When you think of MINI, perhaps you think Austin Powers and The Italian Job. Or maybe you picture Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson banging his head on the roof and ranting during his MINI test drive. Whatever memory they conjure up, we believe they’re cool [little] cars and Avalon Motorsports is proud to be Denver’s MINI service and repair experts.
The Mini was Britain’s rendition of the Volkswagen Beetle; originally designed in 1959 by Sir Alec Issigonis to be an economical, space-saving alternative in the British marketplace. Upon being heavily influenced by his friend John Cooper (owner of the Cooper Car Company), Issigonis reluctantly contemplated producing a more performance oriented vehicle. After several appeals by Cooper, the two collaborated in 1961 to create the Mini Cooper – a nimble and inexpensive car with the potential to fair well in rally competition.
The progression of the Cooper included the transition from the Mark I to the Mark II, then to the Clubman and the Mark III. Within these was a series of variations including an estate car, a pick-up truck, a van and the Mini Moke—a jeep-like buggy. Other models would follow, however the Mini Cooper “S” models earned acclaim as sportier versions that were successful as rally cars, ultimately winning the Monte Carlo Rally four times from 1964 through to 1967.
In 1994, BMW took control of the Rover Group, which included Mini, under Bernd Pischetsrieder who a first cousin once removed of Issigonis. By mid-year 2000, Rover was struggling to stay afloat and BMW decided to dispose of most of the company’s fleet. Months later, MG and Rover went to Phoenix, a new British consortium; and Land Rover was sold to Ford Motor Company. BMW retained the Mini name and the planned to launch MINI (also known as BMW MINI or ‘the new Mini’), granting Rover temporary rights to the brand and allowing it to manufacture and sell the run-out model of the old Mini.
Avalon Motorsports features BMW and MINI master technicians, ensuring you receive the most thorough care available in the Denver-Metro area. Whether you require an oil service, diagnosis, maintenance, repair, tires, alignment or any other service on your MINI, Avalon Motorsports is here to help!