British Classic Cars- Mini

Everybody loves the Mini.  What's not to love?  It is small, efficient, sporty, seats four, and it has history.  It is probably one of the most recognizable cars in the world today.  The original Mini was built in England.  It is not to be confused with the MINI, which is now owned by the Germans (BMW).

Unlike any car that I will write about in this series of posts, I have actually taken a ride in a Mini.  And not a new, updated version.  I have ridden in a Mini Mark V and a Mark VI.  From personal experience, I can say that these are brilliant little cars.  Yes, the ride can be a bit bumpy due to the stiff suspension.  And yes, when taking corners at speed you go up on two wheels, but none of this matters.  This car is a masterpiece that will be forever remembered as something that the British actually got right.  This car will be forever copied, but it will never be matched.  The Mini is in a class of its own.

The Mini was developed in a time of fuel rationing in the UK.  Auto-makers were looking for a small, economy car that could beat the rising cost of fuel.  The original team (from the British Motor Company) that designed the Mini sought to do the impossible.  Make a small car that could accommodate four passengers and all of their luggage.  Oh, and the car can only be 10 feet long!  Six feet of the car's length was marked off for the passengers.  That leaves 4 feet for storage space, an engine, four wheels and tires, a gearbox, cooling system, radiator etc...  The designers had to be incredibly creative when putting the Mini together.  The engine was mounted transversely (meaning that the crankshaft axis is perpendicular to the long axis of the vehicle).  To accommodate the engine placement, the Mini became a front-wheel drive car.  These designers made history and set a standard when they built the Mini.  To this day, most front-wheel drive cars have a transverse engine!  The radiator was mounted on the left side of the car.  The Mini also had sliding windows, that allowed for additional storage space in the doors.  The boot lid hinge was on the bottom, so that the car could be driven with the boot open.

To make a long story short, the designers created the Mini and released it to the press in April of 1959.  The ad campaign was truly genius and I highly recommend looking it up after reading this!  The Mini went on the sell incredibly well in the UK, US, and several other countries.  It became a serious competitor to the Volkswagen Beetle.

Now, onto the more interesting stuff:  the Mini's racing heritage!  The original Mini had a 848 cc engine that kicked out 30 bhp.  That is not very powerful at all.  The Mini's low power combined with the fact that it is a front-wheel drive car made racing the Mini difficult.  However, John Cooper (the Mini Cooper is named after him) saw the racing potential in this little car.  The Mini Cooper was created and it generated 50 bhp.  Another model was created and it was dubbed the "Mini Cooper S."  This car had a bigger engine (1,071 cc, a decent motorcycle engine) and other models were built with even larger engines.  The Mini Cooper S was now ready for competitive racing.

The Mini was certainly a "David among Goliaths."  Initially, it didn't look like Mini had anything to offer motor-sport.  What place does an economy car have in the world's biggest races?  The Mini Cooper S earned serious credibility by winning the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, 1965, and 1967.  In 1966, three Mini's actually took the top three places, but they were disqualified after it was ruled that the Mini's had illegal headlamps.  The Mini continued to place well in Rally events and circuit races all over the world.  It was noted that the Mini's success was due in part to its size and ability to take corners at great speed.  The Mini performed well in all types of weather and on any terrain.  It could be easily modified or equipped for the changes in weather.

Along with a racing heritage, the Mini holds a firm place in popular culture as well.  Anybody who enjoys a good car chase should watch the original Italian Job.  No, Mark Wahlberg is not in the original film, but the original Mini is and it is amazing to see it drive down staircases.  Similar stunt-work can be seen in the Bourne Identity.  The Mini has definitely had its fair share of air time.  In addition to all of the film success, the Mini has received the following awards:

   "Car of the Century" (Autocar magazine 1995), "Number One Classic Car of All Time" (Classic & Sports Car magazine 1996) and "European Car of the Century" in a worldwide Internet poll run by the prestigious Global Automotive Elections Foundation in 1999. The Mini managed second place (behind the Model T Ford) for "Global Car of the Century" in that same poll (taken from the Wikipedia article on the "Mini").
 
Well, with all of those awards, I would say that the Mini was a success.  Sadly, some of the magic has worn off because Mini is now MINI and it is owned by BMW.  Still, the car looks brilliant and you can't erase its excellent history.

