This Mini Cooper handles like a boat. Luckily, it floats like one too. A one-of-a-kind ‘Chili red’ Mini Cooper convertible is trimmed and ready to sail down Philadelphia’s Schuylkill River on May 10-11, as part of an annual collegiate rowing competition.
Floating cars have existed for decades but, in the case of this aquatic Mini Cooper, looks can be deceiving. Instead of rigorously waterproofing one of its existing land-lubber models, Mini opted to create a fiberglass mold of a Cooper convertible and mount it on top of a boat hull.
The Mini’s captain has a 6-hp outboard motor at his/her disposal, so it's not likely to get onm plane. Built by ACI Composites Inc., based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the floating Mini includes the same headlights, taillights, grille, steering wheel, badges, wheels and tires found on production models. The front wheels rotate in the direction of travel, to further the illusion that this Mini Cooper is driving on water.
“The Mini Convertible Boat’s appearance of actually motoring on water is so convincing that it provides guests with an amazing tale to share even after they’ve left the event,” said Laura Towey, regional business manager, Mini USA.–– Paul Duchene
