MINI Meets – Page 88 – M&I / GBMINI

Little blue Mini convertible

Posted on June 7, 2008February 15, 2017 by Ian C.

My route to/from work takes me past the Red Barrel on the Gloucester/Essex line (Margaret and I have never eaten there … though this poor soul did!)
Anyway, they’re “British themed” and used to have a Mini out front – but this past week there’s been a Mini convertible out there (for sale)! I finally remembered to stop and check it out today:

It’s right hand drive (if you’re going to own a classic Mini, that’s what you should get) and a quick glance suggests it’s reasonably healthy; one problem is that body kit, it might look good but it hides possible issues with the sills (which are famous for rusting out on Minis, and are structural – holding the front and rear subframes together!). Another problem is the price!

MINIsOnTop 2008 Sponsors #2

Posted on May 30, 2008February 15, 2017 by Ian C.

With MINIsOnTop now less than a month away, it’s time to send out thanks to our sponsors, that have donated various items that will be used to raise money for our 2008 charities.

Thanks to Bavarian Autosport, who have donated $100 of gift certificates.
Thanks also to Concord Motorsport, for the donation of a Dinan strut brace.
MC2 Magazine have donated several T-shirts and some magazine subscription.
And don’t forget TwistyBitzwho have donated various items including a UNIQUE custom MINIsOnTop clock!

From our favourite MINI dealerships, in addition to the major raffle prize of a two year MINI Cooper Clubman lease from Herb Chambers MINI of Boston, we have New Country MINI to thank for satisfying our sweet tooth with “Sundaes on Friday” – free ice cream for all during the Friday night get-together and Trivia night – New Country MINI will also donate $6.288 to Make A Wish for every person that attends the event that night.
And let’s not forget MINI of Peabody who will provide buffet snacks to re-fuel us after our drive to the top of Mount Washington, on Saturday evening, while we have our final get-together of the weekend.

Personal donations include a signed photo of Rauno Aaltonen from MINIsOnTop master organizer Theo, and a JCW air intake from yours truly, GBMINI / Ian (installation not included)

See this weblog entry for earlier donations (including Red Sox skybox tickets!)

MINI of Peabody 2008 Spring Rally

Posted on May 4, 2008February 15, 2017 by Ian C.

Another excellent MINI of Peabody driving event – once again, NOT spoiled by wet weather (it’s just as much fun, even if the scenery is a little damp!)
The wet weather encouraged everyone to wait inside the dealership this morning, while their MINIs waited outside; Paul welcomed everyone and explained the rules: follow the route, collect cards at each stop, try to get a winning hand and try not to get lost!
The route took us up to the Merrimac river, past spectacular scenery and incredible houses – but wet, wet, wet so no pictures … and just a couple of wrong turns 🙂 so GPMINI was one of the first cars back.
Hrach waved everyone back to the dealership (where people received their final card – we ended up with not even a pair!)

Back indoors, we had music from local radio station Mike FM, trinkets from Today’s Collision, and food (burgers and dogs, as always); there were also prizes, with the top prize (of a MINI fridge) going to Joe who somehow collected FIVE ACES in his hand!