Special Edition MINI Press Event

MINIUSA has given the Chicago MINI Motoring Club 25 tickets to the press introduction of the a special edition MINI to be introduced at the Chicago Auto Show Wednesday February 4th at 3:30pm. The event will be attended by Tom Purvis, BMWUSA CEO and MINI Rally legend Paddy Hopkirk. The presence of Paddy Hopkirk would lead one to believe that this new limited edition MINI might have something to do with his famous 33 EJB Mini that won the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally. It also just happens to be the 40th anniversary of this famous race and acclaimed Mini.

This is three days before the show starts and is typically only open to the press only or by invitation via the automaker. Needless to say this is not something that happens very often. Because of this we should maintain a certain level of dress for the event – business casual would be preferred.

For those that are interested we're offering one pass per member until we run out of tickets. This could go rather quickly so please let us know by this Saturday the 24th To reserve your spot email Gabe at gabe@chicagominiclub.com with the subject “Special Edition MINI Press Event” in the email.

Oh and one more thing… it's free!

Update: I just talked with the MINIUSA Commuications Manager about the event and it looks like we'll have quite an afternoon in store for us. He stressed that MINI wanted to give back to the enthusiasts that have given so much to MINI over the past 2 years. Essentially what we're being offered is VIP preview access and a behind the scenes view of the release of a special edition MINI. Simply put this is the first time something like this has ever been done.

First off we'll be meeting at the fountain in the front of McCormick place to receive all our proper creditials no later than 3:00pm. After that we'll make our way to the press event upstairs. One thing to note – apparently the press will have first dibs on all seating for the actual event so some of us may have to stand.

Once the introduction is over we'll go with our MINIUSA guides to get a closer look at the car and to meet Paddy Hopkirk. At this time we'll also be given a very limited edition plaque commemorating the event that Mr. Hopkirk will be able to sign (again only available at this event).

After this we'll be treated to afternoon tea compliments of MINIUSA.

Once the event is over we should have a few minutes to briefly walk the show floor and see what else has already been set up. It's worth noting that much of the show may not be accessible at this point. That's really what the Sunday event is for 馃檪

Note: this will not be an opportunity to see the Chicago Auto Show as we'll most likely be strictly contained in a very specific area based around this special event.

6 thoughts on “Special Edition MINI Press Event

  1. just got back from the show, steve, thanks for the lift.

    the car was pretty cool in person. Paddy couldn't have been better. he stood and autographed constantly for about an hour.

    we got to meet MINI and BMW execs. then we kinda had the run of show. got to check out the Bentley Continental GT, and the new BMW 6, both beautiful cars.

    Thanks MINI for letting us in!

  2. A big Thank You to MINI USA and BMW for letting us attend the introduction of the special edition MINI. Paddy was grand. We all have a new hero. MINI USA has every right to be very proud.

    Ron

  3. Hey great event. It was so cool to see the behind the scenes workings of the auto show. Thanks CMMC and MINI USA!

Comments are closed.