History...............

The Mini Cooper has been around for 50 or so years.  It is a British Icon. It has a long and successful history, originally designed for fuel economy during a "fuel shortage". Though there have been several versions of the Mini , none have been so popular as the Mini Cooper and Cooper S.

(These pictures were sent home from Cameron's friend Taylor who is serving a mission in England right now.)

  These vehicles were rarely sold in the US because of the need to change the steering design and the tough federal standards for safety we have here in our country. Production of the Mini ceased in the 80's and 90's  but made it comeback when BMW bought the company and started production again.  In fact, the 1 millionth "new", larger, safer Mini was rolled off the plant line in April 2007.  That was very year we bought our very first Mini Cooper S.

The boys loved this car.  The first time Cameron drove it to school, however, someone sideswiped it and took out the driver side door.  We had had it just a month.  But the Mini was restored to its new glory and away he drove it for two years while Chris was on his mission.  Brandon itched to turn 16 and drive the Mini.
Cameron left for his mission and Chris has been driving it. In fact, Chris has loved this car and defended it through all its trials and tribulations;  like its hard driven tires that wear out in a flash.

  And the fact that it needed new brakes after only 20,000 miles.  And its constant need for a front end alignment.  And the fact that the fuel pump went out at 30,000 miles.  And that it was in the shop just this week for a new water pump, stereo system and air conditioning.  Whew! Fortunately, all this was covered under the power train warranty.  But, that warranty is up in a few thousand miles and the service manager at the shop warned us that at 50,000 miles, we can expect a big jump in repairs!  Say it isn't so???

 While it was in the shop, Chris drove their loaner car.

He was slightly embarrassed to be driving "Addie".

And he tried to buy a new car but couldn't because the Mini was in for repairs and not available to trade. 

But tonight, yes, tonight, that Mini is HISTORY.  And the boys are very sad.  But Chris has bought his first car and we no longer are on the hook for thousands of dollars a year in repairs!  Oh I am so relieved!

And sad.  The Mini is an Icon.  But Icons are only good for the wealthy, who don't mind shelling out the dough to keep their Icons running..................

So long Mini..........it was a fun ride!