The lightweight sports car that redefined handling—and became one of the most rewarding cars I've ever owned.
Specifications
Year - 1965
Engine - 1.6 LTR MWE BUILT
Transmission - 4 SPEED MANUAL
Power - 150
Years Owned - 10
Favorite Drive - ANY WARM SUMMER EVE
Current Status - RUNNING GREAT!
1965
1965 Lotus Elan S2 26R Spec — The Chronicle
Some automobiles leave an impression long before you ever have the chance to own one. For me, the Lotus Elan was that car. I first fell in love with its shape and philosophy at thirteen years old, drawn to Colin Chapman's belief that simplicity and lightness could create one of the purest driving experiences ever built.
Years later, while attending college, I had the opportunity to work at Automotive Restorations, Inc., where I helped restore numerous Lotus Elans—from Series 1 through Series 4. Although each had its own character, I always found myself drawn to the elegance and purity of the early Series 1 and Series 2 cars. Little did I know that those experiences were quietly preparing me for something decades later.
A LEGEND FROM ACROSS THE POND
Specifications
Year - 1969
Engine - 2.5 LTR OHV INLINE-6
Transmission - 4-SPEED MANUAL
Power - 104 HP
Drivetrain - FRONT-ENGINE, REAR-WHEEL DRIVE
Chassis Code - TR6
Years Owned - 13 YEARS
Favorite Drive - Roads through new england
Current Status - running great!
1965
1969 Triumph TR6 — The Chronicle
Some automobiles become part of your life long after the excitement of buying them has passed. The Triumph TR6 is one of those cars for me. It's a reminder of why I fell in love with classic motoring in the first place—not because of outright performance or modern conveniences, butbecause of the connection between driver, machine and road.
Introduced in 1969, the TR6 represented the evolution of Triumph's traditional British roadster formula. Its unmistakable squared-off styling, muscular proportions and six-cylinder engine gave it a character all its own. With styling by Karmann and engineering rooted in Triumph's sporting heritage, the TR6 managed to feel both purposeful and approachable.
What makes the TR6 special is the experience it delivers. The sound of the inline-six, the feel of the steering and the open-air character of the car all contribute to a kind of driving enjoyment that can be difficult to replicate in a modern automobile. It asks you to participate in the experience rather than simply direct it.
After years of ownership, that connection becomes something more than nostalgia. Older cars require attention, patience and a willingness to understand their quirks. There are repairs to make, lessons to learn and moments when the simplest drive becomes a story worth telling.
That's part of what Fuel Up Design: Chronicles is about. The TR6 isn't just a classic British roadster sitting in a collection. It's a continuing story of ownership, preservation, maintenance and the simple pleasure of taking the long way home.
Some cars impress you when you first see them. Others keep reminding you why you bought them. The Triumph TR6 does both.
A forgotten Italian icon proving that driving enjoyment has nothing to do with horsepower.
Specifications
Year - 1975
Engine - 1.3 LTR SOHC INLINE-4 (1,290 CC)
Transmission - 4-SPEED MANUAL
Power - 61 HP
Drivetrain - MID-ENGINE, REAR-WHEEL DRIVE
Chassis Code - X1/9
Years Owned - 6 YEARS
Favorite Drive - crisp fall day
Current Status - running great!
1975 Fiat X1/9 — The Chronicle
Some sports cars make their impression through power, size or prestige. The Fiat X1/9 takes a different approach. With its mid-engine layout, compact proportions and unmistakable wedge-shaped body designed by Bertone, it represents a period when automotive designers were rethinking what a small sports car could be.
What has always made the X1/9 interesting to me is its sense of purpose. Its proportions are shaped by the mechanical package beneath them, giving the car a distinctive character that feels as much like a design exercise as a driving machine. The removable roof panel adds another dimension to the experience, while the compact footprint and mid-engine configuration give it a personality all its own.
The X1/9 is a reminder that an engaging automobile doesn't need enormous horsepower or extravagant proportions to leave an impression. Sometimes the greatest reward comes from a car that feels light, responsive and thoughtfully conceived. It is a little piece of Italian automotive design that deserves to be remembered—not simply for what it was, but for the driving philosophy it represents.
1975
British luxury at its finest, preserved exactly as Coventry intended.
