About me:
There were always plenty of cars and bikes around growing up and this had a strong influence on me right from the start. My grandma’s front garden was turned into a parking lot for three old bangers that sat for many years that some could say were junk but I loved them. The first Mini I ever went in (a lovely 1970s poo brown mini) was bought for my grandma to learn to drive in. I can still clearly remember sitting in the back bouncing around into the air as the Mini flew over the bumps and absolutely loving it. One time I even remember the bonnet flying up whilst we were driving along.
Then there was the CSK Range Rover that came along when I was a bit older that was one of my favourite cars. I knew it was a nice car, but never understood how rare it was until long after we had sold it. To me it was just an awesome fancy car with 2 doors and beige leather seats and felt really high tech. We affectionately named him Rangey. I was so upset when we sold that car. Somewhere, we still have the original number plate as a little keepsake of one of my all-time favourite cars.
There have been some awful cars along the way too, as well as some I have learnt that my parents had before I was born that I was gutted to find they had either sold or some even given away. There was the Triumph TR6 imported from the USA, then there was the rust bucket MGA that was sold for next to nothing. One of the ones I wish most of all they had kept was my mum’s 1275GT.
I knew a Mini (a proper mini, not the BMW imposters) had to be my first car. For my 17th birthday I was given a £250 Mini that my dad had bought for me from a friend and it was one of the best gifts I could of ever have gotten. I still have my Mini 10 years later and it means the absolute world to me, although most of it has been replaced with new parts!
Every time I drive the mini, I still get the biggest smile. I drive it every day and take it anywhere I can. It has been to Wales, Cornwall multiple times and most recently to Scotland.
Along with my love of Minis, I have always had a love of American Muscle cars from the first time I ever saw one and from this developed my dream to drive across America in a classic muscle car. I thought and dreamt about it for a long time until I finally decided that I needed to get on and do it…. and so comes this blog to document my trip. Welcome and I hope you enjoy reading!