MINI2

80spitfire · Jan 5th, 2003, 08:08 PM

I agree with previous post on the convertible MINI. BMW should build a new car to be the convertible, not chop the top on a MINI. With the success of the MINI why not continue the retro theme and bring back the most successful British ragtop, The Triumph Spitfire! BMW holds the trademark to the Triumph name and I'm sure they would do a great job on bringing the Spitfire into the future. The Spitfire should be economical to buy and run just like the original(although it shouldn't leak oil). Such a car would give the Miata some much needed competition. They could sell the car at MINI dealerships. Seems like a no brainer to me!
Ken

AprilWhine · Jan 5th, 2003, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 80spitfire
I agree with previous post on the convertible MINI. BMW should build a new car to be the convertible, not chop the top on a MINI. With the success of the MINI why not continue the retro theme and bring back the most successful British ragtop, The Triumph Spitfire! BMW holds the trademark to the Triumph name and I'm sure they would do a great job on bringing the Spitfire into the future. The Spitfire should be economical to buy and run just like the original(although it shouldn't leak oil). Such a car would give the Miata some much needed competition. They could sell the car at MINI dealerships. Seems like a no brainer to me!
Ken

And I would be down at the dealer waving money! My 79 Spitfire is the only car I missed when it had to go.

Wynn · Jan 6th, 2003, 06:43 AM

Wow, that's BRILLIANT! A new Spitfire?! WOW! What a totally hot idea!!!

Basil · Jan 7th, 2003, 12:02 PM

Spitfire.... pah. Live rear axle. The Sprite was better.

he he he........ sorry reminded me of the old Spitfire/Spridget fights........

Now, get back on topic......

chiph · Jan 7th, 2003, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mini M!
<snip> May be not a good example, but the New Beetle has not even have a production convertible out for sale yet after so many years. the project just got going to keep the beetle a little interesting at this time of its life/product cycle. <snip>

Saw one last Thursday. Being driven by a guy, believe it or not.

Wasn't too bad looking.
(the car, not the guy)

.

Chip H.

chiph · Jan 7th, 2003, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 80spitfire
I agree with previous post on the convertible MINI. BMW should build a new car to be the convertible, not chop the top on a MINI. With the success of the MINI why not continue the retro theme and bring back the most successful British ragtop, The Triumph Spitfire! BMW holds the trademark to the Triumph name and I'm sure they would do a great job on bringing the Spitfire into the future. The Spitfire should be economical to buy and run just like the original(although it shouldn't leak oil). Such a car would give the Miata some much needed competition. They could sell the car at MINI dealerships. Seems like a no brainer to me!
Ken

My favorite was the TR-6 in French Blue.

Chip H.

2nd Mini · Jan 7th, 2003, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by chiph
My favorite was the TR-6 in French Blue.

Chip H.

There's a French Blue TR6 in gorgeous condition in my area. I saw it a couple of weeks ago at a mall. Turned my head... I had to give it a once-around in the parking lot.

2

80spitfire · Jan 7th, 2003, 03:48 PM

I agree the TR6 was a great sportscar, although I prefer the sweeping curves of the Spitfire. So, let's get BMW to build a 6 cylinder Spitfire! That would be a rocket!
Ken

BruceK · Jan 7th, 2003, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Basil
Spitfire.... pah. Live rear axle. The Sprite was better.

he he he........ sorry reminded me of the old Spitfire/Spridget fights........

Now, get back on topic......

You've got it completely backwards, so the fights continue!

The Sprite/Midget has the live rear axle; the Spitfire has the independent rear by swing axles. Since the Spitfire essentially was a re-bodied Triumph Herald, you can remember the Spitfire's rear suspension design by this little ditty:

Hark, the Herald’s suspension swings!

Basil · Jan 8th, 2003, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BruceK
You've got it completely backwards, so the fights continue!

The Sprite/Midget has the live rear axle; the Spitfire has the independent rear by swing axles. Since the Spitfire essentially was a re-bodied Triumph Herald, you can remember the Spitfire's rear suspension design by this little ditty:

Hark, the Herald’s suspension swings!

Yes of course..........ok, but the best handler was the spridget by miles. The spitfire being a "ladies" car.

80spitfire · Jan 8th, 2003, 08:12 PM

So the Triumph Spitfire was a ladies car! If so, it was a ladies car that won Le Mans(for it's class). How many
Le Mans did the Sprite win or even race in. And who could forget the Group 44 Spitfires that won numerous SCCA races in the 60's and 70's. The rear suspension gave the car "character". Every turn was an adventure. What more can you ask for in an affordable, fun to drive sportscar!
Bring back the Spitfire or GT6 and watch the Sales records being broken.

Basil · Jan 9th, 2003, 01:58 AM

The GT6 was (is) nice.

