First, thank you for all that voted for the “Move Over” eyes on North American Motoring. Our eyes won third place and are now available for purchase at autoxcooper.com. Each set purchased helps a starving artist/motorist buy a couple gallons more for the road.

If the “Move Over” eyes are your MINI’s taste, then take a look at our photography for sale at imagekind.com.
Available are high-quality photographs lovingly retouched, print on demand in a variety of size and ready to frame. Requests are always welcomed at bessie@cpilgrim.com!

By a lucky turn of events, I happen to be the #6 entry for a design contest on North American Motoring. AutoXCooper.com is offering to sell the top three designs on his website. The winners get $10 for each set sold. Take a look and pick a winner! And if you’re feeling particularly generous, you can buy the design for your MINI! I could really use the money. Vote today!

Jenny and Brian came across this Red, Classic Mini Cooper at The Auto Collections while on vacation in Las Vegas. The sign says next to it says: “1963 Austin Mini Cooper used in the movie, The Italian Job. This is the car that was driven by Charlize Theron in the movie. Price $59,500.” It even sports a title with Paramount as the owner.

But oddly enough, the internet produced different information about the Mini driven in the movie. This is from IMDB.com: “The red Mini Cooper driven by Stella at the beginning of the film is a nod to the Mini Coopers from the original The Italian Job (1969). It is a vastly different model to the one featured in the original, though, being a late Rover-produced model made in the late-’90s, not an Austin Mini Cooper Mk1 as was used in the original film.”

So, I’m not quite sure who to believe. Either way, I could have about 6 classic Minis for that price. If anyone has an answer to this mystery, let me know.

Bessie traveled to International Autos, Milwaukee, to visit the youngest member of the new MINI line, the MINI Clubman. We didn’t get a chance to take a spin in the new Clubman. However, we did get a chance to trample through the spacious backseat. No one I know walked purchased a Clubman, but our curiosity was satiated. My aesthetic sense is still not quite happy with the back contrast. Here’s to hoping they make those body colored next year. Bessie was thankful she wasn’t being replaced by the younger, roomier model. View photos…

Today’s MINI comes to you from our good friends, Jenny and Brian. They came across this one on a trip to Gatlinburg, Tennesse. Staring out at them from the Hollywood Star Car Museum was a Red Italian Job MINI Cooper S. Time didn’t permit getting the full museum tour. Anyone with more info, please share.

While at the Hollywood Star Car Museum website, I stumbled across a gem of a website. Visit the cars of George Barris, King of Kustomizers. You might just get some crazy ideas on customizing your own MINI Cooper.

My friend Emily went to New York and all I got was this photo. Enjoy the Hammer & Coop expansive billboard with its very real looking MINI.

Whether you’re picking colors for your MINI or just need a bit of inspiration for any project you might have, visit Colourlovers.com. From its British title twist to its genial camaraderie, its a perfect partner for MINI enthusiasts.

It’s not every day Bessie has competition for most unique vehicle on the road. Today we spied this car passing us on in the other lane. Any ideas what kind it is?

It’s an evening of adventure with Minis! A chance find at a local Half-Price Books turns up a cinematic treasure for any Mini fan. It’s “Mini The Complete Story” on DVD. From the evolution of the original design to the new MINI, the story highlights the key elements of the Mini personality. Enjoy scenes of Mini rallies, Monte Carlo, style variants including concepts and the 40th anniversary gathering.

Bessie’s so big, you can see her from space! We just happened upon this photo of Bessie on Microsoft Virtual Earth. (You might have to download a plugin) She’s waiting quietly at work, striking her best pose for the satellites. Can you find your car?