MINIsOnTop 2008 Sponsors #1

Posted on by Ian C.

MINIsOnTop this year is a couple of weeks late, at the end of June – and I’m late getting this sponsor shout-out up too! Sorry.

Top of the list is once again the wondrous support of Herb Chambers MINI of Boston with the donation of a two year lease of a brand new MINI Cooper Clubman (see MINIsOnTop for details) – this prize is being raffled ($25 tickets) with the draw occurring on June 28th. You do not need to attend MINIsOnTop to have a chance to win this great prize.

MINIdoMore has again offered one of their trailer hitch kits (value $325) and a cargo carrier ($200) for 2008.

Texas SpeedWerks has offered a special carbon fiber engine damper (and maybe more – check back later).

American MINI Mates have sent several MINI-themed t-shirts and sweatshirts.

Asthetic Creations are offering several gift certificates. Their MINI roof graphics are well known for creativity and high quality.

Detailers Paradise has offered one of their Prima Car Care Kits.

Whalen Shift Machine will be sending two custom shift knobs — get that quick, smooth, and snappy feeling when you shift, without the hassle of installing a short shift kit!

Hamilton Brook Smith & Reynolds has agreed to donate two luxury sky box tickets to the Boston Red Sox game against the Anahiem Angels on Wednesday evening, July 30th. With the included parking passes and free food and drink, the value is about $400.
My special thanks to David (LePew) for his work collecting sponsorship for MINIsOnTop 2008 – and also for arranging this excellent prize!

Finally, an unusual but much appreciated sponsorship this year from MINI of Peabody:
Last year, after the drive up / back down Mount Washington, MINIsOnTop arranged a room and $10/head buffet for participants to get together and “recover” from the drive – this popular option returns this year, but MINI of Peabody are covering the cost of the food … we expect this will make the Saturday night buffet even more popular 🙂

A perfect (weather) day

Posted on by Ian C.

It happens sometimes … end of winter, and we get a special day with warm dry weather, blue skies – and a chance to properly drive in GBMINI#6 with top down and windows open!

I took the long long way to lunch today – and didn’t get any lunch! I also took the long way home this evening, although along the coast roads it was a bit cool, requiring the raising of windows 😉

GBMINI#6 (2005 convertible)

A tale of two dealerships

Posted on by Ian C.

Dealership #1:
A car needs repair work after a minor accident. Wait nearly a month, then leave car for a few weeks.
When car is ready, go to collect. Notice that airbag warning light is on. Notice that rear bumper damage is not repaired.
Dealership says bumper not repaired because it wasn’t on the insurance adjusters list (!) and airbag light is on because of the accident.
Leave car another day.
Chase dealership by phone to see if car is ready.
Pick car up again. Notice new scratches on rear bumper. Notice dirty tar marks and other untidiness on car. Be happy that airbag light is now off.

Dealership #2:
Leave car to get some vibration / rattles resolved and to get steering wheel replaced.
Get call same day advising work will take longer than one day.
Get call next day when work is completed.
Collect car. All work done. Car clean. Friendly dealership folks chat about life, cars and future events. Be happy you own this car.

Guess which dealership is MINI of Peabody and which is a hopeless Infiniti place …

Meanwhile, some pictures of GBMINI#6, now sporting the same wonderful JCW leather steering wheel as GPMINI – and by coincidence parked next to Jock’s new Clubman, waiting for him to pick it up 🙂