Jake's Big Mini Gallery

Photographs of Nigel, Jake's 1969 Morris Mini Cooper.

Click any picture for a larger version.

Nigel being driven home from his first US owners, the Harrods.
Nigel on his first day at his new home in Irving, Texas. Notice that he still retains his British number plates and Road Tax sticker on his windscreen.
His rather pert behind with the special optional single Lucas reversing light below the bumper.
Yes, Nigel attracts beautiful women no matter where he goes. As a point of reference, the lady in this photograph is 5'4". Nigel is only 4'6", roughly.
A marvelous removable roof rack, for the few items too large to carry inside. I've already used this to pick up a bookcase from a store. Very handy!
The very good condition slide-back Webasto roof in fine working order. It lets in a lot of sunshine, and is how I use drive-throughs and toll roads.
His interior. In absolutely marvelous shape. Using a period Mountey steering wheel.
For some reason, people always want to see inside his boot. Here it is. Very clean. On the left is the capacious 6.5 US Gallon gas tank. Underneath the floor is his spare and battery.

March 2, 2002. Possibly Nigel's first outdoor experience of the harsh Texas winters.

Even with the mounds of snow covering him, he started reasonably well. (Takes about 8 or so cranks when it's near or below freezing, with no choke until he's running well.)
As you can see, the snowfall was horrific. There was heavy icing on his windscreen and all down his entire right side. As Nigel is right-hand-drive, and the only keyhole is on the driver's door, it took some fancy work with a Zippo to unfreeze the lock.
Getting older? No, just a little snow on the roof.

We went for a drive to play in the snow and ice and to get breakfast. Part of the drive was up a mile-long, curving, 30 degree inclined road. We waited for a pickup truck full of Mexicans to gently slide off the side of the road into the grass, then began up the hill. I just drove normally and we zipped right past in third gear. I did stop in a nearby large empty parking lot and played Timo Mäkinen for a bit. So far, Nigel's one of the best handling cars I've driven in the snow.
March 30, 2002. A sad day as Nigel enters mourning for the passing of the Queen Mother.