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THE MINI WIDOW REPORT..
by Pat McQuilken.
 My introduction to minis came in the late 60’s. I was a young, naive, 15 year old who was attracted to an older, not bad looking, car owning, male. He drove (rather recklessly I might add) a red 1963 Mini 850 fitted with a Cooper engine. Actually, it was the car that first caught my eye and the driver was an added bonus. Needless to say I was very impressed; after all, I was young and naive. It was such a cute little thing (the car I mean) and brought out the maternal instincts in me. I just wanted to lavish it with care and attention – I was HOOKED!
Of course, once I had attained my driver’s licence it was just natural that I would acquire a mini of my own. I mean, what more could I want – they are just so easy to park! As luck would have it, the boyfriend at this time was experiencing a testosterone surge and felt he needed to move on to something bigger and more powerful. He purchased a 1958 Mark 2 Zephyr and I inherited his 850. Over the next few years we did the customary modification thing. One of the more memorable transformations was when we fitted a ¾ race cam to the Cooper motor. Boy, did it fly. It went up hills faster than a speeding bullet (right up until it blew the engine). I must say, it was fun while it lasted – a whole 2 months! Oh well, it’s only money and besides, we learn from our mistakes, don't we?
Another episode from that period was when I decided to get a new spray job. The boyfriends’ brother was a budding apprentice panel beater and promised me that with the help of a work mate, he could have my pride and joy looking like new in just one weekend. Besides, the price was right – CHEAP! It was all systems go. I finally decided on a Ford colour called “Candy Red” and eagerly handed over my baby for her transformation. I couldn’t wait to have the hottest looking mini in town.
Finally we got the phone call to say she was ready and waiting to be picked up. Off we went full of optimism. It was late Sunday afternoon as we turned into the street and we could see her outline in the distance. My heart was pounding with anticipation. We drew nearer and she was now clearly visible. I looked across to the boyfriend – he looked across to me – both our minds screaming “No, it can’t be”. This wasn’t my racy, spunky, red dream car but a hot orange (and I mean orange!) nightmare. I was devastated. This was long before Leyland came out with such colours as Canary Yellow and Hairy Lime and bright colours on cars were unheard of. Oh well, it’s only money and a lesson learnt – you get what you pay for!
Fortunately, these days, I’m older and wiser and drive a sensible Ford Telstar. Unfortunately, the boyfriend, who is now the mid-life crisis husband, has regressed back to his misspent youth. Once again he is a Mini owner and his new toy is a Mark 1 Cooper S.
I, on the other hand, have no desire at all to return to the ranks. Although, I did like the look of that Rover Cabriolet in ‘Mini Magazine’......
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