Saturday, August 15, 2009

Mini Limited Edition

1976 Mini 1000 Special LE
1983 Mini Sprite
1984 Mini 25
1985 Mini Ritz 1992 Mini
1986 Mini (The) Chelsea
1986 Mini Piccadilly
1987 Mini Park Lane
1987 Mini Advantage
1988 Mini Red Hot/Jet Black
1988 Mini Designer
1989 Mini Racing/Flame/Sky/Rose
1989 Mini 30
1990 Mini Racing Green/Flame Red/Checkmate
1990 Rover Special Products (RSP) Mini Cooper
1990 Mini Studio 2

1991 Mini Neon
1992 Mini British Open Classic
1992 Mini (The) Italian Job
1993 Mini Rio
1993 Mini Tahiti
1994 Mini 35
1994 Mini Cooper Monte Carlo
1995 Mini Sidewalk
1996 Mini Cooper 35
1996 Mini Equinox
1998 Paul Smith Mini
1998 Mini Cooper Sport LE
1999 John Cooper LE
2000 Mini Classic Seven
2000 Mini Classic Cooper
2000 Mini Classic Cooper Sport

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Mini Variants

Mini Variants

Mk1 59-67
Mk2 67-69
Mk3 69-76
Mk4 76-84
Mk5 84-91
Mk6 91-96
Mk7 96-00


Mini Production by Model. Some of these figures are approximations.

Mini MkI
Austin Se7en/Mini 435500
Morris Mini-Minor 510000
Auston Countryman 85500
Morris Traveller 75500
Total 1106500

Mini Cooper MkI
Austin Mini Cooper 997cc 12395
Morris Mini Cooper 997cc 12465
Austin Mini Cooper 998cc 17737
Morris Mini Cooper 998cc 21627
Total 64224

Mini Cooper S MkI
Austin Mini Cooper S 1071cc 2135
Morris Mini Cooper S 1071cc 1896
Austin Mini Cooper S 970cc 481
Morris Mini Cooper S 970cc 482
Austin Mini Cooper S 1275cc 6489
Morris Mini Cooper S 1275cc 7824
Total 19307

Mini Mk II
Austin Mini 154000
Morris Mini 206000
Austin Countryman 22500
Morris Traveller 23500
Total 406000

Mini Cooper Mk II
Austin Mini Cooper 998cc 9168
Morris Mini Cooper 998cc 7228
Total 16396

Mini Cooper S Mk II
Austin Mini Cooper S 1275cc 2687
Morris Mini Cooper S 1275cc 3642
Total 6329

Mini Clubman
Mini Clubman saloon 275583
Mini Clubman estate 197606
Mini 1275GT 110673
Total 583862

Mini MkIII/IV/V/VI
Mini 850 407670
Mini 1000/City/Mayfair 1439819
Mini 1100 78853
Mini 1300 (export) 21360
Mini Sprite 17833
Mini Mayfair 16250
Mini Cooper RSP 1650
Mini Cooper Carburettor 19899
Mini Cooper 1.3i (92-96) 42880
Mini Cabriolet (LAMM) 75
Mini Cabriolet (Rover) 1081
Total 2047370

Mini MkVII (1996-2000)
Mini & Mini Cooper Total 65695

Mini Van
Austin Minivan 174000
Morris Minivan 169249
Mini Van 850 94899
Mini Van 1000 82356
Total 521494

Mini Pick-up
Austin Mini Pick-up 18000
Morris Mini Pick-up 12652
Mini Pick-up 850 12130
Mini Pick-up 1000 15397
Total 58179

Mini Moke
Austin Mini Moke 5422
Morris Mini Moke 9096
European Total 14518
Australian Mini Moke 26142
Portuguese Mini Moke 9277
Total 49937

Riley Elf
Elf MkI 3522
Elf MkII 17816
Elf MkIII 9574
Total 30912

Wolseley Hornet
Hornet MkI 3166
Hornet MkII 16785
Hornet MkIII 8504
Total 28455

check here too.
http://www.austin-rover.co.uk/index.htm?engineaseriesf.htm

The Mk1: 1959-1967[u]

The Mk1 is for some the best incarnation of the Mini, myself included. It has unique smaller tail lamps that will only feature on the Mk1's. Its simplicity wins over the hearts of many.
The start of the Mini and a very important time for Alec Issigonis. The Mini is met with a cool reception from some, with only the 850cc engine available.

