Time to warm up the Tivos… this Wednesday (1.12.05) at 9pm EST the History Channel will feature a 1978 Mini on it's Full Throttle program. Here's the preview (from historychannel.com):
“The Little Car that Could”, the 1978 English Mini becomes a road racer with a new suspension, braking system, and engine upgrades. Fasten your seatbelts for a wild ride as Full Throttle heads to the drag strip in revamped vintage cars. Part reality show, part history, we give two teams the same model of car in similar disrepair, garages, tools, and parts, and just two days to prepare before competing in an all-or-nothing drag race–and in this episode, on a road track with English-style right-hand drive cars! The winner drives away in both cars; the loser walks away empty-handed; the viewer gets an adrenaline dose of automotive history.
<p>I checked Tivo last night – it was already planning to record it from a “MINI Cooper” wishlist ;)</p>
<p>Tape's in the machine!</p>
<pre><code> BCNU,
Rob in Dago
</code></pre>
<p>…thanks for the heads-up,Gabe… I will be watching…</p>
<p>Awesome!</p>
<p>Got thhe HD DVR set!</p>
<p>Is there a History HD? I don't think my Comcast HD carries it if there is.</p>
<p>Gabe, no History HD….. i wish tho…</p>
<p>Sounds interesting, but they are going to drag race the Minis? I'll wait to see the show, but for a car renowned for fantastic handing, why do something as pointless as go in a straight line?</p>
<p>I'm glad I can set my tivo from work.</p>
<p>Anybody know what time it will be on in San Diego?
It'll give me something to watch tonight in my hotel room to ameliorate my MINI withdrawl symptoms…</p>
<p>Only smidgens of the new MINI, it turned out, but plenty on the two Minis used in the production. Basically, they tweaked a couple of 1978 Mini 1000s with some adjustable supensions, bigger carbs, disc brakes, all in one day, then went to Willow Springs and flogged 'em around in shifts for FTD. The winning team got to take both of 'em home. It brought back memories, (or nightmares!) watchin' 'em wrenching on the little beasts. Neither crew had driven a RHD FWD B4, and altho they didn't embarass themselves, they failed to use trailing throttle oversteer to good effect with those skinny ten-inchers, IMHO. There was lots of archival footage, including Issigonis, and 33 EJB, one of the Monte winners. All in all it was fun. 😉 </p>
<pre><code> BCNU,
Rob in Dago
</code></pre>
<p>Great show, brought back memories of when I was in England in the 60's. Thanks for the heads up on the show.</p>
<p>Just an FYI.
The show will be re-run on February 5th at 5:00pm EST.
At least so sayeth the History Channel website.</p>
<p>When will the History Channel show TORO TORO TORO again?</p>