Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[VIDEO: Paddy Hopkirk and Rauno Aaltonen revisit the Mini Cooper experience with JCW Cabrio]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/video-paddy-hopkirk-and-rauno-aaltonen-revisit-the-mini-cooper/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/video-paddy-hopkirk-and-rauno-aaltonen-revisit-the-mini-cooper/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/video-paddy-hopkirk-and-rauno-aaltonen-revisit-the-mini-cooper/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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]

Continue reading VIDEO: Paddy Hopkirk and Rauno Aaltonen revisit the Mini Cooper experience with JCW Cabrio

VIDEO: Paddy Hopkirk and Rauno Aaltonen revisit the Mini Cooper experience with JCW Cabrio originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>miniMonte Carlomonte carlo rallyMonteCarloMonteCarloRallymotorsportmotorsportsPaddy HopkirkPaddyHopkirkracingrallyrallyingrauno aaltonenRaunoAaltonenvideoMon, 12 Oct 2009 12:28:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Mini at 50 is <i>Rebel Without Pause</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/15/video-mini-at-50-is-i-rebel-without-pause-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/15/video-mini-at-50-is-i-rebel-without-pause-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/15/video-mini-at-50-is-i-rebel-without-pause-i/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above to watch the video after the jump

While it's certainly fair to pick nits and say that Mini's revival under BMW has resulted in a markedly different product than Sir Alec Issigonis' original machine, it's also fair to say that the world has once again embraced the friendly-faced little guy with open arms like few other automobiles before or since. As it was in the beginning, the Mini is a bona-fide cultural phenomenon, effortlessly transcending social and economic classifications to become the darling of auto enthusiasts and trend setters everywhere. Critically, as before, it's a also great steer - a nimble, tossable car capable of running rings around bigger, more powerful machinery on-track and off.

Consider it fitting, then, that Issigonis' big little achievement celebrates its 50th anniversary with a new, nicely done short film called Rebel Without Pause. The video features both contemporary and classic Minis in both modern and archival footage, and conveniently, it's available after the jump.

[Source: Mini]

Continue reading VIDEO: Mini at 50 is Rebel Without Pause

VIDEO: Mini at 50 is Rebel Without Pause originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWIssigonisMiniMini convertibleMini CooperMiniConvertibleMiniCooperPaddy HopkirkPaddyHopkirkRebel Without PauseRebelWithoutPauseMon, 15 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST