Last week on the 16th of September on a bright and early morning, they started their drive from each of the homes. In total 60 MINI owners and their passengers turned up at the Auto Bavaria MINI showroom in Ara Damansara for a Charity Drive to the Selangor Family Aid Association.
The MINI Charity Drive was flagged off from Auto Bavaria Ara Damansara at 8.30 am. Before that, Auto Bavaria treated the participants, comprising of MINI car owners and their families and friends, to a sumptuous breakfast fare to kick start a beautiful day.
The MINI cars that turned up came from the very original classic MINI to the latest MINI Cooper. This is one of the very car clubs where the classic owners and the modern version owners easily get along as the MINI represent pure dun loving motoring that has no class boundaries.
The classic MINI was the brainchild of Alec Issigonis who was the lead engineer at the Morris Company. His boss at the time, Sir Leonard Lord wanted a compact fuel efficient car for the population and so they started with a transverse engine and gearbox, which allowed for a front-wheel drive car. With all four wheels “pushed out” to the far corners, interior space was maximized and a wide stance was achieved, which gave good balance and nimble handling.
Original engine size was 848cc, and through time increased to 1275cc. The transverse engine planted weight over the front tires, providing excellent traction and grip.
Produced from 1959 until 2000, the MINI came in saloon, estate, pick-up and van forms and towards the end of production there was even a convertible. A whole industry sprang up to service the needs of millions of owners keen to personalise their MINIs, whether the focus was on performance or cosmetic enhancements.
By the 1990’s MINI was a struggling brand and in 1994 BMW bought into MINI’s parent company Rover. Then in 2000 BMW sold Rover, kept and revived MINI. Today you can buy various version of the modern MINI, from a hot two door to a family ready Mini Clubman 4-door.
Last year, MINI celebrated its 60th year with a MINI 60 Years Anniversary Edition.
Meanwhile, a t-shirt collection day for the charity drive was held on 6 Sept, 2020 at Auto Bavaria Ara Damansara showroom where MINI car owners and their families and friends came in droves to pick their t-shirts. Auto Bavaria also prepared some light refreshments as well as prizes for the lucky draw that day.
