Protected once more

Posted on by Ian C.

I’m happy to report that I once more have two MINIs, and both are “clear bra” protected again … GPMINI had to go back to Sublime Restorations to have the hood re-done because the GP hood scoop decal was not properly fitted … and GBMINI#6 had to make two trips to get it’s removed clear bra put back on.
With Josh’ MINI at work, we have a nice threesome picture 🙂

In the end, I was pleased with how the clear bra re-installation was handled by Herb Chambers MINI. They organized for me to have the work done at closer-to-me Herb Chambers Dodge; the service managers there looked after my car and me very well, and promptly called to let me know when the work was done. Unfortunately the work needed two trips because the hood protection piece was damaged on the first visit – but the final work is well done and (on the Dark Silver) hard to see the edges:

Put the boot in?

Posted on by Ian C.

Or maybe … “If the shoe fits, drive it”?

This very strange lenticular postcard came my way recently to add to my MINI collection; in one position it shows a Chocolate Brown MINI Clubman, while in the other it changes to a shoe, apparently an Onitsuka Tiger:

The writing on the back is not English, but it seems pretty clear to me that the graphics are explaining how the new MINI Clubman design is based on that of a running shoe.
Or maybe that’s the other way round 😉

I wonder if you get free shoes with every Clubman?

PS:
It’s VERY difficult to photograph a lenticular postcard!

All-new old sales figures!

Posted on by Ian C.

It’s all change for 2008 … MINI USA has changed their press reporting of sales figures, now showing just a monthly total for “hardtop”, “convertible” and “clubman” variants and no longer distinguishing MC / MCS / etc … So I’ve had to change my MINI sales figures web page to match.

One number that immediately jumps out in the new simpler format, is the drop in sales for the convertible (2006, 2007), after a peak in 2005 – I would guess that it’s due to increased convertible competition in the same price range:

YEAR Hardtop Convertible Totals
2002 24,590 24,590
2003 36,010 36,010
2004 31.395 4,637 36,032
2005 29,118 11,702 40,820
2006 29,363 9,808 39,171
2007 34,247 7,798 42,045
2008 2,157 303 2,460
TOTALS 186,880 34,248 221,128