It's time to say farewell to my classic Mini, or as it has become known, the Shmini. Hot on the heels of saying goodbye to my Aston Martin Vanquish, the Mini is the second car to leave the garage this month. I'm sad to see it go but what a great time I've had with it! Will you miss the car?
the fact you were upset about selling the mini, shows why everyone should experience it. they're utterly incredible to experience. the sound the sense of speed and the fact your one bad bump from death only adds to the experience of motoring around in one. i somewhat don't share Tims point that the car is a bit of a joke, they're fun, they add smiles to everyone's face. but they were designed for a different era. where fuel was in short supply and people wanted cheap transportation. the fact it stood the test of time shows that this car was no joke, sure it was built to the British standard of "that'll do" but every mini is different because of it. i will miss the mini, i wish you'd shown more of it because it deserved it. and i hope you get another classic again in future, be it a mini or something even more special. as there are no greater joys in life in my opinion.
I've always loved seeing your Mini amongst your supercars and now I'm afraid to see it that goes away!! But I'm glad and I can't wait to see the other cars incoming!!!
freepieanchips well you can always pay other people with those facilities every so often so keep it in good shape. Its only 17 years old its not like a bloody model T
I've owned one for two weeks and could never imagine selling it. Best car I've ever owned without a doubt, completely understand why the voice was cracking at the end of the video.
Driving along in a Mini at 70 mph jumping all over the road and get overtaken by a church Transit driven by a nun lol. I loved my '61 Austin Mini I brought on my 15th birthday back in '71. I remember coming around a corner a little fast, touching the brakes and doing a 4 wheel slide before coming perfectly back inline. It was so exhilarating lol. I was never able to repeat it despite handbrake drifts etc. I remember approaching a corner too fast and going straight ahead, across a road and into someone's driveway, I had discovered understeer lol. It might have had a top speed of 72 mph, but I had it up to 96 down a hill, pity about the work works at the bottom reducing the road to a single lane, drum brakes of the size the Mini had weren't much bigger than your hand, and I was still doing 60 when I shot past the line of cars waiting to proceed, on the wrong side of the road, then saw the man managing the traffic was my neighbour. Someone was watching over me that day. Those were the days, young and carefree.
I've owned many cars though I can't say proudly it was my own since they were all given to me by my parents over time since I was working. But the feeling of being behind the wheel of your own ride is priceless and and had some accidents in some like my 99 Landcruiser when i left classes for the day and got t-boned by a slver tacoma pick-up. The weird thing about that day was the ridigity and sturdiness it possessed which saved my life. Then of course subsequently after that, I received a 2006 Beige Prius which was in my family for about 11 years but 6 for me. Did its job and purpose on the roads before meeting its fate in an accident on icy roads on the backroads of Cincinatti. I now have a 2016 WR Blue Pearl WRX which is the proper gentleman's rally rasher for the job.
I'm 56 now! I used to have an old 2nd hand "K" Reg. (1971) Mini Clubman many, many years ago. When I was 18/19, I even managed to get it up to **MPH on the old A23 going from Sussex to London on a quiet weekday evening. The car shook like mad, but once over a certain **MPH, it started to smooth out nicely. When I was in mid 30's, I looked at getting one of the old style, but a new Mini Cooper. The only problem I had was with the new seating. I couldn't get properly seated in the car because the new seats were much larger than the '71 Mini :-( I currently drive a BMW Mini Cooper S. Love it to pieces.
Ah man, that's sad. It's a cracking little motor and ideal for city blipping. That said, you're doing the right thing, however hard it is. Something like this is made to be driven, and hates to be idle. You've owned one, and you'll always have the memories of the experience.
I'm pretty sure someone will take great care of that Mini. It's a great little car. If I had the money, and I could import it to the states, I'd gladly take it.
sad to see your mini go, it's my starter car and i love it to death , ill never sell it if i don't need to but i see your problem ! It's just such an experience driving a classic mini , just love it.
