Mini Mania is celebrating 30 years in business during 2004!

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.

• 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.