DRIVING on the open road is no problem for Mount Gambier resident Anna Whitehead when steering this 2002 Mini Cooper S.
Almost four years ago at just 16, Ms Whitehead was eagerly looking for a first car that would suit her best.
“I remember Dad and I were looking for a Mini Cooper for ages,” she said.
“When he was at a friends house someone mentioned their mother-in-law was selling one.
“She happened to drive over the hill and as soon as we saw it we knew it was the one.”
Staying locally, the car was then passed over to Ms Whitehead for driving lessons.
“I learnt to drive in it and since have added new rims, tires and have tinted the windows,” she said.
“Dad chose the wheels and he did a really good job, he knows what looks best.”
Packing a punch, the unique vehicle runs a supercharged 1.6 litre engine and six-speed manual transmission.
Ms Whitehead likes the vehicle’s classic silver paint.
“It is so fun to drive and the best thing is how small they are,” she said.
“I can basically park anywhere.
“They are also tiny inside so when I pick my sisters up from school we have to put the seats back and everything.”
Ms Whitehead said she liked the car’s distinct style above all else.
“It is very unique and not many people have them which is cool,” she said.
“Because they are European the indicators and the windscreen wiper levers are on the reversed.
“Everyone always gets confused when they drive it because it is the opposite to normal.”
Ms Whitehead also said the window switches and door handles also puzzle people who have not driven it before.
“People do not know where the switches are and think they can not put their window down,” she said.
“Or they will go to get out of the car and not know how to open the door.”
The original semi-leather upholstery and bubble-style gauge housing is something that appealed to Anna when she first bought it.
“It has been installed with a newer radio giving it a more modern feel,” she said.
“As it is turbo-charged it makes it easier to overtake people when I need and speed up that little bit faster.
“I like that it is manual, it is easier to speed up and slow down.”
Ms Whitehead said she a lot of people tell her they would also like a Mini after being exposed to her car.
“It is very different to any other car,” she said.
“I was still at school when I first got it and my friends would always ask if we could take my car so they could drive in it.”
“I think it suits me well.”