At the beginning of this post, I mentioned that I have ridden in an original BMC Mini before.  It belonged to my grandmother.  I have many fond memories of being driven around the English countryside; my brother and I being thrown around in the back, as the Mini would take corners and go up on two wheels.  I can definitely picture this car kitted out with racing stripes and Rally tires, hurtling around bends and turns in the road.  I can see a smile on the driver's face as he contemplates the fact that he is in the world's smallest racing car.  I can picture all of this because I got a small taste of it on the country roads of England.  But you see, therein lies the car's true genius.  The Mini can take care of a family just as easily as it can hurtle around the world's greatest racing tracks.  It can be your daily driver or the weekend track car.  It can tackle anything that you throw its way.  It is truly ironic that the "Car of the Century" is named Mini.  But that is the British for you, the understatement of the century is also the car of the century.

Goodnight.

British Classic Cars- Aston Martin DB5

Coolest.  Car.  Ever.

The post could probably end there because I can't think of a cooler and more important car in history.  The DB5 has everything that a man could want in a car.  It has style, soul, and it is beautiful.  Again, like the TR6, this car isn't super fast, but speed isn't everything.

Ask any fan of James Bond what his/her favourite Bond car is and the answer should be unanimous.  The DB5 has been featured in more Bond films than any other car.  The DB5's breakthrough role occurred in the classic Bond film Goldfinger.  In that film, the DB5 is loaded with gadgets including: machine guns, rear window shields, an ejector seat, oil slick emitter, and bulletproof glass.  After the film's release, the DB5 drove its way into motoring history and to this day, it is one of the most recognizable cars in the world.  When I look at one, I see the epitome of cool.  I think of my grandfather (the world's biggest Bond fan) and how he introduced this amazing machine to me at a very young age.  I think about how this car looks amazing from all angles.  Ultimately, I think about the fact that this car is British.  The DB5 possesses all of the traits of a classic car.

Aston Martin built the DB5 on the basic body frame of the DB4.  Both cars share similar lines and curves, but the true difference is underneath the bonnet (hood).  The DB5 has a four litre straight six that produces 282 bhp.  This engine propels the DB5 to a top speed of 142 mph and it's 0-60 mph time is 7.1 seconds!  That's pretty quick for a car made in 1963.  Starting in mid-1964, Aston Martin improved the DB5 model by introducing a full synchromesh  ZF 5-speed gearbox.  This made shifting gears seamless and in turn, the car became easier to drive.  However, nearly 50 years later it is hard to find a DB5 in pristine condition.  In fact it is hard to find one period.  They only made 886 of the standard model and most are in the hands of collectors that will not part with their piece of history.  And who could blame them?!?  I would never sell a car as gorgeous as a DB5, unless something serious was going on in my life.

As mentioned before, I think that this car is the coolest car ever built.  It's so simple and in its simplicity lies its beauty.  There are no air-bags or other safety features.  It doesn't have traction control or an e-differential.  In the 1960's, when you bought a DB5, the only thing extra that the car came with was a fire extinguisher.  Alas, none of this matters because this car is more about how it makes you feel.  I have never personally driven one, but I can only imagine what it is like.  From the imposing, yet refined front grille, past the enlarged hood-scoop, all the way back to the rear-lights, this car is achingly beautiful.  Many have described this car has embodying beauty, style, and soul.  I really think that if any man could choose a car that he would aspire to be (if one were to turn into a car), then he would like to think of himself as a DB5.  This car fits in everywhere.  Outside of a pub.  At a massive movie premiere or awards show.  On a long and winding mountain road.  On a small country lane in the south of England.  On a coastal highway.

I love this car.  And I don't think that I should ruin the whole thing by writing more.  I will conclude with a few closing thoughts.  This is my favorite car for many reasons, but most importantly it will always remind me of my grandfather.  We do not get to spend much time together because it is so expensive to fly back to Northern Ireland and they can't come out here anymore because the long travel is too risky.  In past years, they have spent every third Christmas with the McKee family in Texas.  This year would be their turn to come to America, but it is not going to happen.  That is mostly why I have been thinking about this car lately.  I would love nothing more than to go back to Northern Ireland for a visit.  I have this crazy dream that someday I will give Nanny and Gaga (my names for my grandparents) a ride in my DB5.  I think that my grandfather would love that!

So for me, this car is as good as it gets.  It is fast, looks amazing, and will always hold sentimental value to me.  Oh, and it's British.

      

 

British Classic Cars- Triumph TR6

Top Gear's James May has been quoted as saying that "the Triumph TR6 is the blokiest bloke's car ever built."  I could not agree more.  Now, I have never driven a TR6, but after studying Triumph's racing pedigree and considering what else was going on in the motoring world during the late 60's, this car truly does stand out above the rest.
 

