GIFTED by family as a present, Tarina Jones finally holds the keys to this 2004 Mini Cooper S after learning to drive in a 1967 Mini when she was 16.
With Minis’ running as a family tradition, Ms Jones said she regretted selling her previous Mini.
“My older brother, sister and I all had a Mini for our first car,” she said.
“My ’67 Mini was my grandpas and my step father and I did it up ourselves, respraying it and putting a whole new motor in.
“I sold that and I definitely regretted selling it.”
This bold, red head-turner runs a 1.6L supercharged engine and six-speed manual transmission featuring custom-designed checker side mirrors and original Mini floor mats.
Ms Jones said she was gifted the car two years ago as a surprise.
“I did not see it advertised as it was given to me from my husband Craig and our daughters,” she said.
“I did not have any suspicions whatsoever that they were sneaking around behind my back.
“I was so surprised.”
Ms Jones said when the newer Mini models were released again in the 2000’s she fell in love with them again.
“I said ‘I am going to get myself one of them one day’ as soon as I saw them,” she said.
“I have always been eyeing them off and I just ended up with one in the end.”
Ms Jones said she compared her old ’67 model to the 2004 edition.
“I think when comparing my old ’67 to this model you can tell they have come a very long way,” she said.
“This one is like driving a little go kart.
“It is zippy and fast, although my ’67 was faithful as well.”
Ms Jones said she usually drove the vehicle in the warmer months.
“It is just a good weather car,” she said.
“It has saved the day a few times when I was having troubles with our family car.
“I was stranded and the good old Mini came to the rescue.”
Ms Jones said the bold colour was something she loved most about the vehicle.
“I love the colour and I think the red is one of the better colours the Minis’ were released in,” she said.
“It also has a sunroof which the kids love and it is definitely more refreshing when you drive it.”
With plans to keep it for a long time, Ms Jones said there had been household discussion on passing the vehicle down to her daughters.
“My daughter Kayla turns 16 this year and she has her sights set on driving it as her first car,” she said.
“We were actually talking the other night and both the girls would like a Mini for their first car.
“We will keep the family tradition going.”
