63 replies to this topic

[Realminiman]

'BMW minis are decent cars & they have their place,'

albeit a tad ugly and hte place isnt on a mini show, please!

[dave585]

Funny that this row comes up after every L2B! and the same people always comment!
What you have to get in to your heads is that many MINI owners have come from classics like myself who and i sorry to say was sick to death of pouring money after money in to keeping it on the road all the time! if it wasnt one thing that went on a monday got fixed then it was another on tuesday that went wrong! Now i could of gone and left the mini scene all together and sometimes reading the petty comments i wish i bloody had! But no i had a MINI that way i could stay in the club and join my mates and enjoy the shows. Many of us MINI owners have had or still own a classic and now what its all about but just like any other car out there there are people who havent got a clue and its just a normal every day car nothing more, When the mini was launched back in 1959 it was a small car nothing more nothing less. There wasnt clubs or show till long after.
Not all of us are in to moding cars there are some who enjoy doing that but im not one of those and to say its only MINI owners that do it is just calling the pot kettle black! How many classics are moded with v tecs, slammed to the ground or just a shell on top of another car! Loads so not just MINI owners.
Then you moan about show etc do any of you know how much money is needed to run something like this? No some of you dont! You have to have insurance,cost of hiring the show ground plus other costs. take Himley Hall that would of cost well over 60K plus and if classics only went then to be blunt it would have been a very empty show! Plus has i have said before if classic clubs book a stand and then can not be bothered to turn up then you cant moan can you?
Many shows have seen that taking in the mini is a good thing as more early MINIs are becoming cheaper it will bring fresh blood to the family and yet again will kindle the interest in the classic many MINI owners have come to shows seen how good the classic and then gone and brought one and take that to shows along with the MINI thus keeping a another classic on the road and not in the scrap yard or just rotting in someones garden, thats got to be better than nothing.
Its also funny that you all gone on that it should be only classics at show and we should have our own, and yes we do and shock of all shocks you lot moan about! and dont say you dont because ive seen the comments. Well heres some news for you classic minis are always invited to come and in fact they dont get shoved up a corner of the room they get a place along side MINIs. They are always surrounded people looking at them and taking to the owners and there are no nasty petty comments classics are always welcome and made to feel welcome. MINI united was a MINI show but classics turned up and everyone was made to feel welcome.
NMC run to wales last year one one classic turned up it was made to feel welcome, every MINI owner chatted to the owner, took pics etc and more importantly made sure that he did not lose any one in the convoy or if he had any issues we stayed with him. Plus with all the cars there GPs JCWs this mini was given mini of the weekend! so if we can be welcoming to classics then why not the other way round?
You have to look to the future and stop moaning and using big words you have to move forward and stop harping on about the past thats gone. If your going to get new blood in to mini/MINI then this attiude is going to help is it?
You dont have to look at MINIs if you dont like them i dont like the clubman minis from the 70s but i dont go out my way to nasty down right rude to the owners i just dont look at them but i dont think they should be banned!
As for the countryman yes i know its big but have any of you taken into consideration that this MINI is perfect for people who would like a mini/MINI but cant have one due to a disabilty that requires that they have to have a bigger car, but they love minis etc I know 2 people that are disabled one of them is my cousin and he loves minis but cant drive one because of disabilty, no its easier to ******* them off!
One final point if you want MINIs banned how are you going to explain this to clubs that have both? because i have notice a few "classic owners" clubs all of sudden have MINIs in them are you going to upset clubs? no i dont think so, shows need money and they arent going to stop having them because of a few short shighted people.

[RsSpyder]

My thread has arrived!!!

I came to L2B in a borrowed white MINI Countryman Cooper S (my classic is still being built) and was amazed at the negative response the car got. Sat in traffic waiting to get into Madeira drive, had some knob drive past in a classic making actions as if he was puking at the car. Then, driving through the show with the window down had people saying how horrible the car was.

I'm sure I was viewed as less of an 'enthusiast' due to the car I was driving, and yet I have easily done my part to prop up the classic community through purchasing parts and attending shows, and am building a classic which has cost rather large amounts of money. If only people knew!

Don't have a go at MINI owners for attending 'your' shows. For all you know they are equally enthusiastic as you are and have as much right to be there as you do. If anything, in my experience it was some of the classic mini owners who showed their true colours through their actions towards the car I was driving. I didn't experience any negativity from MINI owners.

The Mini/MINI thing is the one thing about this community that I really dislike. Please don't take offence to my post as I am just fighting my corner. After ten years i really thought this argument would have died out!

And breathe...

[mab01uk]

Interesting to see that the MINI Countryman has just been awarded 10 out of 10 by the Green Car Guide!

