Mini's plans to put its quirky Beachcomber concept into production were thwarted by stringent crash legislation.
Although Mini bosses were keen to put the Beachcomber into production, the Detriot 2010 show car would have needed extra side brace bars to pass safety tests – a step which would have compromised its styling too much, the company has said.
See pics of the Mini Beachcomber concept
Inspired by the original Mini Moke from 1964, the Beachcomber does away with doors and B-pillars - instead a side-impact bar is inserted at hip level. The roof panel, too, has been removed to give the full open-air effect.
The Beachcomber was first revealed at the end of 2009 as a preview of the Countryman SUV and made its debut at the Detorit motor show last January.Read the full story on the new Mini Paceman
Add your comment