RACER 01 BY MOTOGRAPHER AND xBhp

XBhp's first sports car has made its way to the XBhp Garage- here's a welcome piece for our new MINI Cooper S.

SOME things just stick with you. Ideas, philosophies, theories… brands. Most of the time, it is because of a memory. Something that has been with you for a long time, has been fed to you every once in a while. And before you know it, it becomes a part of you. The memories of you with your parents are refreshed every time you see a functional family. An advertisement from your childhood that you used to watch on a CRT while having breakfast and before heading out to school. A Mini Cooper S. Wait, I think I jumped the gun a bit there.

There are many of these memories that are a part of you without you knowing but are always ready to access with or without external stimulus. Remember a poster of a motorcycle or a car that you used to love? I can bet you do and it is still around. If I have to give an example, I’ll use my own. Surrounded by comic books and cartoons, fascinated by these unreal characters… and look at me now. Pop culture and science fiction have a say in whatever I do, including Moto-Villa. You can read about the latest updates elsewhere.

Anyway, back to the topic. A specific memory that I have is watching The Italian Job. Watching those MINIs being a menace on the streets and even below them. When exactly did MINI become an aspirational brand? It is debatable. But the movie certainly didn’t hurt the cause. It surely proves that marketing works if done the right way. Regardless, I have had MINI at the back of my mind since then. I have gotten multiple opportunities to drive one and love it more every time I do.