MINI Club of Calgary

Please tell us about your MINI(s). When did you get it? What Option Packages along with the Year, Model and Color.

Our MINI is a 2008 Chili Red Cabriolet which we bought new from Crowfoot MINI in July of 2008. We opted for the Automatic Transmission with Paddle Shifters, the Upgraded Stereo, Heated seats, Rain Sensing Wipers, Heated Power Fold Mirrors, and Heated Seats.

Why did you choose a MINI?

We had always thought of the MINI as a fun car, loaded with personality. It was mid July and we were toying with the idea of buying a convertible. We happened to be driving by Crowfoot and decided to stop in for a test drive. The rest is history. 2 hours later we were signing on the dotted line and the salesman was scouring the other dealerships for Automatic Cabriolets.

What makes MINI so special to you personally?

They may start out the same or similar everyone adds a little of themselves to their MINI making them unique. From Bonnet Stripes to all out “Theme” cars, the MINIs wind up as different as the people who drive them. Can you say the same about a Suzuki?

Have you made any modifications to your MINI? If so, what (mechanical, aesthetics etc).

All of the modifications to our MINI have been aesthetic. We added checkered A panels, a checkered windshield topper, and custom viper stripes all done in flat black. The front bumper sports a euro style plate that says “MINI-EH”.

How did it all start with you and MINI?

A single test drive, that’s all it took.

Why is MINI more than just a vehicle?

The MINI is a fun, economical car to drive. Nothing puts a smile on your face faster than jumping behind the wheel, putting the top down, cranking the tunes, and motoring. All these we could have predicted. What came as surprise were the smiles of onlookers as we drove by. You see, the fun is contagious! That’s why there is such an active subculture amongst MINI owners. The only thing more fun than driving our cars is getting together with other MINI owners and talking about our cars or going out motoring as a group.

What`s your favorite, funniest, craziest, exciting or most emotional, personal MINI moment or memory?

That’s easy, renewing our vows in Vegas at AMVIV 6 for our 15th anniversary. We drove through the drive through at the Little White Chapel with 6 MINIs as witnesses.

Why do you think MINI became such an exceptional icon in the car world?

Who doesn’t love a MINI? Even if they don’t want one or it’s not practical for them, you never hear anyone say they hate MINIs. Everyone has a story or knows someone who had one.

Why did you join the MINI Club of Calgary?

We actually didn’t know about the MINI Club of Calgary prior to buying our car. The salesman mentioned it in passing saying that there was an active owners club in Calgary and that we should check Google for more information. We waited in anticipation for the day our MINI would be “Carded” but it never happened. We just registered on the board and started showing up for runs and events.

Have you attended any MINI events? If so tell us about some of them.

We’ve pretty much attended all but a handful of runs. We went from lurking on the boards and at the Home Depot Show and Shine to being active participants and volunteers. The funny thing about MINI owners is that they start out as fellow enthusiasts and wind up as friends. Our kids tell their friends that their parents belong to a MINI cult! (Just drink the Kool-Aid!)

What was your favorite MINI Club of Calgary Event?

If the AMVIV 6 caravan to Vegas was considered an event than it tops the list. That’s why we’re heading down again this year. Excluding that, The 50th Celebration that Mort and his crew worked so hard to organize. It was so cool to see so many people and MINIs come together. The aerial photo was something we all should be proud of and Vince’s movie was worthy of an Academy Award!

Do you plan on attending any events near or far this year?

We plan an attending all the local events and AMVIV 7. Mini Meet West is on the radar as a possibility.