"Mosqvich" (mosqvich)
08/26/2013 at 10:35 • Filed to: Hawaii, Mini, Malasadas, Leonard, VW
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"Mosqvich" (mosqvich)
08/26/2013 at 10:35 • Filed to: Hawaii, Mini, Malasadas, Leonard, VW | 0
| 10 |
Mini celebrates 54 years since introducing the classic Mini. Coincidentally the US state of Hawaii also celebrates 54 years of statehood, but for anybody really in the know about Hawaii, Leonard's Bakery celebrates 54 years at its present location near Waikiki.
It seems like the tie between Hawaii and Mini is a little forced. I go to Hawaii pretty often, in fact I'll be there in less than 2 weeks for some work and vacation, but I'm more reminded of iconic VW Buses or the incredible Malasadas at Leonard's bakery on Oahu than of the Hobbit-sized Britmobile.
I shot this picture on Kauai a few years back, but the islands are full of VWs. A malasada is a Portuguese donut without the hole. Leonard's Bakery is near the hiking trail to Diamond Head on Oahu and serves up a perfect post-hike award, its hot and fresh Malasadas.
So Happy Birthday Hawaii, Mini and Leonard's. We'll forgive Mini for forcing the tie-in because their cars do look pretty good on the beach.
Mikeado
> Mosqvich
08/26/2013 at 10:36 |
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The Mini Cooper was introduced in 1961.
The Mini was introduced in 54 years ago.
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Mosqvich
> Mikeado
08/26/2013 at 10:38 |
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According to Mini, the classic Mini was officially presented for the first time on August 26th 1959.
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Mikeado
> Mosqvich
08/26/2013 at 10:39 |
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Yup, I meant 54 years ago =/
But my point is that the Cooper version came later.
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Mosqvich
> Mikeado
08/26/2013 at 10:42 |
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Noted and updated. I typed "Mini Cooper" almost automatically.
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Mikeado
> Mosqvich
08/26/2013 at 10:55 |
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That's OK, a lot of people seem to do that. The Cooper is the most iconic version, of course, and because it was introduced just two years into the Mini's production run, people often think it's the only kind. As someone with a non-Cooper, I like to differentiate!
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Mosqvich
> Mikeado
08/26/2013 at 11:17 |
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Ahh, what do you have?
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Mikeado
> Mosqvich
08/26/2013 at 11:25 |
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A 1989 "Racing". Of course, it's not as exciting as the name suggests - although I always feel awesome when, because it was twinned with a red Flame version, it appears on official documents as Austin Mini Racing Flame - as it's basically just a limited edition colour scheme. BRG with a white roof, silver double pinstripe down the side and unique graphics, with a black interior featuring a red strip on the door card and a bespoke seat pattern. 998cc A-Series "A+" engine, probably like 40bhp when new. It's not currently in a running state...
Lorinserc230
> Mosqvich
08/26/2013 at 11:41 |
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The Beachcomber is still my favorite modern Mini, I was heartbroken when they didn't make it. Definitely would have helped the Hawaii tie-in, this thing would be a blast to drive on the beach.
HammerheadFistpunch
> Lorinserc230
08/26/2013 at 11:55 |
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isn't it just a countryman with different seats and no doors? Seems like that would be pretty easy to do.
Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura
> Lorinserc230
08/26/2013 at 12:15 |
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Sadly, not DOT/FMVSS legal. Same reason why the Skyline's not legal here; no side structure.