“It looks kind of small,” she said. “I think we’ll be cramped.”
“No, it’s not”, I replied. “Here, get in and I’ll show you.”
As my friend and I embarked on a recent road trip in my Mini Cooper Countryman, I showed her how MINIs are the ideal road trip car. I’m a firm believer that MINIs are the best cars for a road trip, and I have the Mini Cooper history to back me up.
Why are MINIs the best road trip cars? Here are seven reasons why, as explained on the MINI USA website:
MINIs were first designed to be affordable, gas-sipping British automobiles that helped their owners endure the oil crisis.
The two most important innovations that were built into the MINI were designed to give more room in the 4-person cockpit: 1) the wheels were pushed all the way out to the corners, and 2) the engine was turned sideways to give the car more stability in tight turns.
The unique combination of classic British style in a low-cost, small size, fun and nimble package came to symbolize independence and spontaneity: the very essence of youthful culture.
MINI’s layout innovations also helped make it a standout performance car. Wheels at the corners meant a wide, go-kart stance and nimble handling. The transverse engine kept weight over the front tires, helping provide great balance and grip on the road.
In 1961, British racing legend John Cooper turned the MINI into a rally demon by giving it a more powerful engine, bigger brakes, and a few tuning tweaks. People started recognizing MINI for being a fun and efficient road rally vehicle.
Before long, the nimble little Classic Mini was outracing and outlasting the larger, more powerful, but clumsier sedans of the day. Visits to the winner’s circle became a regular event as Mini chalked up numerous international race wins – including 3 at the prestigious Monte Carlo rally from 1964 to 1967.
Today, Mini Coopers have evolved to keep up with 21st Century technology, but it stays true to its road rally, fun to drive, handles like a go-kart roots.
“No one ever forgets the first time they drove a MINI. If a picture is worth 1,000 words, a test drive is worth 1,000 ‘Holy crap this thing is awesome!’s.” -- MINI USA
If you are planning a road trip this summer, we hope you have the pleasure of doing it in a Mini Cooper. If not, we’re sure your road trip will be just a fun.
To prepare your vehicle for the road trip, bring it by Robert’s Auto Repair for a 20-point safety inspection. To schedule an appointment, call us at (831) 373-1535, or
request your appointment online. We look forward to making sure your vehicle is road trip worthy.