do it right. For one thing the radio has to be removed and unless you are familiar with MINI electrical systems, havoc can be easily wrought. Luckily, Neil details the entire procedure in his usual concise step-by-step manner starting on page 42.

   

Then, on page 46, MC2 Technical Editor, Matt Richter, pulls out all the stops to explain Camshafts and Engine Breathing. According to Matt, getting gasses in and out of the engine efficiently is what makes our MINIs go and this educational article provides the basic facts, plus give tips on upgrading your cam.

   

In our Mini Heritage section, beginning on page 49, Graham Robson presents us with an interview with Dr. Alex Moulton, the man who designed the famed hydrolastic suspension. In Suspending the Mini, Robson gets Moulton to break with some interesting tidbits about working with Issigonis, why water was used in the suspension and why Mini reverted back to rubber suspension just a few years after this ground breaking design.

   

After that, Rob Marshall continues Saving A Classic on page 53. Rob's been covering the refurbishment of an early 1962 model by the talented workmen at Somerford Mini in the UK and this installment covers the reassembling of the car with new body panels. Although it wasn't intended to be a restoration, it looks as though this classic refurbishment is going to end up as a full-tilt resto when Rob and the crew at Somerford get through with it!

   

Well, that's about it for this issue, except of course for all "The Regular Stuff," such as the MINI News, Doctor Is In, MINI Cindy, On The Apex, and Keep 'Em Running columns, updates on Project Clubman, and the latest Club News and Events info. We hope that you enjoy reading it! One last thing, be sure to check out The Last Word, on page 66. We've got a new feature there that is sure to get those "little grey cells" turning. ~ Peter D. DuPre, Editor in Chief