My late father owned one of the first minis, 1956 or 1957? Anyway it broke down whenever it rained hard! Great little car I can just about remember from my early childhood,
I get it completely. I bought my father's '86 Buick Grand National from him when I was 16 and it needed some work, but I just couldn't keep up with all the little things that kept breaking. Ended up selling it back to him and he sold it to my brother. Brandon has since rebuilt the engine and transmission. I love minis and have enjoyed the few videos you have brought us about it.
The noise of the Vanquish starting in the background really hurt..... I mean they were icons for the channel: Mini - flagship, Vanquish - the old Shmee Blue colour like the old 12C
Brilliant little car, but as some much older cars it needs to be driven and used constantly to keep it running - standing still brings the problems and issues.. Very much the right decision to let it go! Hope it´ll get a new loving home soon!
Love the mini. I had a 1275gt for a short time and it was exactly as you described - brilliant. Your MOT was due on 20th June (anyone can check online) and given it failed on rear brakes if you had an accident then the police could throw the book at you, and your insurance could be potentially void. You might want to consider using a trailer next time or a local garage for the repair? Looking forward to finding out how you plan to fill your garage space left by the mini.
Maybe replace the Shmini with a Smart Crossblade. Still have the fun factor but a little more modern (2002). They hold thier value too & it would fit in the gap so you can keep your tyres in the same spot.
Farewell for the Shmini Tim, and the Aston Martin Vanquish 😭😭😭 two cars are going you need to make place for the new cars I hope it goes to a good new owner Shmee 😎😲
I will miss this car so much! It's one of my favorite cars because of the quirkiness of it and how cute it is! I wish we can get the final models in America
If the old MOT is still valid, and it fails a new MOT, you can still drive it until the old one expires. It's not a fail, rather a 'refusal to issue a new certificate'. If the old MOT had expired, and it then failed a test, then you can't drive it - except to/from a test centre. The Mini only failed for a rear brake imbalance (slight corrosion being advisory only) so hardly a big job to fix. You shouldn't have left it until the last day to get it tested.
What the heck kind of batteries do they sell in the UK? I have a cargo minivan that gets used only when I need to get gear to my gigs. It lives outside, at the mercy of the elements, not in a protective garage. It's not unusual for the van to sit for a week or two, occasionally three, even in the dead of winter (and in Montreal that can be brutally cold). The only time the battery ever goes flat is when it's many years old and can no longer crank enough in winter. These car UA-camrs seems to have dead batteries every other week. I might be able to understand if the car draws power constantly for accessories but 1) why would they, other than the little LED for the car alarm system? and 2) the Mini is an old car and surely doesn't have any modern bells & whistles that need to stay powered.
Tim, we always don't get what we wished.... I believe that all of us here has to say good bye to something close to our hearts. But GOOD things always come with BAD things (unwanted). Looking forward for the GTR and the Porsche that you've announced and maybe in the future you might even own a better classic car! Keep it up and keep your hopes high! :D
Aaaarrrggghhh!!!!!! You owned a Mini! You sold it! I keel you!!!!!!!!!!!! But no, yes, seriously, a classic Mini is like a puppy, it craves attention and if you leave it unattended, it becomes incredibly sad and will sulk and wee on the floor. I hope Shmini went to a good home. And I'm certain that you'll get another one day, because you've felt that emotional connection that has no logic. A Mini gets under your skin and you never forget it once you've loved one.
Damn shame. might have to move away from Mini myself in a few months. got a 2015 Mini in very similar spec to this one, but when I change cars in March next year, i'm steeling myself over having to change manufacturers. Don't wanna do so, but costs mean i'll have to. Mini's are so much fun to drive, bombing about the back roads has never been so much fun until now.
Exchange SH15MEE for 87 TB on the 675LT Spider, i feel like it's your flagship plate and your best one, it would be sad to not see it anymore :( but your choice, cheers tim!
