After 55 years, the basic concept of the MINI (or known as the Mini when it was a model instead of a brand) has been a vehicle dignified by its quirky practicality.
Even before the sale to BMW created a current line-up of offbeat small vehicles, the original front-wheel drive subcompact version of the Mini presented some different shapes as opposed to its memorable three-door hatchback. A wagon-like estate vehicle called the Traveller or the Countryman proved popular in Europe. Before the Ford Fiesta Van, the Mini Van and Mini Pick-up was a prolific sight as a commercial product. Perhaps the most wacky production version of the original Mini was the open-air Moke. Appearing to draw on the inspiration of the Moke but also motivated by modern triumphs in the Dakar Rally, a special MINI was crafted by some young minds under the guidance of instructors. Apprentices at BMW’s German manufacturing plants in Munich and Dingolfing assembled a uniquely modified version of the MINI Cooper S Paceman called the Adventure.
Starting with the production hatchback, students creating the MINI Paceman Adventure first set sights on vastly altering the exterior characteristics. Chopping away the back half of the Cooper S Paceman’s roof, the rear section of the MINI is augmented into a pick-up bed. Making the vehicle a two-seater, the MINI Paceman Adventure takes on a decisively utilitarian, off-road look. The remaining roof section of the MINI Paceman Adventure is fitted with a rack carrying a full-size spare tire as well as a quartet of off-road lights. An additional set of lights are found in front of the Paceman Adventure’s grille insuring maximum illumination when dealing with upcoming obstacles. The outside of the MINI Paceman Adventure is painted Jungle Green metallic (a colour unique to this apprentice-built concept).
Sparing the European model’s 184-horsepower, turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and the ALL4 all-wheel drive system, the MINI Paceman Adventure underside does receive a some improvements meant to heighten its off-road trail performance. The suspension has been modified to provide additional ground clearance for climbing over rocks and for trekking through mud. For additional confidence when traveling through deep water, the MINI Paceman Adventure is fitted with a snorkel-like breathing apparatus for the engine.
A vehicle resulting from some creative students, the MINI Paceman Adventure is not slated for production.
Information and photo source: BMW AG
