I think the R53 is a very pretty car and its size, shape and proportions are perfect. Even 20 odd years later it still looks fresh. It’s one of those cars like the Corvette or the Ferrari 355 where the designers got it absolutely spot on first go and every version since then has been a backward step, especially aesthetically.
it was designed by Frank Stevenson (think that’s his name) he’s got a pretty long list of pretty and well judged designs to his name including a couple of Ferraris and I ‘think’ one of the cosworth fords
Thank for that info. It explains a lot. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Stephenson Not a bad portfolio (and that doesn’t even include the Escort RS Cosworth)!
if that’s your CV you’ve had a pretty decent career haven’t you! He’s the road car version of Adrian Newey!!
I saw a brand new “MINI” on the motorway, no idea which type but it was as big as a Range Rover Evoque. And absolutely hideous!
Should’ve called it the MAXI. They’ve lost their way since the first new Mini. (Which was designed by Rover, hence the R designation)
Depends on your age/taste I’d take a GR Yaris over a R53 Mini. My lad wants a GR once he can afford to insure it without losing a Kidney.
The performance version also has a 315bhp twin turbo engine, which is ridiculous. That was supercar spec in the 90s. Minis are supposed to be small, light and lively, not bloated behemoths that need loads of power in order to overcome their bulk. Unfortunately that seems to be a trend and car designers have forgotten that sometimes less is more.
I used to own an SUV but I’ll never buy another. Big fekin bloaters. In fact I think I’ll attach some blond dreadlocks and go round slashing their tyres
I woke up to find that one of these larger -but not the largest- JCW thingymabobs had rolled onto my drive & joined my household. Its getting some workshop revision and a little TLC from the paint guys right now, but by the end of the month we will see what its got...