No Tim, Nooooooooo!!!!!!! I understand what you are saying about not being able to drive the car, and I agree considering that British cars are known for deteriorating when you don't drive them, but still, nooooooooo!!! Let someone else use the car, or sell it to Sam from STG so at least we don't have to let him go completely. If you look after the car (follow the maintenance schedule!), He'll *NEVER* let you down!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Noo! :( why.. well... because it's a no go for him because he's away a lot and the Shmini must be driven a lot.. i love it, really.. it is a really special car..
I have an mpi mini. The batteries seem to drain fast on them. I ended up putting a switch on the battery so I can easily disconnect it when not in use.
Yup, classic cars are great on a good day, but they have few good days unfortunately and the rest of the time they are stress and irritation. I gave up on spending weekends fixing basic stuff that never goes wrong on modern cars, maybe when I'm retired and have a lot of free time I'll try classic car ownership again.
Hey Tim, you didn't tell us where we could buy it?? Lovely little mini ! Forget the abarths and brabus 125, it was the original city car and just the best to drive! I learned to drive in one , My Grandads!!! Ah Mini!
FireEye3405 greenlight The garage the mini is stored doesn't have power outlets,the other place Tim stores his cars does. But the garage with no power is the basement of his apartment block,so easy to reach.
It's time to say farewell to my classic Mini, or as it has become known, the Shmini. Hot on the heels of saying goodbye to my Aston Martin Vanquish, the Mini is the second car to leave the garage this month. I'm sad to see it go but what a great time I've had with it! Will you miss the car?
Shmee150 😢
Shmee150 😰😰😰 no its the only good car you had 😰😰😰
Tbh it's about time😂
Rip shmini
😭😭😭😭😭😢
Definitely thinking about buying a Mini Cooper for my first whip probably a 2006 or a 2007
You could of kept it Tim. It's not eating a hole in your pocket, you should of kept it. Best car in the garage.
He says he needs space in the garage,.... mini's are tiny, he can park at a friends house.
Definitely the best car in the garage with all that character and history.
the fact you were upset about selling the mini, shows why everyone should experience it. they're utterly incredible to experience. the sound the sense of speed and the fact your one bad bump from death only adds to the experience of motoring around in one. i somewhat don't share Tims point that the car is a bit of a joke, they're fun, they add smiles to everyone's face. but they were designed for a different era. where fuel was in short supply and people wanted cheap transportation. the fact it stood the test of time shows that this car was no joke, sure it was built to the British standard of "that'll do" but every mini is different because of it. i will miss the mini, i wish you'd shown more of it because it deserved it. and i hope you get another classic again in future, be it a mini or something even more special. as there are no greater joys in life in my opinion.
It's really sad to see the mini go. But sometimes in life you have to move on! Safe travells Shmini!
Hopefully it goes to a home where it will be treated well!
Shmee150 where are you going to sell it and for how much. I am very interested in classic mini's
I've always loved seeing your Mini amongst your supercars and now I'm afraid to see it that goes away!! But I'm glad and I can't wait to see the other cars incoming!!!
Shoutout to the mini owners! 🙌🏼
I miss the mini already
Me too, me too
this shows how much you appreciate cars, if it cant be used and loved it must go to a new home
freepieanchips well you can always pay other people with those facilities every so often so keep it in good shape. Its only 17 years old its not like a bloody model T
hes got trickle chargers and regularly drives all the others. i think some people just overkill
Goodbye shmini
I'm more sad about this car going then any other car he has sold
I've owned one for two weeks and could never imagine selling it. Best car I've ever owned without a doubt, completely understand why the voice was cracking at the end of the video.
It was a great little cool car. Thanks for sharing the experience.
