At the recent MINIsOnTop event, a Whalen Shift Knob was raffled, raising over $800 for Make A Wish. The custom shift knob commemorated the event with the date “June 19, 2004” as well as the MINIsOnTop/Autoroad logo featured on the MINIsOnTop web site, decals, Tshirts, etc.
After losing out on the raffle, then checking out Shoe’s shift knob, I decided it was time for GBMINI to get one. After obtaining special permission I had a shift knob made with the MINIsOnTop logo combined with GBMINI:
There has always been a lot of “mystique” about the Whalen Shift Knob, with comments that it makes shifting easier, or even (presumably jokingly) increasing horsepower! I had assumed that all this was a joke and the Whalen Shift Knob is simply a cool MINI accessory.
So I was shocked to discover, driving home tonight, that gear shifts actually do seem somehow easier! I cannot decide what the difference is – is shifting actually smoother, or does the Whalen simply fit the hand better and give a more comfortable control?
Curious and surprising, but rather pleasing.
M&I / GBMINI 