Quote:
Why do we like the Countryman? Because it offers car buyers the chance to have a four-wheel drive family car with lowest-in-class emissions, a fun driving experience, interesting design, and the brand appeal of a MINI. In summary, it’s a more fun and interesting all-rounder than anything else in the class – and it’s efficient too.

If we awarded the MINI Countryman Cooper D ALL4 10 out of 10, then we can’t award the SD anything less, as it improves upon one area of weakness of the Cooper D, the relatively low power. So, yes, the SD also gets 10 out of 10.

If you like the idea of a fast, four-wheel drive MINI but you’re not sure about the styling around the rear of the Countryman, then consider waiting until the more sporty two-door Paceman coupe version comes along - but you'll have to wait until 2013. Of course before that the MINI Coupe and Roadster appear, just to give you more options to think about…...
More:
http://www.green-car...er-sd-all4.html

Edited by mab01uk, 20 May 2011 - 10:50 PM.

[Scallywag630]

My thread has arrived!!!

I came to L2B in a borrowed white MINI Countryman Cooper S (my classic is still being built) and was amazed at the negative response the car got. Sat in traffic waiting to get into Madeira drive, had some knob drive past in a classic making actions as if he was puking at the car. Then, driving through the show with the window down had people saying how horrible the car was.

And others, however childish, are not entitled to their opinion? What response do you think you would have got if driving a Fiesta?

I'm sure I was viewed as less of an 'enthusiast' due to the car I was driving, and yet I have easily done my part to prop up the classic community through purchasing parts and attending shows, and am building a classic which has cost rather large amounts of money. If only people knew!

How could they know?

Don't have a go at MINI owners for attending 'your' shows. For all you know they are equally enthusiastic as you are and have as much right to be there as you do. If anything, in my experience it was some of the classic mini owners who showed their true colours through their actions towards the car I was driving. I didn't experience any negativity from MINI owners.

MINI owners might be as equally enthusiastic, so could be Fiesta, Punto and Skoda drivers. Do these drivers have as much right to be there also? Just because BMW bought the right to the name, it does not make their car worthy to be at L2B anymore than the other cars already mentioned. You must realise that for every MINI at L2B, thee was one less mini...there are only so many tickets sold, and please do not be taken in by the MINI lovers assumption that the mini scene will die without them...it has not for many classic marques with less numbers than mini.

The Mini/MINI thing is the one thing about this community that I really dislike. Please don't take offence to my post as I am just fighting my corner. After ten years i really thought this argument would have died out!

The mini/MINI thing is something I dislike aswell....althought they have the right to the name the BMW is never going to be a mini.

[Tanya]

I know that ticket sales this year were slower and certainly tickets were still available at Brooklands and during some of April. Therefore, I think it is difficult to argue that MINIs are taking places from minis. However, as L2B is clearly marketed as a show for minis and MINIs, I’m not sure this is a valid argument. I view this as a mini and MINI show (not a mini show that allows MINIs), in the same way that BMC shows are mini and MINI.

When I read some of the comments about MINI owners and their supposed lack of interest in mini on here, it makes me wonder which MINI owners members have been speaking to or if they have spoken to any at all. Although I am not a MINI enthusiast, I recognise and value their connection with mini; a connection recognised by many, many people. I enjoy talking to different people at shows, including MINI owners. I find that generally MINI owners who come to shows are interested mini and many have owned them previously, but for a variety of sensible reasons are not in a position to own one now. I have spoken to several who own both MINIs and minis. Most MINI owners are warm and generous in their comments towards mini and it is a shame that there are a small number of mini owners/enthusiasts who make them feel unwelcome at shows that are clearly aimed at both MINI and mini. LSMOC are clear that MINIs are as welcome as minis at L2B, so I would expect those who choose to come along and join in, either by buying a ticket or enjoying the show free of charge to understand this and join in the spirit of the show.

[Scallywag630]

[quote name='Tanya' date='May 21 2011, 12:52 AM' post='2133918']
I know that ticket sales this year were slower and certainly tickets were still available at Brooklands and during some of April. Therefore, I think it is difficult to argue that MINIs are taking places from minis. However, as L2B is clearly marketed as a show for minis and MINIs, I’m not sure this is a valid argument. I view this as a mini and MINI show (not a mini show that allows MINIs), in the same way that BMC shows are mini and MINI.

The economic climate may have slowed this year's ticket sales, but I'm sure there were classic owners unable to get a ticket. Most organisations that include MINI, do it purely for financial reasons.When I read some of the comments about MINI owners and their supposed lack of interest in mini on here, it makes me wonder which MINI owners members have been speaking to or if they have spoken to any at all.

Three members of my family own MINIs and none are interested or see any connection with my classic mini.

