This is Alexa, my Mini. She is a special edition Rover Mini MK II, a Check Mate. Born in 1989 and mine since June 1996. Being a MK II, she has only 40 bhp, but that's enough for me.
She has a few extras like a walnut wood dashboard, Cooper grille, Cooper stripes and recently I fixed a front nudge bar and an extra pair of spotlamps. (The picture shown isn't upto date).

In 1995, I was on the IAA car exhibition in Frankfurt. That was where I got to sit the first time in a Mini. From that day I dreamt about owning a Mini, but I didn't really expect the chance of fullfilling that dream. Then in June 1996, I saw an advertisment in the newspaper for a Mini. At that time I owned a Ford Fiesta and wasn't even thinking about changing my car. But still I decided to have a look at that mini, just for fun. When I arrived and saw that car, it was love at first sight and I couldn't say no.
At no time, I regreted my decision to buy a Mini.