Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey*– It has been said that to be a true MINI enthusiast you must have owned or own a classic Mini. Having a garage filled with MINI-related stuff just doesn’t cut it. In the US the classic Mini is a rarity, unlike the UK where you’ll find one at most thrift shops […] More...
It is disappointing to see the Daily Toggle don't know their own heritage that well, as the full heritage package should also include the magic wand gearlever fitted to early classic Minis. Not only did this make gear selection an exciting guessing game ("put that stick somewhere else Daphne, we're slowing down") but it also allowed a sharp clutch engagement (the only sort possible in an early Mini) to rock the engine enough that the weight of the long gearlever would pull it out of first or third gear. Now that was real engineering.....
Who knew.... Mini was on to something way way ahead of their time... Early Mini DSG transmission... Anticipating the next gear change in advance....