These are the models that were available during the Mk1 Period (August 1959 - October 1967)

Basic saloon (August 1959 - October 1967)
De Luxe saloon (early) (August 1959-Septermber 1962)
Super saloon (September 1961-September 1962)
Cooper saloon (September 1961-October 1967)
Cooper 'S' saloon (April 1963-October 1967)
Super de Luxe saloon (September 1962-August 1964)
De Luxe saloon (September 1964-October 1967)


The Mini is put on sale on August 26th 1959. The 848cc Austin Seven built at Longbridge and the mechanically-identical Morris Mini Minor from Cowley go on sale at the same time.All three works 850s fail to finish the RAC Rally in their first outing.

In 1960, determined to change the record, Mini makes its first assault on the Monte Carlo Rally, lining up six 850s ahead of several similarly-equipped privateers. Four of them reach the finish; Peter Riley's 23rd place finishing the highest. Don Morley scores Mini's first international rallying class win as he finishes 14th overall on the Geneva Rally (in an 850, remember).

In 1961, the Mini Cooper is introduced with a 997cc engine.


In 1962, the Seven tag on the Austin variants is replaced by Mini. Pat Moss's Cooper brings Mini its first international rally victory on the Tulip Rally. John Love wins the British Saloon Car Championship.

In 1963, the Cooper S first appears in 1071cc guise.Rauno Aaltonen wins the Alpine Rally in it. Rob Slotemaker wins the 1300cc European Saloon Car Championship with a Downton-tuned Cooper S.

In 1964, Paddy Hopkirk and Henry Liddon take 33 EJB to victory in the Monte Carlo Rally. The 997 Cooper is replaced with the 998 and the Cooper S gains 970cc and 1275cc engines, but loses the 1071cc. Hydrolastic suspension is standard on every new mini sold.


In 1965,Timo Makinen in a 1275S wins Mini's second Monte Carlo Rally, the Circuit of Ireland, Geneva and Czech international rallies. The Cooper 970S is dropped. Alec Issigonis drives the 1,000,000th Mini off the line at Longbridge. Mini gets an automatic option. Its innovative and effective design has no rivals for many years.

In 1966, BMC merges with Jaguar to form British Motor Holdings (BMH). French scrutineers deny the Abingdon-based team a third straight win. Makinen, Aaltonen and Hopkirk had finished one-two-three. The win goes to a frenchman.

In 1967, Aaltonen takes Mini's third Monte win, denying the scrutineers the chance to suppress the Mini's glory. The Mini Mk2 is launched.


The Mk2: 1967-1969[u]

The Mk2 showed the introduction of the rear lights that would last the next 33 years, and was also had the shortest production run of any mark of Mini.
The mark 2 Mini is launched at the London Motorshow in 1967. It has a wider rear window, new light clusters, bigger grille and other changes. There are standard and Super Deluxe versions. Issigonis's projected Mini replacement, a square hatchback codenamed 9X, is cancelled. Thank god. First Mini Festial in Brands Hatch. A revised steering rack reduces Mini's turning circle to 28 feet from 31.

In 1968, Syncromesh becomes standard on all four gears. The cable system (pull to open doors) is superseded by conventional handles. BMH merges with the Leyland Motor Corporation to form the British Leyland Motor Corporation. Donald Stokes, joins the company. The US loses the Mini to emission regulations.

In 1969, Mini production at Cowley ends. The Mark 3 is introduced.

The Mk3: 1969-1976

The Mk3 is the biggest revamp of the Mini yet, heralding the end of external hinges, sliding window and the Cooper Name for the Mini.
The mark 3 Mini is introduced in 1969, offering wind-up windows, internal hinges and dry suspension among many changes. Austin and Morris tags dropped in favour of plain Mini. Mini production reaches 2,000,000. The Italian Job is released in cinemas, using Mk1 Cooper S Mini's, bringing the Mini even more fame and popularity. Alec Issigonis is knighted for his services to the motor industry. The 998 Cooper is dropped.

