Time has been kind to the oldest of the new MINIs. It was brave to reboot a national treasure, but BMW has been proven right time and time again. Even if some found it too much to bear in 2001.
It was a supersized rendition, 2ft longer than the elder, similar in shape but inflated, and the interior a cartoonish caricature. And thus it remains: the big central dial, proper switches and the like.
Such quirks have helped the MINI tug on the heartstrings of the automotive enthusiasts, placing it now as a welcome addition to any Mini meet. The Mini Assembly a few years back showed that. They are kindred spirits, the closest of step siblings.
Though the cynics will roll out the ‘What’s mini about the MINI?!’ gag.
On the road the ‘new’ – nearly 25 years old! – MINI is well controlled and nippy without being out-right on-paper fast. Crucially it retained the lightness of touch of the original, or a perceived lightness anyway.
The MINI was designed in Britain but overseen by Frank Stephenson, and built at its very own plant in Oxford – but not Abingdon, in Cowley where Morris models were made.
There it remains, but it has grown in stature, model offering and size over the course of its quarter of a century. Yet BMW has never lost sight of its history. John Cooper Works is bestowed on the very fastest and special editions hark back to Mini milestones. Bonnet stripes and contrasting roof colours are encouraged, if not quite expected.
The reboot of the MINI, like the 500, is a job well done. And you’ll find a Y-reg version alongside an Austin on the Reboots & Restomods central display at the Scramble on Sunday 5 October.