9 replies to this topic

[mab01uk]

 

"The ‘new Mini’ divided opinion amongst Mini fans when it was released, but as it hits 20 years old in 2021, has it finally earned classic status?"

 

 

[mab01uk]

MINI R50 is 20 years old, and Goes for a drive

 

[Steam]

No and it never will be a classic.

[some1158]

Twenty years ago I wasn't keen. I'd then have rather seen a car like the Spiritual/Spiritual Too, and I thought that the likes of the Ford Ka and Renault Twingo were much more interesting 'new Minis'. 

 

Over the years I've grown rather to like the R50, at least to look at, although I've never driven one. I suspect BMW made the right call and clearly it was very successful for them, though I've been much less impressed with the current models.

[Chris1275gt]

In my opinion not yet but I'm sure it will be. I know a few people who have one and are enthusiastic enough about them so why not.

[mab01uk]

Twenty years ago I wasn't keen. I'd then have rather seen a car like the Spiritual/Spiritual Too, and I thought that the likes of the Ford Ka and Renault Twingo were much more interesting 'new Minis'. 

 

Over the years I've grown rather to like the R50, at least to look at, although I've never driven one. I suspect BMW made the right call and clearly it was very successful for them, though I've been much less impressed with the current models.

 

I think it has been proved BMW made the right call at the time as the original Mercedes A-Class small car which was much closer to the Rover Spiritual concepts proved to be a development dead end after two versions and was eventually relaunched as the conventional hatchback Mercedes A-Class of today.

 

Like the classic Mini shape the R50 MINI has not dated unlike many of its contemporary small hatchback rivals which have and the R50/53 still looks good today 20 years later.....to many it looks better than more recent MINI's which like most modern cars have become bigger, more complex and more ugly.

Edited by mab01uk, 10 May 2021 - 03:30 PM.

[mab01uk]

No and it never will be a classic.

 

Funny that is what classic car enthusiasts at car shows were saying to me in the 1970's and 80's about my classic Mini (it was not called the classic Mini back then).

Edited by mab01uk, 10 May 2021 - 03:28 PM.

[roblightbody]

I personally think any car at 20 years is a classic car, especially in the UK where the roads seem to be dominated by fairly new cars.

[Ol timer]

It's not a mini 😁
It reminds me of the day that ford in Australia introduced the new ford capri. A picture says a 1000 words

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Edited by Ol timer, 11 May 2021 - 11:28 AM.

[b_artman]

I had an R53 for 9 years and LOVED IT. It is one car that I really wish I didnt have to sell. As an owner of both a classic Mini and the R53, I always found the arguing over the new minis to be tiresome. Its not an old rusting hand built relic of yesteryear. Get over it. It is however an awesome driver's car, very fun, practical and with just enough techno wizardry to make a useful daily. The classic? its still with me, 15 years strong so far and no plans to give it up. Two different cars, two distinct purposes, and nice complimentary machines. The R53 in good condition, with the right spec are starting to command higher prices year over year (at least in north america), so there is a good chance that they will fall into the classic/memorable/sought after category (looking at you JCW, GP and well specced R53)