In 1970, the mark 3 Cooper 1275S is introduced, to be the last ever "S". In BL's final full works entry, Paddy Hopkirk takes a 1275GT to second place on the Scottish Rally.

In 1971, the Cooper name is dropped and the S discontinued. Mini has its best year for sales figures at 318,000. Issigonis retires from BL. Hydrolastic suspension is retired also.


In 1973, alternator replaces dynamo across the range. The magic wand gearchange disappears from the 850 and is discontinued.

In 1974, inertia reel seatbelts become standard across the range and 850 drivers get a heater at no extra cost. The Bertone-styled Innocenti Mini appears from Italy, based on Mini's platform and running gear. It comes from the same firm which built Minis and kept the Cooper in production for three years after BL stopped.

In 1976, the mark 4 Mini is introduced.

The Mk4: 1976-1984

The Mk4 Mini holds the first ever Limited Edition Mini, quite unusual in 1976, and has a long production run of 8 years.
The mark 4 Mini is introduced in 1976, with twin-stalk controls, heated rear window, hazard lights, radial tyres, a new switch panel and larger pedals all standard across the range. The Mini 1000 Special becomes the first factory Limited Edition (LE) model. It proudly sports green and white paint, striped seats and a coachline. Production passes the 4,000,000 mark.

In 1977, reversing lights, reclining seats, dipping rear view mirror all become standard across the range.

In 1978, Mini no-longer available in Australia.

In 1979, the Mini celebrates its 20th anniversary with the 1100 Special LE (production: 5,000). The City is launched, with the 848cc engine. Later in the year it gets the 998, marking the end of the smaller engine in the saloons. BL makes a development plan including the axing of the Mini in 1982.


In 1980, all Clubman variants are dropped. The Mini gets a new trim level - the HL. The Austin Mini Metro is launched. It shares much of the Mini's platform, but neither outsells or outlives the donor car.

In 1982, This would have been the end of the mini if BL hadn't decided against the development plan of 1979. The HL becomes HLE and is then re-launched as the Mayfair.

In 1984, the next generation of the mini, the Mk5 is introduced.

The Mk5: 1984-1991

The Mk5 was the era of the Limited Editions, with no less than 20 LE's in 7years. It also has one of the most important developments to date: disc brakes and 12-inch wheels standard across the range.
The mark 5 Mini is introduced in 1984, with 12-inch wheels, front disc brakes and plastic wheel arch extensions standard across the range. The 25 LE is introduced. Thousands attend Mini's 25th birthday party at Donington. BL changes their name to the Austin Rover Group.

In 1985, the City loses its central instrument layout - the last Mini to do so. But the Mayfair gets a rev counter. The Ritz LE is introduced.

In 1986, Mini production passes the 5,000,000 mark. Issigonis celebrates his 80th birthday. The Chelsea and Picadilly LE's are introduced.

In 1987, the Advantage and Park Lane LE's are introduced. Austin Rover Group becomes plain Rover Group.


In 1988, the second saddest year in Mini history, Sir Alec Issigonis dies. Red Hot, Jet Black and Designer LE's are introduced. Rear seatbelts and servo-assisted brakes become standard across the range. City gets headrests, radio cassette becomes standard on Mayfair. Tory government sells Rover Group to British Aerospace.

In 1989, Rose, Sky and 30 LE's are introduced (production of Mini 30: 3,000). Semi-official ERA Mini Turbo introduced with Metro Turbo engine and 93bhp. Huge Mini 30th birthday party at Silverstone. Flame Red and Racing Green LEs introduced, featuring Cooper-style paint and a rev counter.

In 1990, second versions of Flame Red and Racing Green LEs are introduced with Minilite-style alloys and a revised diff for better acceleration. They are joined by the black-and-white Check Mate and Studio 2 LE's. The Cooper makes a return as a limited edition of 1,000 cars (61bhp 1275 carb) prepared by Rover Special Products (RSP). A mainstream production model is decided upon with minor differences.

In 1991, the Mk6 is introduced.