Here is a brief history.  Triumph is an English motoring company that has produced many motorcycles and cars that have gone on to become classics.  The TR line was Triumph's response to the American Corvette, the German Porsche 911 etc...  The predecessors to the TR6 were designed by Italians.  The TR6 was designed by a German.  Italian sportscars of the time include the Lamborghini Miura and the Ferrari Daytona.  These cars are beautiful and they are still regarded to this day as some of the prettiest cars ever built.  I can truly appreciate that, but at the same time, I want a man's car.  This is where the TR6 comes into play.    In a time period where the sportscars were curvy and vivacious (the TR5 has some excellent curves, by the way), the TR6 dared to be a boxy roadster (it came with a hardtop that could transform the car into a coupe).  I love that the TR6 defied convention.  It also became the best selling of Triumph's TR line up until the TR7 was released.

What about the engine and performance figures?  The six-cylinder, fuel-injected engine in the UK version of the TR6 can reach speeds of 120 mph at 150 bhp.  The version released in the US was slightly less powerful because the engine was carbureted and it only produced 104 bhp.  The UK version was re-tuned in 1973 to produce 124 bhp.  This is said to have made the TR6 easier to drive by improving the handling.  The TR6 can go 0-60 mph in 8.2 seconds.  By today's standard, this car is not incredibly fast, but when it was released in 1969, this road-legal roadster was one of the quickest cars in its class.  I have heard that in the US, TR6 owners were laughed at because they had bought an inferior car to the American-made Corvette.  I do love the Corvette from the late 60's (Stingray), but it does have several strikes against it.  It has a 300 hp V8 that makes the car heavier and thirstier for petrol (gasoline).  The handling is not that great as well.  To be honest, I think that it boils down to the fact that the US market were not sent any fuel-injected TR6's.  America had to deal with the 104 hp carbureted engine.  I would be upset too, but I would probably still have the TR6 (it just looks better).


The TR6 could be easily modified into a circuit racer and in the early 70's, the TR6 performed very well on the race track.  The windscreen was often removed to reduce weight and improve aerodynamics.  The TR6 was also given a boost of power through modifications to the engine.  The TR6 also made a name for itself as a dragster and GT touring car.  When Triumph sets out to make a sportscar, they make that car as versatile as possible!  Triumph's rich racing heritage was certainly preserved by the TR6 through the late 60's and early 70's.


In traditional, British sportscar style, the TR6 is a two-seater roadster.  This makes the TR6 slightly impractical and it is by no means a family car.  However, it does provide plenty of storage room in the boot (trunk) which is due in part to the extended body-line (an improvement over the other TR models).  The interior is not cluttered and this serves as a reminder that you are in a driving machine, not a spaceship.  The wooden construction on the dashboard is sturdy and "gives an air of quality."  I believe that all of these facts point to the conclusion that the TR6 is the perfect road-trip car.



I think that this car is brilliant and I love everything about it.  It is quintessentially British.  Many may disagree with me, but I believe that it is not only one of the best British cars ever made, but it is one of the best pre-1980 cars ever built.  The TR6 is considered highly collectible to this day and it has really stood the test of time.  Maybe someday, I will have the great fortune to drive one or perhaps even own one!

A modified TR6 in British Racing Green!












 

Mid-term Update

I really do need to get better at writing in my blog!  I have been quite busy these last couple of weeks and it has really prevented me from all forms of creative writing.  Thankfully, I just completed a big mid-term this afternoon for my Research class and I now feel comfortable spending some time on my blog again.

Classes are going well and the workload has increased since the beginning of the semester, but there is nothing wrong with that.  Ensembles (both sax quartet and wind ensemble) are going well.  Last Friday, the USC Wind Ensemble played for the inauguration of the new USC president.  At one point, we played for 45 minutes without stopping!

In addition to all of my coursework, I have taken on two teaching jobs.  I have been hired by Takelessons (a music company which connects students with local area certified teachers).  I have also accepted a teaching position through the Thornton Outreach Program.  Each week, I teach two guitar students and I play piano for an Elementary School Choir.  Both jobs help to pay the bills and keep my life busier than ever, but it is all fun!

I haven't been recording much with Grayson lately.  This is due to our very busy schedules.  We have scheduled a recording session this weekend, so I should hopefully be able to get more accomplished on the EP.  Church has also been really great.  I have been attending a weekly bible study downtown and everyone in the group seems to be enjoying our time together.  This past weekend, I went on the Pacific Crossroads Church retreat to Forest Home in the San Bernadino Mountains.  It was a great time to meet new people and reflect on God's creation.  I didn't get cell phone reception all weekend!

