1982 RHD

A few weeks ago I was twenty minutes away from owning my first Mini.



I had seen the ad on craigslist or kijiji a few days prior and exchanged a couple e-mails arranging to go have a look. On a whim, I'd sent the ad to my dad and asked his opinion - the price was fair and it looked to be in good shape. It was a 1982 right-hand drive, imported from the UK a few years ago; disc brakes on the front, 1275cc engine, flared wheel wells and 12" tires, nice interior, very little rust.

I mentioned I was going to make an appointment at my bank to see if they'd loan me the $5000 (doubtful, my credit rating is crap - but what the hell, it's for a Mini...) and in his reply my dad offered to front me or co-sign. I was driving up to his place near Kingston the next day to pick him up and we talked about it on the way back to Ottawa. When he mentioned we might have enough time to see the car before he had to be at the airport (he left for Darfur until the end of the month) I floored it back as fast as possible.

I had to stop at home and call the seller. I apologized for the short notice and asked if it was ok to come by right away - my dad was on his way out of the country and we had 1/2 an hour before he needed to be at the airport.

But the car was sold. A couple from Kingston had come up an hour before, had left and come back to buy 20 mins before I called. He said I was welcome to come by anyway (the couple was coming back the next day to pick up the car, there's always a chance they don't make it) and not wanting to let it go, my dad and I headed over.

It's been a long time since I've been that disappointed. Or, I suppose, a long time since I've been that excited about something. My entire life (almost) I've wanted to own a Mini. Minis and I go way back. I had never been so close. Only in the last year have the circumstances even been fortuitous for Mini-ownership - I have a garage it will fit in, my dad's workshop/machineshop/custom tools/expertise at my disposal and access to funds (even if it means giving up all other luxuries.) And then to find a Mini in my price range? I really felt this car was destined for me. I thought for sure the couple wouldn't show at the last minute.

But they did.