Driving along in a Mini at 70 mph jumping all over the road and get overtaken by a church Transit driven by a nun lol. I loved my '61 Austin Mini I brought on my 15th birthday back in '71. I remember coming around a corner a little fast, touching the brakes and doing a 4 wheel slide before coming perfectly back inline. It was so exhilarating lol. I was never able to repeat it despite handbrake drifts etc. I remember approaching a corner too fast and going straight ahead, across a road and into someone's driveway, I had discovered understeer lol. It might have had a top speed of 72 mph, but I had it up to 96 down a hill, pity about the work works at the bottom reducing the road to a single lane, drum brakes of the size the Mini had weren't much bigger than your hand, and I was still doing 60 when I shot past the line of cars waiting to proceed, on the wrong side of the road, then saw the man managing the traffic was my neighbour. Someone was watching over me that day. Those were the days, young and carefree.
I've owned many cars though I can't say proudly it was my own since they were all given to me by my parents over time since I was working. But the feeling of being behind the wheel of your own ride is priceless and and had some accidents in some like my 99 Landcruiser when i left classes for the day and got t-boned by a slver tacoma pick-up. The weird thing about that day was the ridigity and sturdiness it possessed which saved my life. Then of course subsequently after that, I received a 2006 Beige Prius which was in my family for about 11 years but 6 for me. Did its job and purpose on the roads before meeting its fate in an accident on icy roads on the backroads of Cincinatti. I now have a 2016 WR Blue Pearl WRX which is the proper gentleman's rally rasher for the job.
I'm 56 now! I used to have an old 2nd hand "K" Reg. (1971) Mini Clubman many, many years ago. When I was 18/19, I even managed to get it up to **MPH on the old A23 going from Sussex to London on a quiet weekday evening. The car shook like mad, but once over a certain **MPH, it started to smooth out nicely.
When I was in mid 30's, I looked at getting one of the old style, but a new Mini Cooper. The only problem I had was with the new seating. I couldn't get properly seated in the car because the new seats were much larger than the '71 Mini :-(
I currently drive a BMW Mini Cooper S. Love it to pieces.
Ah man, that's sad. It's a cracking little motor and ideal for city blipping. That said, you're doing the right thing, however hard it is. Something like this is made to be driven, and hates to be idle. You've owned one, and you'll always have the memories of the experience.
the mini is such a fun little thing you really enjoyed driving it
looks good with these 4 additional lights
WHAT?! But it's so amazing WHY?!
I'll never understand how cars die from sitting. I've left my truck for over a whole month and it fired right on up.
Weird to think you had it for over a year, felt like yesterday when you got it! Sad to see it go :/
I'm pretty sure someone will take great care of that Mini. It's a great little car. If I had the money, and I could import it to the states, I'd gladly take it.
sad to see your mini go, it's my starter car and i love it to death , ill never sell it if i don't need to but i see your problem !
It's just such an experience driving a classic mini , just love it.
Undo all the little screws on the shift knob, turn it the right way up; and screw it back down.
Dude why do you sell it,it's a mini.
🙋🏼♂️early squad.. good-bye shimini 😢
You're looking very handsome Shmee.. did you shower?
Yury hd1 😂😂😂😂😂😂
My late father owned one of the first minis, 1956 or 1957? Anyway it broke down whenever it rained hard! Great little car I can just about remember from my early childhood,
I get it completely. I bought my father's '86 Buick Grand National from him when I was 16 and it needed some work, but I just couldn't keep up with all the little things that kept breaking. Ended up selling it back to him and he sold it to my brother. Brandon has since rebuilt the engine and transmission. I love minis and have enjoyed the few videos you have brought us about it.
I'm sure it gave you many smiles per hour. Onwards and upwards from here on in.
I am sure it was fun and I totally get the uniqueness of the experience.... makes sense to move it forward.
Your mini looks like Richard Hammonds mini in that top gear episode
Farewell, Shmini. No regrets, Tim. You had a good run. Cheers!
Well done for keeping the Mini so pristine Tim
That mini is gorgeous! The GB on the back + the wreath on the side is a nice touch!
The noise of the Vanquish starting in the background really hurt..... I mean they were icons for the channel: Mini - flagship, Vanquish - the old Shmee Blue colour like the old 12C
Makes absolutely practical sense, but what a bad ass car. Greetings from Colorado
Brilliant little car, but as some much older cars it needs to be driven and used constantly to keep it running - standing still brings the problems and issues.. Very much the right decision to let it go! Hope it´ll get a new loving home soon!