Specifications
Engine - 4.2 LTR DOHC INLINE-6
Fuel System - ELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTION
Transmission - 3-SPEED AUTOMATIC
Power - APPROX. 176 HP
Drivetrain - FRONT-ENGINE, REAR-WHEEL DRIVE
Model - XJ6L SERIES II
Exterior Color - BRITISH RACING GREEN
Paint Code - BLVC254
Years Owned - 8 YEARS
Favorite Drive - sweeping back roads
Current Status - running great!
1978 Jaguar XJ6L Series II — The Chronicle
There is a particular elegance to a classic Jaguar that goes beyond its shape. The long hood, flowing bodywork, restrained detailing and carefully proportioned cabin give the XJ6 a presence that feels confident without being overstated. It represents a distinctly British interpretation of luxury—one built around comfort, craftsmanship and effortless road manners rather than excess.
The Series II XJ6 carries that character into the late 1970s, with the long-wheelbase XJ6L offering an especially generous sense of proportion. Its design balances formal elegance with a subtle sporting character, creating a sedan that feels equally appropriate arriving at an important occasion or settling into a long drive. The details matter: the relationship between the hood and cabin, the shape of the glasshouse, and the way the exterior lines flow from front to rear.
For me, the appeal of a car like this lies in its ability to make an ordinary drive feel like an occasion. The XJ6L belongs to an era when a luxury automobile was expected to deliver more than transportation. It was expected to have character. And despite the passage of time, that combination of elegance, comfort and individuality remains a compelling part of Jaguar's legacy.
1978
THE CAR I SHOULD HAVE NEVER SOLD
Specifications
Year - 1985
Engine - 1.6 LTR DOHC 16-VALVE 4A-GE INLINE-4
Transmission - 5-SPEED MANUAL
Power - 112 HP @ 6,600 RPM
Torque - 105 LB-FT @ 5,000 RPM
Drivetrain - MID-ENGINE, REAR-WHEEL DRIVE
Chassis Code - AW11
Body Style - 2-DOOR TARGA-TOP COUPE
Exterior Color - SUPER WHITE (VERIFY PAINT CODE)
Interior Color - BLACK / CHARCOAL WITH SILVER-GRAY INSERTS
Mileage - 112,000 MILES (AT TIME OF PURCHASE)
Production Date - DECEMBER 1984
Restoration Status - RESTORATION PROJECT
1985 TOYOTA MR2 - The Chronicle
Some automobiles leave a lasting impression long after they've left your life. For me, the 1985 Toyota MR2 is one of those cars. I bought one new, only to sell it years later to help pay for my education at the College for Creative Studies. Decades later, I found another remarkably close to the original—including a production date just one month before my first MR2 was built.
With its mid-engine layout, distinctive wedge-shaped styling and engaging driving character, the original MR2 represented a different approach to the affordable sports car. Now, with its engine removed before 23 years in storage, this one presents a new challenge: bringing it back to life.
Sometimes you can't get back the car you once owned. But every now and then, you find one that comes remarkably close.
1985
THE GRAND TOURER THAT DARED TO BE DIFFERENT
Specifications
Year - 1988
Engine - 5.0 LTR DOHC 32-VALVE V8 (4,957 CC)
Transmission - 5-SPEED MANUAL
Power - 316 HP @ 6,000 RPM
Torque - 317 LB-FT
Drivetrain - FRONT-ENGINE, REAR-WHEEL DRIVE
Fuel System - BOSCH LH-JETRONIC ELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTION
Chassis - 928 S4
Body Style - 3-DOOR GRAND TOURING COUPE
Top Speed - APPROX. 165 MPH
Curb Weight - APPROX. 3,505 LBS
Exterior Color - GUARDS RED
Interior Color - CHAMPAGNE
Mileage - 35,000 MILES
1988 PORSCHE 928 S4 - The Chronicle
When people think of Porsche, the silhouette of the 911 usually comes to mind. But Porsche's history includes another remarkable machine—one that challenged convention and demonstrated that the company's engineering philosophy could take a very different form.
The 928 was conceived as a sophisticated grand touring car, combining high-speed capability with comfort, refinement and a distinctive front-engine, rear-transaxle layout. Its long hood, sweeping fastback profile, pop-up headlights and broad rear haunches gave it a presence unlike anything else in the Porsche lineup.
By 1988, the 928 S4 had evolved into a particularly accomplished expression of that original idea. Its 5.0-liter V8, advanced chassis engineering and carefully developed aerodynamics delivered the performance expected of a Porsche while retaining the composure of a true grand tourer. Rather than following the familiar rear-engine formula, the 928 offered a different interpretation of what a high-performance Porsche could be.
From a design perspective, the 928 has always been fascinating. Its proportions are unconventional, yet remarkably cohesive. The relationship between the hood, cabin and rear bodywork creates a shape that feels futuristic even decades after its introduction. Details such as the integrated bumpers and distinctive lighting contribute to a design that was intended to move Porsche forward rather than simply repeat what had come before.
The 928 also represents an important period in automotive history, when manufacturers were exploring new combinations of technology, comfort and performance. It was a car built for covering serious distances quickly, with the refinement to make those miles feel effortless.
For Fuel Up Design: Chronicles, the 928 S4 is an opportunity to explore more than a model's specifications or reputation. It's a chance to appreciate the thinking behind the design, the engineering choices that shaped the driving experience and the character that makes this Porsche so different from the cars that came before and after it.
Sometimes the most interesting automobiles are the ones that refuse to follow the expected path. The Porsche 928 S4 is a reminder that great automotive design isn't always about preserving tradition. Sometimes, it's about having the confidence to imagine something entirely different.
1988
A PURE EXPRESSION OF THE 911
Specifications
Year - 2002
Model - 911 CARRERA C2 (996)
Engine - 3.6 LTR DOHC 24-VALVE FLAT-6
Transmission - 6-SPEED MANUAL
Power - 320 HP @ 6,800 RPM
Torque - 273 LB-FT @ 4,250 RPM
Drivetrain - REAR-ENGINE, REAR-WHEEL DRIVE
Fuel System - BOSCH MOTRONIC ELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTION
Body Style - 2-DOOR COUPE
Exterior Color - TITANIUM SILVER METALLIC
Interior Color - BLACK
Purchase Date - JULY 2015
Purchased Mileage - 6,870 MILES
Current Mileage - APPROX. 25,500 MILES
Factory Features - ORIGINAL CASSETTE DECK, CASSETTE HOLDERS AND CD CHANGER
2002 Porsche 911 Carrera C2 (996) — The Chronicle
Sometimes, the right car is the one that gives you exactly what you want—and nothing you don't.
I purchased this 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera C2 from Auto Europe in July 2015, with just 6,870 miles on the odometer. It was a remarkably low-mileage example of the 996 generation, and what appealed to me was its simplicity. Finished in Titanium Silver, equipped with a manual transmission and ordered with minimal options, it represented the kind of 911 I wanted to own.
The options that were included were carefully chosen. The wheels gave the car its distinctive stance, while the silver-painted center console, aluminum and leather shift knob, and silver instrument gauges added subtle details to the interior. Nothing felt excessive. The combination was understated, cohesive and distinctly Porsche.
The 996 occupies an interesting place in the history of the 911. Introduced for the 1999 model year in the United States, it marked a major transition for the series, with a water-cooled flat-six replacing the traditional air-cooled engine. Its design carried the familiar rear-engine proportions into a new era, combining the unmistakable 911 silhouette with a more contemporary interpretation of Porsche's sports-car formula.
What I appreciate most about this particular car is how well it has served me. The odometer now reads approximately 25,500 miles, reflecting years of ownership and enjoyment rather than simply sitting in storage. It's a car I can take out and drive, appreciating both its engineering and the everyday usability that made the 996 such an important evolution of the 911.
And then there's the original equipment that has survived all these years. The car still has its factory cassette deck, complete with the appropriate cassette holders in the center stack. It also came with a CD changer in the front luggage compartment—or frunk, as it's now commonly called. In an era when digital music has become the norm, these details offer a charming reminder of how we experienced our cars at the beginning of the 2000’s.
For a designer, the appeal of the 996 is in the balance between evolution and restraint. It remains recognizably a 911 while reflecting the technology, design priorities and expectations of its time. This one doesn't need a long list of options or dramatic modifications to make its point.
Sometimes, the best specification is the one that leaves the essential experience intact.
More than a decade after purchasing it, this 911 remains a wonderful part of the collection—and a reminder that the pleasure of owning a sports car often comes from choosing the right one in the first place.