Although I am not a MINI enthusiast, I recognise and value their connection with mini; a connection recognised by many, many people. I enjoy talking to different people at shows, including MINI owners. I find that generally MINI owners who come to shows are interested mini and many have owned them previously, but for a variety of sensible reasons are not in a position to own one now. I have spoken to several who own both MINIs and minis. Most MINI owners are warm and generous in their comments towards mini and it is a shame that there are a small number of mini owners/enthusiasts who make them feel unwelcome at shows that are clearly aimed at both MINI and mini. LSMOC are clear that MINIs are as welcome as minis at L2B, so I would expect those who choose to come along and join in, either by buying a ticket or enjoying the show free of charge to understand this and join in the spirit of the show.

The point is there are far more people that see no connection except BMW wanting to cash in on the mini name. Just look at how much money they have spent trying to make the connection. The mini scene will not die without MINI, that is unless BMW clamp down again of parts suppliers[/quote]

[Ethel]

Interest topic, wonder how it compares to last year's?

If every classic Min that wanted to go got a place I can't really see the issue. Being able to have joint events with Binis doesn't stop Mini only events or you taking your Mini to any other sort of classic car event.

I imagine if in the future it gets to the point where it's 90% Bini and 10% classic, the classics will still dominate as they are the icon with all the history.

Whether you like it or not, the future of the Mini is healthier tied to BMW's brand engineering, every vinyl graphic and cart sized set of alloys a Mini specialist sells to a Bini owner reduces the overheads for them maintaining their stock of Minibits.

[GTIAlex06]

I dont mind them being at shows at all really...i just dont really look around them in great detail as i do classic minis. i still appeciate the work and attention that goes into the MINI's.
I also understand that in many cases they are previous or current classic ownersm just simply driving MINI's

I just dont really like turning up to a show and having to park between a group of four of them, like i did at himley.

They need ther own parking area

[RsSpyder]

My thread has arrived!!!

I came to L2B in a borrowed white MINI Countryman Cooper S (my classic is still being built) and was amazed at the negative response the car got. Sat in traffic waiting to get into Madeira drive, had some knob drive past in a classic making actions as if he was puking at the car. Then, driving through the show with the window down had people saying how horrible the car was.

And others, however childish, are not entitled to their opinion? What response do you think you would have got if driving a Fiesta?

They are perfectly entitled to their opinion, but why do they think they have the right to express their opinions in a way which was taken to be offensive? It counters the argument that the MINI owners are a different kind of person - maybe, but they weren't the people going round deliberately offending others.

I'm sure I was viewed as less of an 'enthusiast' due to the car I was driving, and yet I have easily done my part to prop up the classic community through purchasing parts and attending shows, and am building a classic which has cost rather large amounts of money. If only people knew!

How could they know?

Exactly - people never know how much of an enthusiast those MINI owners actually are, so why should they get stick for it? For all you know they could have the nicest classic you've ever seen sat at home. Thats why the abuse they get is totally unjustified.

Don't have a go at MINI owners for attending 'your' shows. For all you know they are equally enthusiastic as you are and have as much right to be there as you do. If anything, in my experience it was some of the classic mini owners who showed their true colours through their actions towards the car I was driving. I didn't experience any negativity from MINI owners.

MINI owners might be as equally enthusiastic, so could be Fiesta, Punto and Skoda drivers. Do these drivers have as much right to be there also? Just because BMW bought the right to the name, it does not make their car worthy to be at L2B anymore than the other cars already mentioned. You must realise that for every MINI at L2B, thee was one less mini...there are only so many tickets sold, and please do not be taken in by the MINI lovers assumption that the mini scene will die without them...it has not for many classic marques with less numbers than mini.

MINIs were invited to L2B as they are MINIs. End of. You cant draw comparisons with Fiestas, Puntos and Skodas as they aren't MINIs. That is just a fact. The fact that MINIs are MINIs means they are perfectly 'worthy' to be at L2B as they were invited just the same as every classic Mini there.

With regards to the classic scene dieing out without them - I do not believe that it would die out at all, there has always been a huge love for the Classic Mini and there always will be. However there is no denying that MINI has drawn attention to the marque and undoubtedly brought new people to the scene. Therefore i do not believe the Classic Mini community would be as large and as widespread as it is without MINI.

The Mini/MINI thing is the one thing about this community that I really dislike. Please don't take offence to my post as I am just fighting my corner. After ten years i really thought this argument would have died out!

The mini/MINI thing is something I dislike aswell....althought they have the right to the name the BMW is never going to be a mini.

Fair enough, but you have to accept that MINIs attend all the same shows as the Classics and has undeniably become part of the scene.

[Juju]

It's a shame that what used to be a classic car run & show is now diluted with plastic euroboxes, purely because they share the same badge.

It's the classic element of the lil iconic car I that I enjoy. The fact that there are only a few of them remaining. The fact that they are old technology. That they are not made any more. That only a few of us choose to maintain an old car as a daily runner or hobby car. It's the history. The reputation.

