Both vintage and modern Mini Coopers have been in the Demaras garage over the years. Shortly after the turn of the century, Chris Demaras drove a jet-black 1979 Austin Mini, and Alice Demaras currently drives a 2015 Mini Cooper S in bright orange with racing stripes. These cars are just cool.
One of the most enjoyable moments at last week’s Vintage Grand Prix wasn’t actually a race. There was a meet up of car clubs called Mini Meet North and somewhere between 50-60 Minis of all vintages were at on display. There were bone-stock current generation Minis right off the showroom floor and wild chop-top customs with outrageous paint jobs.
Although most people think of the Mini as a car of the 60s, it was actually launched in 1959 and this year celebrates its 65th anniversary. Vintage car events in the US and Canada are honouring the popular marque this summer.
Hard to believe that cars this small were once ‘daily drivers’ all over the world. Even a late-model Mini Cooper looks like a big rig next to the classic Mini.