2002
A MINI ADVENTURE THAT NEVER REALLY ENDED
Specifications
Year - 2003
Model - MINI COOPER S (R53)
Engine - 1.6 LTR SUPERCHARGED 16-VALVE INLINE-4
Transmission - 6-SPEED MANUAL
Power - 163 HP @ 6,000 RPM
Torque - 155 LB-FT @ 4,000 RPM
Drivetrain - FRONT-ENGINE, FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE
Fuel System - ELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTION
Body Style - 2-DOOR HATCHBACK
Exterior Color - DARK SILVER METALLIC
Sunroof - NOT EQUIPPED
Interior - RECARO SPORTSTER SEATS (INSTALLED 2006)
Wheels - PIAA
Purchase - ORDERED APRIL 2003
Delivery - AUGUST 2003
Modifications - OWNER-PERFORMED, EVOLVING OVER TIME
Maintenance - SUPERCHARGER SERVICE PERFORMED BY OWNER
Current Status - SUSPENSION REFRESH AND MAINTENANCE IN PROGRESS
2003 MINI COOPER S — The Chronicle
In April 2003, I ordered a brand-new MINI Cooper S. It arrived in August, and what began as the purchase of a new car eventually became one of the longest-running automotive relationships in my collection.
This was an exciting period for MINI. The brand had returned under BMW's ownership, bringing a modern interpretation of the original Mini to a new generation of drivers. The Cooper S added a supercharged engine, a six-speed manual transmission and a more sporting chassis to the distinctive shape and personality that made the new MINI so appealing.
One of the things I remember about ordering my car was the anticipation. Buyers could follow the production process, watch their car progress through the factory and eventually see a VIN assigned to the vehicle. It created a personal connection before the car had even arrived at the dealership. You weren't simply choosing a car from the showroom floor. You were waiting for your car to be built.
Finished in Dark Silver Metallic and ordered without a sunroof, mine became a canvas for the kind of personalization that MINI owners know so well. Over the years, I've made numerous changes, including PIAA wheels and Recaro Sportster seats installed in 2006. There are far too many details to list here, and the car's evolution has become part of its identity.
The MINI has also proved itself to be much more than a local runabout. I've driven it across the country twice between Michigan and California, traveled throughout California between Los Angeles and San Diego, made trips to Pennsylvania, and enjoyed the unforgettable roads around the Tail of the Dragon. Through all those miles, it has delivered the character, agility and sense of occasion that make these cars so engaging.
My relationship with the MINI has extended beyond driving and modifications. A few years ago, I performed the supercharger service myself, an opportunity to get hands-on with the mechanical side of a car I know so well. It's one of the satisfying parts of long-term ownership: learning the machine, maintaining it and continuing to make it your own.
The car even had a moment in print, appearing in MC2 MINI magazine. One of the photographs from that feature captures me standing beside it—a snapshot of a chapter in the car's life that I'm glad to have preserved.
Today, the MINI is up on the lift for a well-deserved suspension refresh and other maintenance. After years of driving, modifying and enjoying it, it's time to give it the attention it needs before returning to the road. I'm looking forward to getting it back out there next year.
More than two decades after ordering it, this MINI remains a part of my automotive story. It has carried me across states, evolved alongside my interests, and given me countless reasons to keep it.
Some cars come and go. Others become part of the journey.
This MINI has been both the adventure and the companion.
2003
A PURE EXPRESSION OF LIGHTWEIGHT PERFORMANCE
Specifications
Year: 2005
Make / Model: Lotus Elise
Engine: 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve inline-4 (Toyota 2ZZ-GE)
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Power: 190 hp
Torque: 138 lb-ft
Layout: Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Induction: Naturally aspirated
Body Style: 2-door roadster with removable roof panel
Exterior Color: Graphite Silver
Interior: Red
Factory Package: Touring Pack — including power windows and additional carpeting
Suspension Upgrade: Adjustable ride-height Nitron dampers
Wheels: PIAA wheels, installed in 2008
Track Experience: Multiple Lotus track days at Grattan Raceway
Ownership: Purchased new; ordered May 2004, delivered May 2005
Current Use: Fair-weather drives and occasional enthusiast events
2005 LOTUS ELISE — The Chronicle
Some cars are purchased to be driven every day. Others are saved for special occasions. The Lotus Elise has always been a little of both—a precision instrument that rewards the driver every time the road opens up.
I ordered my Elise in May 2004, and it arrived a year later, in May 2005. Finished in Graphite Silver, one of Lotus's distinctive lifestyle colors, with a contrasting red interior, it was exactly the kind of focused, unconventional sports car that appealed to me. I also specified the Touring Pack, which added power windows and a few carefully placed touches of carpet without compromising the Elise's lightweight philosophy.