This car bought me to your channel, as I have just finished building one myself. Will be sad to see it go, can't wait for what's to come though!
Love the mini. I had a 1275gt for a short time and it was exactly as you described - brilliant. Your MOT was due on 20th June (anyone can check online) and given it failed on rear brakes if you had an accident then the police could throw the book at you, and your insurance could be potentially void. You might want to consider using a trailer next time or a local garage for the repair? Looking forward to finding out how you plan to fill your garage space left by the mini.
It hasn't been driven on a public road since then, and by law you are allowed to drive it to a booked appointment.
The Shmini didn't always do its job but it will be missed for its couple of moments.
Please don't sell it it's one of a kind and different , it's the real lovely car , like if agree
I would keep it. I love the old Mini's as well as the new ones.
NOOOOOOO!! It can't be Tim, keep it for longer please!!
Well, I won't miss it because of the 2 monsters that you have coming(the GT3 and the AMG GT R). Can't wait to see the delivery videos.
A very sad day indeed. Even though it had a short run. Will miss the Shmini on the channel......
A year and 4 months seems longer than most UA-camrs hold onto their cars xD
You should give it away in a competition!!!
Beautiful car much nicer than the newer version..on the eyes at least
Maybe replace the Shmini with a Smart Crossblade. Still have the fun factor but a little more modern (2002). They hold thier value too & it would fit in the gap so you can keep your tyres in the same spot.
I prefer this Mini to the modern era Mini cars, it's so much nicer.
No way it's already been a year since you got the mini?! I thought it was only 4-5 months.... wow time flys.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
Farewell for the Shmini Tim, and the Aston Martin Vanquish 😭😭😭 two cars are going you need to make place for the new cars I hope it goes to a good new owner Shmee 😎😲
I will miss this car so much! It's one of my favorite cars because of the quirkiness of it and how cute it is! I wish we can get the final models in America
Seeing this one go makes me sad. I get why you sell it, but it will be missed. These are special cars.
Farewell Shmini you won't be missed.
I´ve always loved this car, even though it´s from Rover´s era. Will you post a link when it´s ready for sale?
You sound so sad you clearly love it. You defnietly get attatched to old cars with character
I want a mini
You definitely need to buy another one of these!
If the old MOT is still valid, and it fails a new MOT, you can still drive it until the old one expires. It's not a fail, rather a 'refusal to issue a new certificate'. If the old MOT had expired, and it then failed a test, then you can't drive it - except to/from a test centre. The Mini only failed for a rear brake imbalance (slight corrosion being advisory only) so hardly a big job to fix. You shouldn't have left it until the last day to get it tested.
What the heck kind of batteries do they sell in the UK? I have a cargo minivan that gets used only when I need to get gear to my gigs. It lives outside, at the mercy of the elements, not in a protective garage. It's not unusual for the van to sit for a week or two, occasionally three, even in the dead of winter (and in Montreal that can be brutally cold). The only time the battery ever goes flat is when it's many years old and can no longer crank enough in winter.
These car UA-camrs seems to have dead batteries every other week. I might be able to understand if the car draws power constantly for accessories but 1) why would they, other than the little LED for the car alarm system? and 2) the Mini is an old car and surely doesn't have any modern bells & whistles that need to stay powered.
I feel sorry for shmee to see all of his coolest cars go
If you keep going like this you'll have no cars left! I look forward to Shmee 150 takes the bus series of blogs! Lol
The best car you've ever had shmee150
Tim, we always don't get what we wished.... I believe that all of us here has to say good bye to something close to our hearts. But GOOD things always come with BAD things (unwanted). Looking forward for the GTR and the Porsche that you've announced and maybe in the future you might even own a better classic car! Keep it up and keep your hopes high! :D
Aaaarrrggghhh!!!!!!
