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The year was 1959, and in Longbridge, England, the first street-legal go-kart was born. Sir Alec Issigouis created the Mini, but it was John Cooper who gave it rally-ready speed. The car would take top honors at the Monte Carlo rallies of '64, '65 and '67, then fade from view as fads go. New Mini coupe
hits the streetsBy Nadine Kam
nkam@starbulletin.comNow they're back. In a time when everyone's longing for good 'ol worry-free days, retro is in and the Mini Cooper is receiving a warm welcome at its showroom at 777 Kapiolani Blvd., adjoining the BMW dealership, where salesmen stare longingly at the parade of prospective buyers stopping in for a peek at the Mini.
There's always a wait to test-drive the cars, which rolled in on March 22, and those who are manually challenged are out of luck. The first automatics aren't due to arrive until next month.
Motoring advisor Aka DeMesa said more than 50 people have put down deposits, with the first customers picking up their cars now. They include both men and women, from the very young to those who actually owned Minis in the '60s, plus those who wanted to own one but could never afford it.
"One person brought in an old red-and-white Mini and came in to get an updated red-and-white version, a replica of the old car," DeMesa said.
Another grandma went gaga over the yellow Mini and got a yellow backpack and T-shirt to match. "I haven't seen this much enthusiasm for a car in a long time," DeMesa said, adding that this time the car is no fad, but a trend for the long haul.
Those who can't afford the car's base price of $16,850 (with handling) can take home one of the toy models, some with remote control, at $30 to $80. "Pricepoint-wise, it's not in the same league as a BMW, but the technology in it is far superior than other cars in this (subcompact) category," DeMesa said.
The Mini's mini-size is deceiving. The two-door car seats four with leg space for all, and the two back seats fold down for more room. Six air bags, metal plates in front and rear, and side-impact door beams address safety concerns.
And for old time's sake, the speedometer's set in the middle of the dash, just like a race car.
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