The Mk6: 1991-1996

The Mk6 was a big leap for the Mini. The bodyshell was modified to make the first production Injection Mini ever. The main reason was to meet with emissions regulations.
The mark 6 Mini is introduced in 1991. It is re-engineered for a revised SPi engine and a closed-loop cat. Neon LE introduced. Cooper gets a 63bhp SPi version of the 1275 engine with a closed-loop cat and ECU, plus standard spots and stripes. Lamm Cabriolet LE (production: 75) launched by Rover - First official Mini with 13 inch wheels.

In 1992, City and 998cc are replaced by the Sprite. It and the Mayfair get a new 50bhp carb-plus-cat version of the 1275cc engine. British Open Classic LE introduced, the first production Mini with an electric folding sunroof. Italian Job LEs introduced (red, white, blue and green). John Cooper Garages Si conversions becomes a dealer option. Security improvements include alarm/immobiliser option and an internal bonnet release.

In 1993, Cabriolet re-introduced with SPi Cooper engine and 12 inch wheels instead of the Lamm's 13s. Rio (production: 750) and Tahiti (production: 500) LE's are introduced. Cooper gets a standard alarm and a wooden dash option. Mayfair gets the latter standard. Mini production is down to under 21,000.


In 1994, the purchase which will mean the end of the Mini as we know it, BMW buys Rover Group. Cooper Monte Carlo LE introduced (production: 200) to mark 30th anniversary of first Monte win. To mark the event various arms of Rover enter three 'works Cooper SPi group A cars on the Monte. Paddy Hopkirk and Ron Crellin pilot L33 EJB to 52nd overall, fourth in class. 35 LE is introduced (production: 1,000). Mini's 35th birthday party draws 120,000 to Silverstone. Cooper Grand Prix LE is introduced (production: 35).

In 1995, BMW approves the E50 project and begins work on developing a Mini replacement. Sidewalk LE is introduced (1,000). The Mini is voted 'car of the century' by readers of Autocar magazine. Monaco half-leather trim and wooden dash now standard on Cooper.

In 1996, The mark 7 Mini is introduced.

The Mk7: 1996-2000

The Mk7 was the Final generation of the Mini. The most desirable to some, the least to others.
The mark 7 Mini is introduced in 1996. Changes include twin-point injection, higher final drive, driver airbag, side impact beams, better sound insulation, improved front seats, a front-mounted radiator and a sportspack option. Cooper 35 LE introduced (200). Equinox LE introduced.

In 1997, The Mini Classic is introduced as the new non-Cooper model. The Mayfair is dropped. Sportpack-equipped models with fat 13 inch wheels become another revival for the Mini, proving very popular.



In 1998, Paul Smith LE is introduced (1,800). Cooper Sports LE is introduced (100). The model carries 1960s British Vita team colours.

In 1999, 40, Cooper S Works Touring/5 Sport and John Cooper LEs are introduced. Mini's 40th birthday party at Silverstone is huge once again.

In 2000, BMW sells Rover to the Phoenix consortium, but retains the rights to the Mini name and future. Cooper Sport 500 LE introduced (500). Mini production ends when the final Cooper Sport 500 LE rolls off the Longbridge production line ( No. 5,387,862). John Cooper dies Christmas Eve.

Note: Got info from a mini website forum (outside Philippines)

Friday, August 7, 2009

Great Photos on A Rousing Send-off for a National Hero

I've seen hundreds of photos of Tita Cory's funeral cortege from our Multiply friends. One that caught my attention together with a bunch of people is the one photographed by one of my (and probably yours too) online buddies, Atty. Raymond Fortun.

Raymond's photo blog titled "A Rousing Send-off for a National Hero" shows the day Tita Cory united the Filipino people even in her death.

It rained endlessly as the tail end of a typhoon blew itself out. But still, the streets were lined ten deep with people holding anything yellow - balloons, banners, flowers. Yellow confetti stuck to mourners and followers of Tita Cory. Her funeral cortege took 8 hours to complete the 22 kms stretch from Manila Cathedral to Manila Memorial Park in Sucat Paranaque.