Just joshing on the "ladies" car bit. Many years ago I had many friends who all drove various incarnations of Midgets, Sprites, Spitfires, TR6's, MG's, MGB's BGT's.

That whole market has completely dissapeared. Be nice to see it return.

If you have time, there's a few posts in the HCAEEYCTM thread in the Off topic area regarding a gentleman in the UK manufacturing a modern day Midget using rover mechanicals (coil springs.....wooohooo) and New "Heritage" bodyshell's etc. Fantastic stuff And very reasonably priced.

80spitfire · Jan 9th, 2003, 05:10 PM

I knew you were kidding about the Spit being a girls car. Anyone who appreciates the old Brit sportscars can't be all bad, although you did drive MG's!
Take Care,
Ken

chiph · Jan 10th, 2003, 01:37 PM

I've been thinking some more about a TR-6. BMW has the world's sweetest inline six-cylinders that are already set up for RWD. The only concern is the perception that it might compete with the Z4.

Chip H.

R1 · Jan 12th, 2003, 05:55 PM

Some more Cabriolet pics!

http://galleries.wheels24.co.za/cars/BMW/minicab/

Don't like it myself.

Paul · Jan 12th, 2003, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by R1
Some more Cabriolet pics!

http://galleries.wheels24.co.za/cars/BMW/minicab/

Don't like it myself.

I'll reserve judgment for some pictures of the real thing.

Those images show the (failed) Bespoke Car Group cabriolet launched last year.

rogerswt · Jan 19th, 2003, 03:41 AM

I had a '67 Spitfire. British Racing Green, wood instrument panel centered over the transmission tunnel, Smith's gages, wire wheels, lucas electronics, wimpy engine, terrible convertible top, leaked oil, no heat, manual choke, no seat belts ... it was my first car, bought used when I was 16, and I loved it.

Now, if they could correct all that stuff like they've done with the new MINI, I'd queue up!

Basil · Jan 19th, 2003, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 80spitfire
I knew you were kidding about the Spit being a girls car. Anyone who appreciates the old Brit sportscars can't be all bad, although you did drive MG's!
Take Care,
Ken

Only two, and one of those had an Austin badge on it....

KJ_daGreenMini · Feb 10th, 2003, 02:43 PM

my local bmw garage are saying they get the convertible in July a month or so after the diesel comes in.

rfinprc · Feb 10th, 2003, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rogerswt
I had a '67 Spitfire. British Racing Green, wood instrument panel centered over the transmission tunnel, Smith's gages, wire wheels, lucas electronics, wimpy engine, terrible convertible top, leaked oil, no heat, manual choke, no seat belts ... it was my first car, bought used when I was 16, and I loved it.

Now, if they could correct all that stuff like they've done with the new MINI, I'd queue up!

I always liked the Spitfire -- at one point we had two in the family, one black and one white. The biggest problem was trying not to break off the tail light when push starting them.

I always coveted the TR6, but my first 2 seater was a Sunbeam Alpine! Weak sibling to the Sunbeam Tiger, but not bad (for the vintage). I was a lot fonder of my brother's Lotus Elan -- first car I ever rode in at 120 mph. After about 6 years of suffering, he had the engine completely rebuilt, only to have it catch fire and melt

in midtown Manhattan.

Jan 5th, 2003, 08:08 PM	#21
80spitfire MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jul 2002 Local Time: 02:31 PM Posts: 66 Offline	Let Triumph triumph again! I agree with previous post on the convertible MINI. BMW should build a new car to be the convertible, not chop the top on a MINI. With the success of the MINI why not continue the retro theme and bring back the most successful British ragtop, The Triumph Spitfire! BMW holds the trademark to the Triumph name and I'm sure they would do a great job on bringing the Spitfire into the future. The Spitfire should be economical to buy and run just like the original(although it shouldn't leak oil). Such a car would give the Miata some much needed competition. They could sell the car at MINI dealerships. Seems like a no brainer to me! Ken

Jan 5th, 2003, 09:00 PM	#22 (permalink)
AprilWhine Loves the Fuzzy One Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gypsy Local Time: 08:31 AM Posts: 16,893 Offline	Re: Let Triumph triumph again! Quote: Originally posted by 80spitfire I agree with previous post on the convertible MINI. BMW should build a new car to be the convertible, not chop the top on a MINI. With the success of the MINI why not continue the retro theme and bring back the most successful British ragtop, The Triumph Spitfire! BMW holds the trademark to the Triumph name and I'm sure they would do a great job on bringing the Spitfire into the future. The Spitfire should be economical to buy and run just like the original(although it shouldn't leak oil). Such a car would give the Miata some much needed competition. They could sell the car at MINI dealerships. Seems like a no brainer to me! Ken And I would be down at the dealer waving money! My 79 Spitfire is the only car I missed when it had to go. Global Moderator

Jan 6th, 2003, 06:43 AM	#23 (permalink)
Wynn MINI2 Senior Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Houston, Texas Local Time: 08:31 AM Posts: 597 Offline	Wow, that's BRILLIANT! A new Spitfire?! WOW! What a totally hot idea!!! Texan. Goofy. Sometimes witty. Pacifist. Imperfect, nice guy. Trying.

