July 7th 2001.

The Big day. After 4 years of waiting we finally get to see our car. We have never driven a MINI, and despite paying BMW a large deposit in January it was only a month ago that they told us how much it would be, and what the spec would be. The car looked great, and handled superbly. Little did we know that this was only the tip of the iceberg.

July 8th 2001.

We have fitted 18inch wheels to the car. Acceleration is marginally down, but it looks superb. Tramlines slightly but not as bad as many cars. A certain wheel/spring manufacturer claims "available now" lowering springs for the new MINI. When we try to order them the ums, and ahs, turn into "well they are not actually available now, it will be months - we faked the pictures on the computer". We doubt that they even have a MINI, and have our own lowering springs made. These are now available for everyone to buy at the reasonable price of £140.00 inc VAT/post.

Laser alignment is advised after fitting lowering spring - and wow what a difference. If we thought the car handled well out of the box this is nothing to how it handles when set-up, lowered and with the larger wheels. It will beat far faster cars through corners, and the brakes are something else. My BMW 850 (180mph car) does not brake as well as my new MINI!!!

July 16th 2001.

Autofashion has developed the World first bodykit for the new BMW MINI. What a coup. BMW's bodykit won't be available for months, most of the specialists don't have their cars yet, and our kit is already in production!!!

The kit was the result of many many hours of work, starting with plastercine originals, taking light weight moulds which were worked on the car until they were a good fit and then proper moulds were taken.

August 2001.

Have drawn white bonnet stripes on the car and have decided to make some. BMW are going to do some but they are not available yet and are not scheduled until December. Now available at £25/set including VAT/postage and packaging from Autofashion.

August 2001.

Exhaust now available. After many attempts we have the best power/noise compromise. Stainless rear box with 4" tailpipe - beautiful. Straight through boxes generate less horsepower and torque!!

September 2001.

Kicker Stereo fitted into boot of car. Standard speakers sound great but simple addition of Kicker sub, and amp take it to another level.

December 2001.

First fitted Turbocharger to MINI. We used a large Turbo from Garrett that we had - a T3, and a fabricated Manifold, along with stainless exhaust - WOW. There was a  little more lag than desired as the first Turbo was not as well matched as it might be, but with 225 bhp I really did not care - this is the car I wanted when we bought the car. Looks gorgeous, goes gorgeous - fantastic. Of course most people still do not have MINI's and its still a major decision as to weather or not to fit bonnet stripes!!! We lead other follow - its just the way it is.