Mini Down Under - Mini in NZ
With the 50th anniversary year of the Mini in 2009, the market was almost flooded with books on the subject, so it is nice to find one that offers a fresh view, from a completely unexpected direction.
Mini Down Under is the story of the Mini in New Zealand, and comes from a veteran motoring journalist with a long association with the Mini, Donn Anderson
There is plenty in here for those wanting production figures - do you know how many Minis were built in New Zealand? There is also much to read for anyone interested in the social history of the Mini.
There are plenty of photos that have probably never been seen before, especially outside of New Zealand.
Anderson has obviously done a lot of research, and spoken to many of the people involved in building and importing the Mini.
His task was obviously made the more difficult by the fact that Minis were assembled in four plants in New Zealand, from CKD kits supplied from both the UK and Australia.
To add to the confusion, there were many Minis imported complete, also from the UK and Australia, and in later years from Japan.
As a result, New Zealand had the widest range of Mini models available of any country in the World, including the UK.
All UK versions were available, often in limited numbers, including Elf, Hornet, Pick-up, Moke, etc. There were the Australian versions - Mini De Luxe and Cooper S, and finally, the unique locally-built versions.
The book also takes a detailed look at Mini motorsport in New Zealand and, not surprisingly, the Bruce McLaren connection.
McLaren was a contracted driver for John Cooper in the late 1950s and early 1960s, along with Aussie Jack Brabham. The pair was instrumental in the development of the original Cooper Minis, when they put Formula Junior engines in their own Minis.
McLaren brought a Cooper-engined Mini out to New Zealand and Australia, and caused a sensation on the local racing circuits.
Anderson traces what became of that Mini, and where it is today.
The Classic Mini was available in NZ, with a bit of a break in the 1990s, until the end of production, and Anderson traces the increase in prices over that period.
Naturally, he also looks at the introduction of the new MINI in NZ, and reviews the MINI Challenge.
There is also a chapter that takes a look at the De Joux Mini GT, and other Mini-based specials.
Overall, this book gives an insight into a previously unknown area of the Mini’s incredible history, and is a worthwhile addition to the shelves of any enthusiast who is looking for something beyond the ordinary.
Note: Do not confuse this book with Spotlight On Mini Minor Down Under, which is about the Mini in Australia.
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