Jan 7th, 2003, 12:36 PM	#25 (permalink)
chiph Spectator Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Raleigh, NC Local Time: 10:31 AM Posts: 1,574 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by Mini M! <snip> May be not a good example, but the New Beetle has not even have a production convertible out for sale yet after so many years. the project just got going to keep the beetle a little interesting at this time of its life/product cycle. <snip> Saw one last Thursday. Being driven by a guy, believe it or not. Wasn't too bad looking. (the car, not the guy) . Chip H. ex-MINI Cooper S owner and all around good-guy

Jan 7th, 2003, 12:38 PM	#26 (permalink)
chiph Spectator Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Raleigh, NC Local Time: 10:31 AM Posts: 1,574 Offline	Re: Let Triumph triumph again! Quote: Originally posted by 80spitfire I agree with previous post on the convertible MINI. BMW should build a new car to be the convertible, not chop the top on a MINI. With the success of the MINI why not continue the retro theme and bring back the most successful British ragtop, The Triumph Spitfire! BMW holds the trademark to the Triumph name and I'm sure they would do a great job on bringing the Spitfire into the future. The Spitfire should be economical to buy and run just like the original(although it shouldn't leak oil). Such a car would give the Miata some much needed competition. They could sell the car at MINI dealerships. Seems like a no brainer to me! Ken My favorite was the TR-6 in French Blue. Chip H. ex-MINI Cooper S owner and all around good-guy

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Jan 7th, 2003, 12:02 PM	#24 (permalink)
Basil MINI2 Master Join Date: Nov 2001 Local Time: 12:31 AM Posts: 5,956 Offline	Spitfire.... pah. Live rear axle. The Sprite was better. he he he........ sorry reminded me of the old Spitfire/Spridget fights........ Now, get back on topic......

Jan 7th, 2003, 12:47 PM	#27 (permalink)
2nd Mini MINI2 Regular Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: VA USA Local Time: 10:31 AM Posts: 258 Offline	Re: Re: Let Triumph triumph again! Quote: Originally posted by chiph My favorite was the TR-6 in French Blue. Chip H. There's a French Blue TR6 in gorgeous condition in my area. I saw it a couple of weeks ago at a mall. Turned my head... I had to give it a once-around in the parking lot. 2 "Go not to the elves for counsel for they will say both no and yes." JRR Tolkien

Jan 7th, 2003, 03:48 PM	#28 (permalink)
80spitfire MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jul 2002 Local Time: 02:31 PM Posts: 66 Offline	Let's combine the two! I agree the TR6 was a great sportscar, although I prefer the sweeping curves of the Spitfire. So, let's get BMW to build a 6 cylinder Spitfire! That would be a rocket! Ken

Jan 7th, 2003, 11:15 PM	#29 (permalink)
BruceK Moderator & Sponsor Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: San Antonio, Texas Local Time: 08:31 AM Posts: 3,759 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by Basil Spitfire.... pah. Live rear axle. The Sprite was better. he he he........ sorry reminded me of the old Spitfire/Spridget fights........ Now, get back on topic...... You've got it completely backwards, so the fights continue! The Sprite/Midget has the live rear axle; the Spitfire has the independent rear by swing axles. Since the Spitfire essentially was a re-bodied Triumph Herald, you can remember the Spitfire's rear suspension design by this little ditty: Hark, the Herald’s suspension swings! + 2002 MINI Cooper S - Dark Silver / White roof, Sport, Premium, Lapis blue leather + 1965 Mini Traveller - Tartan Red / White roof, 1275, Cooper S discs, fully restored/renewed

Jan 8th, 2003, 09:43 AM	#30 (permalink)
Basil MINI2 Master Join Date: Nov 2001 Local Time: 12:31 AM Posts: 5,956 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by BruceK You've got it completely backwards, so the fights continue! The Sprite/Midget has the live rear axle; the Spitfire has the independent rear by swing axles. Since the Spitfire essentially was a re-bodied Triumph Herald, you can remember the Spitfire's rear suspension design by this little ditty: Hark, the Herald’s suspension swings! Yes of course..........ok, but the best handler was the spridget by miles. The spitfire being a "ladies" car.