There is no "future" for the classic scene, whatever marque it is, if it is no longer manufactured. That's the idea!!

By introducing a completely different contemporary vehicle to a classic show, whether it's mini, fiat, vw or whatever, detracts from the very reason that the run & show exist.

But there's no excuse for rudeness....

[xtr hardcore]

to be honest i agree, i think the l2b should be only for the classics, if we start having the BINI's come down, well, their no different from a new corsa or a new clio, nothing special, let them all in (N)

[mab01uk]

Interest topic, wonder how it compares to last year's?

If every classic Min that wanted to go got a place I can't really see the issue. Being able to have joint events with Binis doesn't stop Mini only events or you taking your Mini to any other sort of classic car event.

I imagine if in the future it gets to the point where it's 90% Bini and 10% classic, the classics will still dominate as they are the icon with all the history.

Whether you like it or not, the future of the Mini is healthier tied to BMW's brand engineering, every vinyl graphic and cart sized set of alloys a Mini specialist sells to a Bini owner reduces the overheads for them maintaining their stock of Minibits.

Very well put!

Some should stop always seeing the MINI as a threat, the classic Mini scene has enough passionate enthusiasts and cars to keep a healthy scene alive for the near future but the 'big' events like L to B, Beaulieu, BMC, Mini in the Park, etc (and specialist suppliers) are looking to the longer term when numbers will inevitably fall perhaps to levels unable to support their current overheads. As said the growing MINI scene will help subsidise and maintain them for classics enthusiasts to continue to enjoy the benefits, despite no longer being a common sight on the roads or the first car for many youngsters anymore. The alternative would end up like many other obsolete classic marques with mainly 'older' ageing enthusiasts and small events in fields and village fetes............

The sale of Miniworld by a mainstream publisher to a smaller 'niche' magazine publisher was a clear example of the Mini entering a new era with a smaller readership base and where with Modern MINI magazine it will be able to jointly continue to attend and sponsor some of the big events like L to B.

[Juju]

The alternative would end up like many other obsolete classic marques with mainly 'older' ageing enthusiasts and small events in fields and village fetes............

And this is a bad thing?!

[E.L.M.O]

My thread has arrived!!!

I came to L2B in a borrowed white MINI Countryman Cooper S (my classic is still being built) and was amazed at the negative response the car got. Sat in traffic waiting to get into Madeira drive, had some knob drive past in a classic making actions as if he was puking at the car. Then, driving through the show with the window down had people saying how horrible the car was.

And others, however childish, are not entitled to their opinion? What response do you think you would have got if driving a Fiesta?

I'm sure I was viewed as less of an 'enthusiast' due to the car I was driving, and yet I have easily done my part to prop up the classic community through purchasing parts and attending shows, and am building a classic which has cost rather large amounts of money. If only people knew!

How could they know?

Don't have a go at MINI owners for attending 'your' shows. For all you know they are equally enthusiastic as you are and have as much right to be there as you do. If anything, in my experience it was some of the classic mini owners who showed their true colours through their actions towards the car I was driving. I didn't experience any negativity from MINI owners.

MINI owners might be as equally enthusiastic, so could be Fiesta, Punto and Skoda drivers. Do these drivers have as much right to be there also? Just because BMW bought the right to the name, it does not make their car worthy to be at L2B anymore than the other cars already mentioned. You must realise that for every MINI at L2B, thee was one less mini...there are only so many tickets sold, and please do not be taken in by the MINI lovers assumption that the mini scene will die without them...it has not for many classic marques with less numbers than mini.

The Mini/MINI thing is the one thing about this community that I really dislike. Please don't take offence to my post as I am just fighting my corner. After ten years i really thought this argument would have died out!

The mini/MINI thing is something I dislike aswell....althought they have the right to the name the BMW is never going to be a mini.

All very well said. Apart from the bit about for every BMW mini 1 classic can't attend. We all know you could actually fit 2 classic's in the space of 1 bini!

I didn't go L2B this year for the first time in 12years. There are many reasons but one of them IS that I'm bored of looking at BMW minis, I want to go to a mini show to look at minis... not bini. The clubs may be trying to protect their future by inviting bini to shows, but if that means the majority of cars swings to the BMW side which it inevitably will then that makes it a show for BMW mini. Which is not actually the same show anymore. If classic owners stop going because they don't Want to look at binis then forget how many classics are oni the road, they have made it what it is becoming.... a show for non classics.

I don't like the bini at the shows because I have no interest in looking at them. This doesn't mean I don't think there an ok car in their own right. As for the drivers, its their choice to buy and or arrive to he.show in an non classic. as said before if they turned up in any other car, a mondeo for example I wouldn't assume they have no interest in a classic mini, its just not the place for a modern mondeo, the same goes.it.shouldn't be the place for a modern bini.

Edited by E.L.M.O, 21 May 2011 - 09:50 AM.