Diminutive MINI Cooper makes a big re-entry splash.(Auto Showcase)(Evaluation)

0 Comments | Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL), April, 2002

Byline: Dave Boe The front-wheel-drive MINI Cooper, a diminutive, British- inspired coupe, has returned to American shorelines. MINI franchised dealers opened their doors March 22 to an eager audience. Fifty MINI dealers are now operating throughout the United States. An additional 20 outlets will open during the next year.

Approximately 10,000 of the short, rectangular, two-door hatchback, cult-status cars were sold in the U.S. between 1960 and 1967. While the MINI was a cute means of tooling around for a time on this side of the pond, in Europe, the diminutive transporter was "everyman's car" occupying a status similar to what Ford's Model T carries here. MINI was a car for the masses that many Europeons used when learning to drive. It's the most popular...