Thursday 9th December 2010

Coffee Break Diversion: Russ Swift Mini Fun

Why not take a break while you watch some (hand)brake action?

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Montego fans (and we know you're out there) may remember Russ Swift best for that ad in that car park, but over the years he's done his trick parking shtick in many different cars.

These days he parallel parks on the handbrake in Minis and, to remind us of this fact, Mini has released this promo video of Mr Swift doing his 'thing'.

Apparently, this is also to remind us that "the new MINI models pack even more of a punch now with design modifications, additional engine variants, an all-new selection of diesel engines and innovative new equipment features, further giving MINI even more driving fun, efficiency and individuality." Right...

Flimsy excuse to get publicity when you've not actually got anything new to peddle? You bet. But at least it's a diverting way to spend 44 seconds...that cup of coffee will have to be a quick one...

 

[Midas]

I always thought they used to weld the diff up to allow drive whilst on two wheels, I see the front wheel was stationary in that video, I wonder how that works?

[UnluckyTimmeh]

He actually is a complete mental isn't he?

[slevin911]

what a rubbish video nothing new at all and its production value is about a fiver!!

[Garlick]

Old Russ has made plenty of money out of doing the same stuff for years now, hasn't he?

Fair play to him for managing to stay in the limelight with a similar routine though, and you can't question his amazing ability......I just wouldn't mind seeing a new trick. Google Russ Swift to see many similar videos.

[sanctum]

Not wanting to detract from the skills of the driver at all, but the video itself doesn't exactly get the juices flowing, does it?

[T-bagger]

His son is pretty good at that stuff too, had a two wheeled ride in a Mini with him a couple of years back. The car was completely standard 2003 Cooper, i was in the back (looking at tarmac out of the side window!) and a mate in the front. Amazing control with one hand on the wheel and the other holding passengers seatbelt for balance!

[AndySpecD]

Midas said:

I always thought they used to weld the diff up to allow drive whilst on two wheels, I see the front wheel was stationary in that video, I wonder how that works?

Pure speculation, but perhaps they have a way of braking just the front wheel in the air to divert power to the other, rather than welding up the diff.

[sparkybean]

Left foot braking?

[Some Gump]

sparkybean said:

Left foot braking?

[mylesmcd]

Ken Block has moved the Auto Testing game on a little, hasn't he.

Still want him to fail at WRC, however. Gymkana, my left one.

[PetrolAholic]

Is that Terry Grant driving?

[filski666]

I am so bored of Russ Swift doing the same thing over and over again. It was interesting.....once....many years ago

:yawn:

[anonymous-user]

Fairly average video,, but comedy advert for "Learn to drive with BSM" popped up just as Russ bicycled the mini between two other ones, nice bit of placement timing....;-)

[EDLT]

This Russ Swift video is much better imo:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2loQPF0E0s

[taptowers]

The diff will have to be locked, and as russ has a car for two wheeling, as well as displays, it probably is a different car.

And yes, his son paul is just as good. google him and see...

[Henrico]

EDLT said:

This Russ Swift video is much better imo:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2loQPF0E0s

He'll be wanting to get the plates changed...

[M666 EVO]

filski666 said:

I am so bored of Russ Swift doing the same thing over and over again. It was interesting.....once....many years ago

:yawn:

I must admit, not wanting to take away from the fact that he is a good driver, but the whole Knight Rider style wheelie and skidding (which I did plenty of recently with the currect snow) all over the place, bit boring now Russ. Get some new tricks and not just the one, you pony...

[Or888t]

EDLT said:

This Russ Swift video is much better imo:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2loQPF0E0s

:yep: that ones pritty amazing!
Looks like he had the WR for "tightest parallel park" aswell
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REpXf0cmJ64&NR=...

[FraserLFA]

I always find him interesting. Repetative, yes. But still bloody impressive...

[anything fast]

Big deal, they used to do this every other week back in the 80's in Knight Rider (in a more or less stock 1982 Pontiac Trans Am)... no fancy gizmos, just a good driver (not the hoff the stunt drivers)