Various web sites have covered the “Robot built from a MINI” story over the last few months, for example MotoringFile had Whats the deal with Men Of Metal?, MINI2 has this MINI based Robot thread and NorthAmericanMotoring has this thread which links to a SlashDot article which might be the origin of the story.
It has been generally established that this story and the original web site are an impressive hoax created by MINI advertising. A booklet “Men Of Metal” supposedly previewing a forthcoming book appeared in various magazines but now we have “proof” of the origin – the booklet has appeared on display at MINI Peabody!
I must say that the booklet is well written and left me wanting to read more … if you have not seen it, I have scanned the start of the story:
If you want to read more, check out your local MINI dealership – or you can download a PDF version here.
UPDATE: See also this story on Gabe Bridgers MotoringFile, which links to background articles from the New York Times and 2 Walls Webzine. Finally see this web page supposedly by the Author of “Men Of Metal”, Rowland Samuel.
M&I / GBMINI 