Over the years, I've made a handful of personal upgrades while preserving what makes the car special. Adjustable ride-height Nitron dampers sharpen its handling and allow the suspension to be set up to suit the car's needs. PIAA wheels were added in 2008 while I was in California, giving the Elise its own distinctive look.
The car has made the trip to California, although it was shipped rather than driven cross-country. Closer to home, it has enjoyed several outings at Grattan Raceway for Lotus track days. Those events offer a chance to experience the Elise in its natural environment, where its light weight, responsive chassis, and direct connection between driver and road come together.
Most of the time, though, the Elise is reserved for beautiful days and enjoyable drives. It doesn't need to be used every day to make an impression. More than two decades after ordering it, the car still looks remarkably new—a testament to how much I've enjoyed owning it and how carefully it has been kept.
I've owned this Elise since it was new, and it remains one of those cars that never needs to justify its place in the collection. It delivers exactly what I wanted from it: an engaging driving experience, distinctive design, and the unmistakable character of a Lotus.
Some cars become part of your history because of the miles you travel. Others stay with you because of how they make you feel behind the wheel. The Elise has managed to do both.
5
2005
005
THE DRIVER'S BMW — A CONNECTION THAT NEVER LET GO
front
rear
Specifications
Year: 2005
Make / Model: BMW 330Ci ZHP Coupe
Chassis: E46 facelift coupe
Performance Package: ZHP / BMW Performance Package
Engine: 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve inline-6 (M54B30, ZHP-specific camshafts and engine calibration)
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Power: 235 hp @ 5,900 rpm
Torque: 222 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Final Drive: Shorter ZHP performance ratio
Exterior Color: Sparkling Graphite Metallic
Interior: Black
Brakes: Brembo big-brake kit — 355 mm front / 345 mm rear rotors
Engine Tuning: Shark tune
Steering Wheel: Original Alcantara ZHP steering wheel retained
Wheels: Aftermarket wheels; current set replaced the previous set after 17 years
Acquired: 2008, while working at a BMW dealership
Travel: Transported to California; later driven back to Michigan
Current Character: Mostly original in spirit, with selected performance upgrades
2005 BMW 330Ci ZHP — The Chronicle
Some automobiles stay with you long after you've sold them. Years later, when the right one appears, you don't need much convincing.
I'd learned that lesson with my previous BMW, an E36 325is. I regretted selling it, so when a 2005 BMW 330Ci ZHP came along in 2008, I was ready to fall for another BMW driver's coupe. At the time, I was working at a BMW dealership, and the opportunity was especially fitting: I'd sold a new E92 to the previous owner, who had leased it, and the ZHP soon found its way into my hands.
Finished in Sparkling Graphite Metallic with a black interior, this was no ordinary 3 Series. The ZHP Performance Package represented BMW's enthusiast-minded approach to performance—not a full M car, but a carefully developed combination of power, chassis tuning, steering response, and understated visual distinction. It was the kind of automobile that rewarded someone who appreciated the engineering behind the driving experience.
The package's 3.0-liter inline-six received revised camshafts and engine management, producing 235 horsepower. A shorter final-drive ratio, six-speed manual transmission, more focused suspension, and staggered 18-inch wheels helped make the ZHP feel sharper and more responsive than a standard 330Ci. Inside, details such as the Alcantara steering wheel, distinctive trim, and red instrument needles reinforced its purpose without overwhelming the cabin.
After acquiring the BMW, I had it serviced and took it with me to California. Like my MINI, it made the journey west by transport rather than by a cross-country drive behind the wheel. Years later, when I began working at Ford, I drove it back to Michigan. It has been part of my automotive life through different jobs, places, and chapters, and it has remained one of those automobiles I genuinely enjoy owning.
Over time, I've made a few thoughtful changes, while keeping the car largely true to its original character. The wheels have been updated more than once; the first aftermarket set stayed on the car for 17 years before I recently replaced them again. The braking system has been upgraded with a Brembo big-brake kit, with 355 mm rotors up front and 345 mm at the rear. A Shark tune adds another layer to the performance, while the original Alcantara steering wheel remains—a detail I wouldn't want to lose.
The ZHP has never needed an exhaustive list of modifications to make its point. Its appeal lies in the balance between everyday usability and the sort of feedback that makes a good road interesting. It is comfortable enough to live with, yet focused enough to remind you why BMW built its reputation among driving enthusiasts.
