MINI madness!
Thinking of driving a MINI the length of Africa? Too late, it's already underway...The things some people do! A group of four mad MINI fans has set off to conquer Africa in new MINI Cooper Ss.
In fact, three of the hot hatches are just over two weeks into a 49-day MINI Odyssey from Johannesburg up the eastern side of Africa to the marque's factory in Oxford (UK)
The four-man MINI Odyssey squad is led by 58-year old Roger Pearce. A veteran of several long-distance rallies including the 1990 London to Cape Town, the 1993 London to Sydney, 1995 London to Mexico and two Targa Tasmanias, Pearce recently undertook a single-handed excursion from South Africa to the UK along a route very similar to that which the MINIs are using.
The other two MINIs are piloted by Steve Mearns and Matthew Nash (both 25), both of whom have extensive rally and technical experience. Sean Simpson (36), an ex-Navy communications specialist turned television producer will act as back-up driver and ensure the MINI Odyssey team stays in touch with the outside world.
The Coopers are remarkably stock, according to MINI. (Ed: though we bet they've left the runflats at home!)
According to Pearce: “Apart from ensuring we’ve got enough ground clearance and sufficient underbody protection, along with steel rims and robust tyres, these cars are mechanically identical to the MINIs available to customers.”
Preparation of the cars took two months. The development of the suspension and underbody modifications were carried out on one vehicle and later transferred, in identical format, to the other two. Changes include: a nose-to-tail skidplate, strut braces, and heavy-duty shocks and springs which have raised the ground clearance to approximately 230mm.
Each car is essentially self-sufficient, carrying the supplies needed for the journey. These provisions include spare wheels, toolboxes, tools, hoses, tow ropes, puncture kits and electrical maintenance equipment, jacks, tyre levers, wheel spanners, jerry cans, fire-extinguishers, first aid kits, sand spades and jumper-cables. There's even a freezer in one of the cars. They are also fitted with Garmin Quest satelitte navigation equipment.
The trip is the subject of a website (of course!). To follow the MINI Odyssey (and win prizes) click here.
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