You owned a Mini!
You sold it!
I keel you!!!!!!!!!!!!
But no, yes, seriously, a classic Mini is like a puppy, it craves attention and if you leave it unattended, it becomes incredibly sad and will sulk and wee on the floor.
I hope Shmini went to a good home. And I'm certain that you'll get another one day, because you've felt that emotional connection that has no logic. A Mini gets under your skin and you never forget it once you've loved one.
Tim was the Specialized bike purchase linked to your Mclaren purchases! Very nice bike!
Damn shame. might have to move away from Mini myself in a few months. got a 2015 Mini in very similar spec to this one, but when I change cars in March next year, i'm steeling myself over having to change manufacturers. Don't wanna do so, but costs mean i'll have to.
Mini's are so much fun to drive, bombing about the back roads has never been so much fun until now.
Exchange SH15MEE for 87 TB on the 675LT Spider, i feel like it's your flagship plate and your best one, it would be sad to not see it anymore :( but your choice, cheers tim!
''Today is a sad day!''*smiles*
Bye, bye Mini..... you will be missed!
Buy a Mercedes Benz Sprinter van and brand it with Shmee150 stickers and use it for when you go on tour, also it would be good to keep car tyres in 🚗🚗
No Tim, Nooooooooo!!!!!!!
I understand what you are saying about not being able to drive the car, and I agree considering that British cars are known for deteriorating when you don't drive them, but still, nooooooooo!!!
Let someone else use the car, or sell it to Sam from STG so at least we don't have to let him go completely. If you look after the car (follow the maintenance schedule!), He'll *NEVER* let you down!
Very good video. Made me want and browse through the classic Mini list. :D
Surprised it lasted that long considering the times it went wrong.
Every 12 months once a car reaches three years old actually for mot!
Sad but new cars coming soon so need the space
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Noo! :( why.. well... because it's a no go for him because he's away a lot and the Shmini must be driven a lot.. i love it, really.. it is a really special car..
I have an mpi mini. The batteries seem to drain fast on them. I ended up putting a switch on the battery so I can easily disconnect it when not in use.
Was a good run, Mini!
There's no bs number on the plate!
R.I.P we loved you in the Italian job
Tim, If you were given the opportunity to have back one of your cars, would it be the Mini, the Vanquish Volante or another?
Yup, classic cars are great on a good day, but they have few good days unfortunately and the rest of the time they are stress and irritation. I gave up on spending weekends fixing basic stuff that never goes wrong on modern cars, maybe when I'm retired and have a lot of free time I'll try classic car ownership again.
Lovely little car, it's a shame I am not rich enough to have more than 1 car or I would buy it and have you send it to the US :) ♥
i am gonna miss it, it is just so outstanding and uniq (i hope thats how you spell it)
Dont do it Tim!!. Stick a Type R engine in, youll love it!
The Shmini is leaving !!! Shmee is in cleaning mode haha
Hey Tim, you didn't tell us where we could buy it?? Lovely little mini ! Forget the abarths and brabus 125, it was the original city car and just the best to drive! I learned to drive in one , My Grandads!!! Ah Mini!
the only thing i retained in this video is the bus in the background at 6:51 XD
Poutre La Loutre Advertisement -bombing time 1000
Going to be fun storing the spare wheels in a bay that doesn't contain a mini size car?
that car got soul...
Thinks Tim
iam going to miss the MItty great little car good luck
i am really going to miss the mini
87TB needs to go on the 675lt S! looked good on the coupe
Tim, do you cycle? There's a bike next to the mini ;P
Wise choice, it needs driven and you simply don't have the time.
I don't see a reason why you could not connect the mini to a charger like all the other cars.
Could you explain why that is?
FireEye3405 greenlight
The garage the mini is stored doesn't have power outlets,the other place Tim stores his cars does.
But the garage with no power is the basement of his apartment block,so easy to reach.
Great video. I can see and understand your sadness. Thanks for your great work!