Maxi Mini

From the July / August 2010 issue of The Car Room Magazine

The British Motor Corporation first produced the Mini in 1959. Through the magic of badge engineering it came in two versions, the Austin Seven and the Morris Mini Minor. For a time, after 1969, the car was simply known as the Mini. It reverted back to the Austin name in the 1980’s and came to the end of its run in 2000 when BMW took over the name and style of the car. The BMW Mini was much larger than the original version, measuring 22 inches longer, 12 inches wider and weighing half again as much.

The newest generation of BMW’s Mini debuted in 2007. New to the line was the station wagon, the Clubman, measuring yet another 10.2 inches longer than the hatchback and beefed up to 2856 pounds. The Mini Cooper Clubman S tops the line, selling currently for over $24,000 in the US and powered by a 172 Horsepower version of its four-cylinder 1.6 liter engine.

Minichamps has caught the full spirit of this charming and quick little wagon with its model in a very dark green metallic. It has the Mini’s distinctive silver roof that continues down the back to surround the two rear doors. The same silver color is also used for its dual stripes on the hood. The right side rear passenger club door is well outlined, and accurately placed mirrors, running lights, a rear antenna, an opaque sunroof, and two rear windshield wipers help complete the model’s exterior. The interior is well-detailed and the chassis has a single exhaust pipe that branches off to two mufflers with dual exhaust extensions. A nice piece for Mini fans, Minichamp’s 2007 Mini Cooper Clubman S looks ready to go to the beach or go off rallying. Recommended. - CRM

2007 Mini Cooper Clubman S, item 431-138670, $42.00. www.minichampsna.com

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