Please visit Atty. Raymond Fortun's photo blog at: http://raymond42n.multiply.com/photos/album/227/A_Rousing_Send-off_for_a_National_Hero

Friday, July 17, 2009

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

RARE Black English Bulldog Information

Information below was taken from www.rarebulldogs.com

Black Bulldog Information

"Black Beauties"
" Blue Dreams"

This is sometimes a hot topic for discussion, especially among Bulldoggers(show breeders). This reading is to give you my honest, experienced dealings with these Rare Bulldogs.

Contrary to popular opinion, Black Bulldogs are NOT inferior or of less quality than any other well-bred bulldog, they just don't meet the BCA standard for Bulldogs as far as color goes. The color DOES NOT affect their health, skin, or structure as many would have you believe, and unless you are wanting to show your dogs in competition, this is insignificant (actually, black or blue bulldogs can be entered in shows).

I have been breeding "to breed standard" bullys for years now & have found that you get more health issues with the so-called "well-bred" bloodlines than you do with the less desired bloodlines. I have for the past 2 years been bringing back some of my older bloodlines for this very reason and I am already seeing a difference. Just because a pedigree is stacked with Champions does NOT mean you will get healthier bullys, a lot of times it is the opposite, because they are closely bred with the same lines of ancestors in them. It really is all trial and error though, no matter how educated you are, and there are some great Lines of Champion bullys out there, no doubt.

NO ONE can breed a perfect bulldog! I have been breeding dogs for over 35 years & am very experienced with this issue of health. I would never knowingly breed inferior, unhealthy dogs, I LOVE my bullys! I have people accuse me of being in it for the money. If this were the case, then I would actually HAVE some money! I put literally 90% of my incoming BACK into the care, feeding, comfort, & upkeep of my babies. As my vet put it the first time she did a farm call for me, " Man, these guys have it made!".

The reason myself & many others call these Black Beauties "Rare" is because there are few born every year. And as I said before, the color is undesirable according to the BCA breed standard & therefore Show breeders try NOT to produce black bulldogs. There are beginning to be several educated, experienced Black bulldog breeders in the states now, that will produce VERY NICE Black Bulldogs, so maybe in several years we may not be able to call the Rare anymore.

This is an excerpt from the BCA Bulldog Standard:

Color of Coat
The color of coat should be uniform, pure of its kind and brilliant. The various colors found in the breed are to be preferred in the following order: (1) red brindle, (2) all other brindles, (3) solid white, (4) solid red, fawn or fallow, (5) piebald, (6) inferior qualities of all the foregoing. Note: A perfect piebald is preferable to a muddy brindle or defective solid color. Solid black is very undesirable, but not so objectionable if occurring to a moderate degree in piebald patches. The brindles to be perfect should have a fine, even and equal distribution of the composite colors. In brindles and solid colors a small white patch on the chest is not considered detrimental. In piebalds the color patches should be well defined, of pure color and symmetrically distributed.

We will add additional information from time to time as we continue to be educated on these Black Beauties.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Women, Money and Friends come and go, but Dogs are forever (Men's Health: Guy Wisdom July 1, 2009)

Remember these rules," said my new housemate Adam about my other new housemate, Diablo, a wolf-German shepherd mix who looked as though he had eaten more jugular veins than Snausages. "Don't make quick moves, don't try to touch him, don't look him in the eye, and you'll probably be fine."

I was 6 months out of college and hauling my cheap belongings into a cheaper Salt Lake City bungalow. Adam, an Apache construction worker, explained that he'd rescued his dog from a sadistic drunkard who had beaten the animal half to death with a golf iron. Then Diablo growled as if I were the guy's caddy.

"Quiet," Adam told the beast, not unkindly. Diablo's growling ratcheted down, but only a notch. No wonder the rent was so cheap.

For the next 3 weeks, the growl never stopped. I almost got used to it, the way I almost got used to navigating the bungalow with my eyes trained on the ceiling. Every once in a while, Diablo sniffed my groin with his elongated snout, which could snap moose femurs like pretzel sticks. It was all I could do to keep from fainting.

Our relationship changed one searing afternoon in August. Having come home early for lunch, I heard Diablo snarling at me from his fenced lair in the backyard. His growling carried its usual tone of hatred, but I sensed an additional chord, the barest tone of vulnerability in the heart of the largest carnivore I'd ever lived with.

