MINI MAYHEM

Q: I had a loan car recently while my everyday car was being service by the local garage and it was an early BMW Mini. It was only a basic model One but I thought it was great fun to drive and when I looked at the plate, I realised it was 16 years old. Later in the week I tried a colleague’s new company car Mini and thought it was rather anonymous - totally different. Is the ‘original’ MINI a modern classic now or will I be drummed out of my local MG club for suggesting it?

A: Yes, you’ll probably be shunned for a few weeks but they’ll get over it... and controversial though it might be, we reckon the early new MINI is definitely a modern classic, with the basic versions often offering more fun than the more powerful Cooper S. Parts support is excellent and there’s a massive range of modifying parts out there too.