After seven years and almost 96,000 miles multiple drives, rallies, and even some time on the track, Penfold, my 2005 MINI Cooper S is no longer my 2005 MINI Cooper S.  If you aren’t a part of the MINI community, you might not understand (I can almost guarantee you won’t).  MINI as a brand does a great job of getting many owners to make their cars a part of the family.  Penfold was just that and a car that always put a smile on my face.  He had his little issues (doesn’t everyone) but he pulled through and was a joy to motor in.  I hope whoever has him now enjoys him half as much as I did.  What finally got him was an alternator, crankshaft harmonic balancer, after what I had thought would be some basic repairs to get him set for MINI Takes The States.  It was not to be.  If you happen to see a grey MINI with a white roof smile and wave- I know I will.

Oh and for those who know about MINI Takes The States and saw me on the road (Ian- “spoilers!”)- next week starts out recap of the event that makes me wonder why other car companies don’t treat their owners as well.  For those who don’t want me to have 18 strips (that translates to 6 weeks) focusing on “What I did my Summer Vacation”  don’t worry.  My plan has always been to do MTTS as a series of full comic pages covering multiple days of the 11 days we had with MINIUSA and the days driving home.  I don’t know how long it will be, but I’m guessing no more than 2 weeks… but “Pop’s” in Oklahoma might require a full day (“urp!”).  After the MTTS run we will return to our regular format.