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 Mini Mania celebrates 31 years in business during 2005!
Mini Mania was
started in 1974 when Don Racine decided that he wanted more parts for his
Mini than could be found here in the United States. Don was racing Minis
from the very start and before long had a stable of cars that required
constant updates or restoration. While getting parts for himself, he found
that the local Mini club was also anxious for a better supply of parts at
cheaper prices. Thus Mini Mania began to operate as a
business.
Started in Don's
garage, within two years Mini Mania moved to a building of its own in
south San Jose. We hired our first employee at that time, and the entire
inventory was kept on index cards! By the third or fourth year in business
we established our relationship with Keith Dodd of Mini Spares in London.
This relationship has been the foundation of our business ever
since.
Because the
US is such a large country, Mini Mania almost immediately focused on the
mail order sales of products. The main thrust of the business was flyers
containing technical information and special offers, written and mailed
monthly by Don himself.
After a number of years
of steady growth Mini Mania expanded its product line to include Morris
Minor, Austin Healey Sprite and the MG Midget. Most recently we have
greatly increased the business by including the new BMW MINI Cooper into
our range of models.
Some Highlights
in Mini Mania's History:
- 1974 - Mini Mania name was
coined by Don Racine to form the start of the business
- 1975 - First employee was
hired
- 1980 - Product line extended
to include the Austin Healey Sprite and MG Midget
- 1981 - Product line further
extended to include the Morris Minor range of cars.
- 1990 - Mini Mania purchased
their first dedicated warehouse in Milpitas
- 1993 - Mini Mania further
expanded to include engineering staff to provide for product development
of Mini Mania exclusive products. Combined with our continuous racing
involvement, our product development has meant that we are able to
provide technical expertise in both products and advice.
- 1994 - In co-operation with
Mini Spares of London, Mini Mania produced its first 350 page complete
product line catalog. Additional catalogs were generated to cover the
Morris Minor and Sprite/Midgets.
- 1996 - Mini Mania developed
and implemented in house its first web site.
- 1998 - Mini Mania opened a
service department to allow for local support and enhance our own
hands-on experience with products.
- 1998 - Mini Mania was
recognized by Rover and in particular the British Heritage Trust when we
were named the sole US "Approved Specialist" for the Mini, Morris Minor
and Spridget range of products. This established a direct link between
Mini Mania and the factory!
- 1999 - A new linked computer
system was established between Mini Mania and Mini Spares. This resulted
in a giant leap forward in the service and products that we can offer.
- 2000 - Mini Mania moved its
base of operation to Nevada City, California. Located 45 minutes east of
Sacramento, Mini Mania's new building is about twice the size of the
Milpitas location.
- 2001 - Mini Mania received
Federal Government permission to import the first privately owned BMW
MINI in the USA, for product R&D purposes.
- 2003
- Mini Mania introduces its first exclusive range of products for the
BMW MINI.
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