Jan 8th, 2003, 08:12 PM	#31 (permalink)
80spitfire MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jul 2002 Local Time: 02:31 PM Posts: 66 Offline	A Ladies Car! So the Triumph Spitfire was a ladies car! If so, it was a ladies car that won Le Mans(for it's class). How many Le Mans did the Sprite win or even race in. And who could forget the Group 44 Spitfires that won numerous SCCA races in the 60's and 70's. The rear suspension gave the car "character". Every turn was an adventure. What more can you ask for in an affordable, fun to drive sportscar! Bring back the Spitfire or GT6 and watch the Sales records being broken.

Jan 9th, 2003, 01:58 AM	#32 (permalink)
Basil MINI2 Master Join Date: Nov 2001 Local Time: 12:31 AM Posts: 5,956 Offline	The GT6 was (is) nice. Just joshing on the "ladies" car bit. Many years ago I had many friends who all drove various incarnations of Midgets, Sprites, Spitfires, TR6's, MG's, MGB's BGT's. That whole market has completely dissapeared. Be nice to see it return. If you have time, there's a few posts in the HCAEEYCTM thread in the Off topic area regarding a gentleman in the UK manufacturing a modern day Midget using rover mechanicals (coil springs.....wooohooo) and New "Heritage" bodyshell's etc. Fantastic stuff And very reasonably priced.

Jan 9th, 2003, 05:10 PM	#33 (permalink)
80spitfire MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jul 2002 Local Time: 02:31 PM Posts: 66 Offline	I knew you were kidding about the Spit being a girls car. Anyone who appreciates the old Brit sportscars can't be all bad, although you did drive MG's! Take Care, Ken

Jan 10th, 2003, 01:37 PM	#34 (permalink)
chiph Spectator Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Raleigh, NC Local Time: 10:31 AM Posts: 1,574 Offline	I've been thinking some more about a TR-6. BMW has the world's sweetest inline six-cylinders that are already set up for RWD. The only concern is the perception that it might compete with the Z4. Chip H. ex-MINI Cooper S owner and all around good-guy

Jan 12th, 2003, 05:55 PM	#35 (permalink)
R1 Addicted to Speed!! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: ..."B" roads!! Local Time: 03:31 PM Posts: 4,915 Offline	Some more Cabriolet pics! http://galleries.wheels24.co.za/cars/BMW/minicab/ Don't like it myself.

Jan 12th, 2003, 06:03 PM	#36 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 03:31 PM Posts: 40,712 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by R1 Some more Cabriolet pics! http://galleries.wheels24.co.za/cars/BMW/minicab/ Don't like it myself. I'll reserve judgment for some pictures of the real thing. Those images show the (failed) Bespoke Car Group cabriolet launched last year.

Jan 19th, 2003, 03:41 AM	#37 (permalink)
rogerswt MINI2 Regular Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: St. Louis Local Time: 09:31 AM Posts: 102 Offline	I had a '67 Spitfire. British Racing Green, wood instrument panel centered over the transmission tunnel, Smith's gages, wire wheels, lucas electronics, wimpy engine, terrible convertible top, leaked oil, no heat, manual choke, no seat belts ... it was my first car, bought used when I was 16, and I loved it. Now, if they could correct all that stuff like they've done with the new MINI, I'd queue up!

Jan 19th, 2003, 08:11 AM	#38 (permalink)
Basil MINI2 Master Join Date: Nov 2001 Local Time: 12:31 AM Posts: 5,956 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by 80spitfire I knew you were kidding about the Spit being a girls car. Anyone who appreciates the old Brit sportscars can't be all bad, although you did drive MG's! Take Care, Ken Only two, and one of those had an Austin badge on it....

Feb 10th, 2003, 02:43 PM	#39 (permalink)
KJ_daGreenMini what happened to that boy Join Date: Feb 2003 Local Time: 03:31 PM Posts: 1,687 Offline	my local bmw garage are saying they get the convertible in July a month or so after the diesel comes in.

Feb 10th, 2003, 04:26 PM	#40 (permalink)
rfinprc wherever you go... Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Cambridge, MA Local Time: 10:31 AM Posts: 1,546 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by rogerswt I had a '67 Spitfire. British Racing Green, wood instrument panel centered over the transmission tunnel, Smith's gages, wire wheels, lucas electronics, wimpy engine, terrible convertible top, leaked oil, no heat, manual choke, no seat belts ... it was my first car, bought used when I was 16, and I loved it. Now, if they could correct all that stuff like they've done with the new MINI, I'd queue up! I always liked the Spitfire -- at one point we had two in the family, one black and one white. The biggest problem was trying not to break off the tail light when push starting them. I always coveted the TR6, but my first 2 seater was a Sunbeam Alpine! Weak sibling to the Sunbeam Tiger, but not bad (for the vintage). I was a lot fonder of my brother's Lotus Elan -- first car I ever rode in at 120 mph. After about 6 years of suffering, he had the engine completely rebuilt, only to have it catch fire and melt in midtown Manhattan.

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