As slowly and reassuringly as I could, I approached the fence. "It's okay, buddy," I said, trying to channel Saint Francis. "Easy, boy."

Diablo's problem was soon apparent: He'd upended his water dish in the 101� heat. What I decided to do next terrified me, but the alternative -- doing nothing -- seemed as cruel as beating the brute with a sand wedge. I unlocked the gate and slowly, slowly moved inside his territory. I could feel Diablo's breath on my leg, the guttural vibrations of his growl. Smoothly, slowly, I reached for the water dish, righted it, filled it from the wall spigot, and retreated. The growl was silenced by desperate, maybe even grateful, lapping from the dish.

When I returned home at 6:30 that night, Adam was cooking his dinner, and Diablo was in his usual evening spot beside his master's La-Z-Boy. He was sitting on his haunches, watching me silently. The growl had stopped.

From that point on, our bond deepened.

If you've ever become best friends with a former bully, you know how gratifying it can be. With Diablo beside me, I felt invulnerable --i t was as if I'd developed a superpower. In the eons before modern weaponry, dogs like Diablo must have bestowed a sense of invincibility upon those fortunate human beings they trusted.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Exercise Nut?...Not!



I used to weigh like a bull. Used to.

Early last year, I decided to give myself a break...on eating and drinking. I set my mind on achieving the weight my favorite doctor would say 'ideal' for my height. I'm 5'11". And that's 180-185 lbs.

The last time I remember weighing below 190 lbs was almost 20 years ago.

Nevertheless, I gave it a shot.

Thanks to my dear pugs. I lost almost 40 lbs! For 5 months, they walked and ran by my side. My fawn pug pets Putter, Mojo, Maui, Magic and Oreo (my lone black pug) are exercise nuts! They helped my lose those unwanted pounds by brisk walking and slow running with me til they almost dropped dead.

Three months ago, I started getting other snub-nosed breeds.

My first English Bulldog, Mallows arrived mid- March. She's a white bully with red-brindle on her tail.

Then I got a Boston Terrier two weeks later. Because of her color, I named her Snickers. A hyper active little rascal!

A month later, I got myself my second English Bulldog. She's pure white big-boned bully with a few spots on her rose ears. Named her Milkshake.

And my newest baby, a French Bulldog who is all-cream in color. Named her Oatmeal.

For almost three months, I put my pugs in the bay and tried my new set of canines to join me do some brisk walking. Unfortunately, only Snickers passed with a flying colors.

My bullies are not enthusiastic to be my running partners. They're unusual physique, short legs, narrow windpipe and squashed face, just doesn't accomodate vigorous aerobic activity. Their tender feet never seem to toughen up to rough stones or concrete.

I sense my bullies may actually want to join in my exercise activities, but when they do so at their own peril. They simply can't get enough oxygen to support vigorous physical activity and risk respiratory distress and even death if I permit them to overindulge.

I gained a few pounds but have started tapping Mojo and Snickers to run with me again.
Care to join me?































Tuesday, April 7, 2009

English Bully


Last month I decided to get another breed of dog. I want something that's massive but cute. I don't have a shortlist. Only one breed fits my requirement- - -THE ENGLISH BULLDOG.

I researched through books and internet. What to expect and how to raise a bulldog puppy. I asked around, canvassed, visited kennels and ended up getting a female white bully from a breeder in Pasig. She has red marks on her PCCI paper and her sire is Philippine Champion Pancho of Asia's Pride Bulldogs (http://www.asiaspridebulldogs.com/).

Her soft white coat reminded us of a snack we love to chew and eat, Marshmallows. So, after asking the kids what we should call her, we decided to name her 'Mallows'.

She eats like a pig and true to her built and grotesque but cute face, one can definitely consider her a BULLY!

She's the biggest among my pets. I have 5 pugs and a pint-sized Boston Terrier. She jumps over them including my kids! Bad! but fun....!

She's 3 1/2 months and weighs approximately 10-12 lbs. I give her Eukanuba lamb and rice at least 3 times a day. She's growing fast and soon she'll reach her maximum weight potential of 40-50 lbs.

We look forward each day to play, cuddle and wrestle with Mallows.