AMVIV 2008

A short photo stop in Utah, west of Green River on the 2nd day of the trip to AMVIV. We left Denver the afternoon the day prior (3/26/08) and overnighted in Green River, UT. I'm the shadow. See this exact spot on the Google map.

I-70 in Utah, between Green River and the intersection with I-15.

I-70 cuts right through the rocks and winds its way over the pass.

We arrive at AMVIV home base, Palace Station, Las Vegas. The top deck of the 6-level parking structure is a popular place to be.

Elvis the cone man on the top-level of the parking structure awaits the arrival of more AMVIV attendees.

Luke and his electric blue show car, all the way from North Carolina.

Luke's "BluCoopr"

"Agro," the main AMVIV organizer and all-around nice guy from Sin City MINI Club is being interviewed.

Classic Minis were well represented at AMVIV.

This classic Mini was towing a Mini trailer.

Classic Mini "HALFPNT."

"Size doesn't matter. It's the thrust that counts."

Many a MINI in costume.

One of the few purple haze MINIs in attendance at AMVIV. I counted about three others.

Another Classic Mini reaches to top deck.

The King ditches his Cadillac for the back of a MINI Cooper S.

A right-hand steering Classic Mini.

This MINI is setup for racing. Notice the dash placement of former steering wheel controls for the radio/CD player.

The racing MINI has plenty of gauges to keep the driver occupied.

Agro having a bit of fun during official AMVIV duties.

Another MINI setup for racing. This one doesn't have a conventional shifter. Notice the paddle shift levers on the steering wheel. Also notice that there is no shift lever on the console, which now functions as a Big Gulp-size drink holder. The car has a standard transmission (not automatic). See next photo.

In the boot, held by a couple of brackets, the shifting mechanism was demonstrated with the cover removed. With the car off, the owner clicked the paddle shifters (once per shift position) then engaged the clutch. At that point, the computer-controlled electric-powered shift mechanism sprang to life and shifted very quickly (milliseconds) into the desired gear. No short shifter required.

This Classic Mini saves even more gas.

The gas-powered beer cooler cruises the AMVIV vendor row.

A MINI Cooper S and a Classic Mini in matching flames.

A MINI Cooper seemingly on fire.

A view of the parking lot activity, early the second day of AMVIV.

None other than Chuck putting the finishing touches on his Cabrio. Notice the nice, new bonnet stripes.

More bling for Chuck's Cabrio. This custom shift knob cozy was crocheted

I guess somebody is being punished. It must be a hot, loud, bouncy and smoky ride.

From the highest point (on the road) looking toward the southeast at Red Rock Park, near Las Vegas. See the exact location (including the terrain) on the Google Map.

Red Rock Park. All this beauty only a short 15-minute drive from the Las Vegas "Strip."

A convoy of MINIs (and a few interlopers) heading up the Red Rock Park scenic loop drive.

AMVIV MINIs reach the highest point in the tour of Red Rock Park, on the outskirts of Las Vegas.

Rick & Wendy, after enjoying a picnic lunch in Red Rock Park, near Las Vegas.

Red Rock Park (Las Vegas, NV).

A passing bicyclist admires this MCS.

Just outside Red Rock Park, heading back to Las Vegas.

Yet another scenic stop between Red Rock Park and Las Vegas, during the AMVIV Friday afternoon drive.

Back at the Palace Station Casino & Hotel, home base for AMVIV.

Another Classic Mini in attendance at AMVIV.

Hundreds (?) of MINIs take to Las Vegas Blvd, better known as the "Strip" on Friday night.

The reflection of the Strip (LV Blvd) is all over Rick's glasses.

Wall-to-wall MINIs driving north on LV Blvd -- The Strip.

Wendy, copilot and photog for the evening, enjoys the sights and sounds.

Las Vegas Strip on a Friday night. There were lots of MINIs honking, people on the sidewalk pointing and shouting. Everybody seemed to have a good time.

Jason from Ontario, Canada! Jason met several MINI5280 members in Denver and drove with them to Las Vegas. Jason and his copilot traveled the furthest to AMVIV.