For me, this BMW is more than a particular model or performance package. It connects to a previous ownership experience, a decision I once regretted, and the satisfaction of finding the right automobile again. It has traveled with me through major changes in my life, and it continues to earn its place in the collection.
Sometimes the second chance is even better than the first. The ZHP is a reminder of why I came back.
2005
A LEGACY OF LOVE — A CAR WORTH KEEPING
Specifications
Model: 2007 Lexus GS 350
Engine: 3.5-liter V6
Power: 303 hp
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Body Style: Four-door luxury sport sedan
Exterior: White
Mileage: Approximately 26,000 miles
Acquisition: Inherited from my mother
2007 Lexus GS 350 — The Chronicle
My mother purchased this 2007 Lexus GS 350 in 2006 for a reason that had nothing to do with the car itself. I was going through a serious episode of depression, and she wanted to come and take care of me. It was her way of being there when I needed her most.
Years later, after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, I inherited the Lexus. It had accumulated only 19,000 miles.
One of the last coherent things she said to me was, "Don't sell the car."
I haven't.
Today, the Lexus has approximately 26,000 miles. It remains in remarkable condition, with only a few minor marks from her later driving. Otherwise, it is almost flawless.
Of all the cars in my collection, this one carries a different kind of significance. Its value isn't measured in performance, rarity, or engineering alone. It represents my mother's love, the care she wanted to give me, and a memory I can still hold on to.
I intend to keep it.
Some cars are collected because we love the automobile. Others become part of our lives because of the people connected to them.
This Lexus will always be one of the latter.
2007
THE DREAM, REALIZED — A BESPOKE BRITISH SPORTS CAR
Specifications
Engine: 4.3-liter DOHC 32-valve V8
Performance: N400-related retrofitted power upgrade; rated output of 400 bhp and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) of torque
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Drivetrain: Front-mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Exterior: Rosso Corsa — Ferrari, factory out-of-range color
Interior: Obsidian Black leather with red stitching
Trim: Piano Black Veneer fascia
Wheels: Original 19-inch Anthracite seven-spoke wheels
Brakes: Red brake calipers
Equipment highlights: Aston Martin Premium Audio, Bluetooth, satellite radio, heated front seats, memory seats and mirrors, HID headlamps
Additional details: Tubi exhaust; carbon-fiber interior and mirror details as currently fitted
Acquired: 2022
2008 ASTON MARTIN V8 VANTAGE — The Chronicle
Some cars are admired. Others represent a dream that stays with you for decades.
My fascination with Aston Martin reaches back to my apprenticeship at Automotive Restorations, Inc., where I gained an appreciation for the craftsmanship and character of classic automobiles. Owning an Aston Martin was a goal that remained with me long after those early experiences.
In 2022, that dream became a reality when I acquired this 2008 V8 Vantage Coupe. Its Rosso Corsa exterior—a Ferrari color specified as an out-of-range factory finish—gives the car a distinctive personality, complemented by an Obsidian Black interior with red stitching and carefully selected details.
Under the hood is Aston Martin's 4.3-liter V8, paired with a six-speed manual transmission. The car also features the N400-related power upgrade, a retrofit that brings the engine's rated output to 400 bhp. It is an important part of this particular Vantage's story, while remaining distinct from the limited-production factory N400 edition.
For me, the V8 Vantage represents more than a beautiful British sports car. It connects my early experiences around automotive restoration with a lifelong appreciation for design, engineering, and the emotional connection between a driver and a machine.
Some dreams take a long time to realize. This one was worth the wait.
2008
THE UNCONVENTIONAL MINI — SPORTY CHARACTER, ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE CONFIDENCE
Specifications
Engine: 1.6L turbocharged DOHC 16-valve inline-4
Power: 181 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque: 177 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic
Drivetrain: ALL4 all-wheel drive
Body Style: 3-door compact crossover coupe
Seating: 4 passengers
Purchased: New in 2014
2014 MINI Cooper S Paceman ALL4 — The Chronicle
The MINI Paceman brought a distinctive coupe-inspired silhouette to the compact crossover segment. With its three-door design, turbocharged performance, and ALL4 all-wheel-drive system, the Cooper S Paceman offered a different interpretation of the modern MINI.
Purchased new in 2014, this Paceman represents one of the more unusual chapters in MINI’s modern history—a distinctive model that had a relatively short production run.