VIDEO: Paddy Hopkirk and Rauno Aaltonen revisit the Mini Cooper experience with JCW Cabrio
Rauno Aaltonen and Paddy Hopkirk take a Mini JCW Cabrio up a Monte Carlo Rally route – Click above to watch video
Alec Issigonis' Mini began production in 1959. By 1960, there were half a dozen works teams entering the car in the Rally Monte Carlo. By 1964, Mini had won with the pilotage of Irishman Paddy Hopkirk, and in 1967, the automaker won again with Rauno Aaltonen at the wheel.
Those two gents got behind the wheel of a modern Mini JCW Cabrio (top down in the snow!) and tackled the Col de Torrini again, in the process sharing a few thoughts on the cars and the racing. We can't say we'd want to be in the back seat, but it's terrific to watch and to remember where Mini and the checkered flag really got to know one another. Follow the jump to see the vid.
[Source: Mini]
Those two gents got behind the wheel of a modern Mini JCW Cabrio (top down in the snow!) and tackled the Col de Torrini again, in the process sharing a few thoughts on the cars and the racing. We can't say we'd want to be in the back seat, but it's terrific to watch and to remember where Mini and the checkered flag really got to know one another. Follow the jump to see the vid.
[Source: Mini]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Luso 12:53PM (10/12/2009)
That's one scary race. VERY BRAVE.
But it's amazing how the old Mini handles snow so well. Almost engineering perfection. Kudos to Alec.
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LesPaul1 1:27PM (10/12/2009)
That was beautiful, captured their memories of not only winning a race, but great driving experiences of the mini. Awesome.
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Joan of Arc 1:52PM (10/12/2009)
Still true today... might not be the fastest (or most reliable ;) car in the world, but it's one hell of a fun ride. I'm lucky with my maintenance so far.
Great video.
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Davin Black 4:54PM (10/12/2009)
I couldn't agree more. Superb piece of machinery.
REDBLIND 2:24PM (10/12/2009)
I'd love to see MINI re-enter rally racing some day. Even if they don't place in the top, It would be fun to watch some MINIs thrashing around in the dirt, mud and snow.
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Josh 2:25PM (10/12/2009)
Wow, that was a great 3 minute video, those guys had real guts to take that pass on.
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Groagun 2:50PM (10/12/2009)
This simply was great to watch, well done Mini(BMW).
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pragmatist 5:40PM (10/12/2009)
Makes me like my Cooper S just a little bit more now.
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Steveash 9:43AM (10/13/2009)
Not so good for BMW this, really highlights that the new Mini doesn't drive as well as the old one - they're really having problems getting around the corners at any speed.
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My_SS_RX8 1:47PM (10/13/2009)
Where are the comments from the guys who are always ragging on slow old men driving cars and the Mini haters who call it a chick car? Rally driving is the best fun in the whole world. But I was watching for "black ice", that stuff is nasty!
Reply