Three weeks ago, my Mum came for a visit which was wonderful.  She made a lot of amazing food for me including Jamaican stir-fry with pineapple/mango salsa, banana pancakes, and other great things that I don't get the chance to eat very often.  We spent most of Saturday in Malibu and the weather was perfect.  It made me realize how much I miss my family.

On that note, I should point out that two weeks ago, Julie came to visit (for full details on our weekend together, see below).  While she was here, she gave me my birthday/Christmas present which is to come home to Dallas for Nov. 11-14!!!!  I am really excited and I cannot wait to see everyone again.

That is pretty much all that has been going on lately.  I am about to start a series of blog posts on a passion of mine: British classic cars.  This will be something fun for me to do in my free time (when I am not practicing, teaching, studying, doing chores etc...).  It will be a pleasant change to do something completely un-related to music.  I really enjoy what I do, but every once in a while, you need a break!

Thank you again for reading!

Jack Johnson and Another Great Weekend

Julie came to visit this weekend!  It was her second time to visit me in Los Angeles.  She flew in Thursday night around 9:30.

Friday night we went to see Jack Johnson at the Hollywood Bowl.  It was amazing!!  The venue is built into the side of a mountain and it is an outdoor venue.  The sun had set by the time that the opening acts had started, but we managed to take some great pictures anyway.  Zee Avi and G. Love opened for him.  It cooled way down and I now understand why people bring blankets to concerts here.

Jack Johnson finally took the stage around nine and he played for 2 hours straight.  I am pretty sure that he played all of his biggest songs.  It was unreal to hear him live.  He didn't miss a note and he sounded just like he does on the record.  I really admire that because in this day and age, ProTools and other software can turn anybody into a star singer.  It is always refreshing for me to hear genuine talent.

 

I am a fairly new Jack Johnson fan.  I have listened to his stuff for years, but I never really got into it.  It wasn't until this summer that Jack Johnson really captured my interest.  I worked an office job over the summer and even though it was only part-time, the work days were quite monotonous.  I just sat at a desk for hours at a time and scanned large documents into a computer.  While at work, I was allowed to listen to my iPhone, so I started listening to Pandora Radio.  I started a John Mayer channel because I have always liked his music.  As I was listening to the John Mayer channel, Jack Johnson's music starts popping up as a "similar artist."  After listening to several songs, I realized the true genius of his music.  His music can brighten anybody's day and make the mundane seem okay.  I began listening to his music for hours on end and I found that I never got tired of it.  I started listening to his music when I wasn't at work as well and that's when I realized that I seriously did enjoy his music.

When I heard that he was coming to the Hollywood Bowl, I thought that it would be an amazing chance to see him live, check out the amazing venue, and (best of all) give Julie her birthday present.  Julie and I had a great time at the concert.  The entire vibe was awesome and there were people of all ages in attendance.  It was cool to drift away from the big, angry city of Los Angeles and go to a deserted island somewhere in the Pacific Ocean.  That's the power of Jack Johnson's music.  It took me a long time to realize this, but I am definitely making up for lost time!  Bring on the next Jack Johnson show!

On Saturday, Julie and I continued the tropical-themed weekend by spending the afternoon at the beach.  It was so peaceful and the beach was not crowded at all.  After the beach, I made Julie dinner (chicken stir-fry in a Hawaiian marinade served with coconut Basmati rice).  It turned out really well!  On Sunday, I took Julie to my church, which was meeting for the first time in a new location.  After church, we ate lunch and watched some football that was on t.v.  Julie's flight was at 5:20, so I dropped her off at the airport and then came back to the apartment.

It was a great weekend that went by too fast, but I really enjoyed it!  I am looking forward to a church retreat next weekend and upcoming recording sessions with Grayson.

Thank you for reading.  God Bless.

Studio Session Tomorrow

I really need to write in this more often!

This post is going to be really short.  I am going into the studio again tomorrow.  The first couple of sessions have been very methodical and the focus was on planning the EP and fine-tuning the songs.  Grayson and I also experimented with some recording ideas/techniques.  Tomorrow's session should be very productive.  We have specific goals and we should hopefully get some really decent recordings out of it.

I have created a Facebook page to promote the music and keep everyone posted on what is going on.  Please feel free to check that page out, as it will contain up to date information about recordings, gigs, and the upcoming EP.

I am really excited about the music and I hope that you will enjoy listening to it.  Thank you for embarking on this journey with me.

God Bless