Mini Coopers on parade
By Cheche Moral
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:18:00 11/02/2008
Filed Under: Lifestyle & Leisure
MANILA, Philippines - It was some sight—a fleet of mini cars parked side-by-side, calling to mind the beloved British onscreen buffoon Mr. Bean, whose own pistachio-colored Mini has been central to many a “Mr. Bean” episode.
Perhaps only incidental, but the decision to hold a motorcade of Mini Coopers to jumpstart the RP-UK Friendship Week 2008 may have greater significance to current affairs than merely to brandish its English lineage and elicit gushes.
Owing to its provenance, the classic auto may have something essential to say to Filipinos who have a passionate love affair with big, gas-guzzling cars.
“It’s the answer to the current situation,” says Dr. Joey Luat. “World prices are going up. It’s fuel-efficient and reliable.”
Luat was among the almost 40 Mini owners who staged a motorcade from Tiendesitas in Pasig to Manila Polo Club in Makati two weekends ago.
“You can maneuver through traffic easily,” says Jack Bacay, an administrative and estate officer at British Embassy, who also owns a Mini converted into a pickup. “And it’s easy to maintain.”
Transformations
The first Mini was produced in the late ’50s when the Suez Canal was nationalized, curtailing the petroleum supply to Europe. Carmakers rushed to develop fuel-efficient automobiles, among them the British Motor Company. In 1959 it rolled out the first Mini, comfortably seating four people.
Through the years, it had undergone transformations. According to enthusiasts, the Mini’s significance is no more critical than it is today.
Bacay estimates there are over 100 known Mini owners in the Philippines. In the British Embassy event, he pointed at one unit that was an exact replica of Mr. Bean’s famous wheels.
Unlike Bacay, who has been a Mini enthusiast for some time, Luat got his first Mini only over a year ago. A cosmetic surgeon, he received it as payment for a procedure performed on a patient; the patient’s husband had heard Luat was looking for one.
Not long after, the doctor bought a second Mini, encouraged after a successful participation in a car show: his first Mini won third place.
Luat drives his Mini to work daily and attests to its fuel-efficiency. “I consume P500 only for three weeks,” he proudly says. He shuttles from San Juan (home) to Quezon City (work) twice a day.
Too expensive?
But since a brand-new Mini made by BMW could cost over P1 million, some argue it’s too expensive for a tiny car.
“It’s a classic car,” Luat reasons. “To have a well-oiled machine like this, you have to source the parts. You have to modify a little. The original Mini had no aircon. But since we’re in a tropical country... That’s the thing that makes it expensive, but the rest is reliable. Maski nga iwan mo dyan walang magkakainteres (You can park it anywhere and nobody would attempt to steal it).”
Bacay also says interested buyers may find decent secondhand units at P300,000-P350,000. Their group plans to go on a “fun run” to Subic to raise awareness and promote their auto of choice.
Other highlights of the embassy affair were a show-jumping equestrian competition and an English high tea.
Last week, the British Embassy also inaugurated its new offices in Taguig. The weeklong affair culminated with a British fashion show at the Embassy Club and The UK Ambassador’s Golf Cup.
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