Ryan’s Big MINI – “NAKO”
All About “NAKO”
- Name
- “NAKO” #03
- Date of Birth
- October 2008
- Place of Birth
- Oxford, England
- Hours in Labor
- 5 days
- Number Produced
- 1
- Model
- 2009 MINI Cooper S
- Engine
- 4 Cylinder TURBO!
- Color
- Chili Red
- 1st Passenger
- Ryan’s Baby Sarah
- Accent
- British
- Dealership
- MINI of Sterling
- MINI Motoring Advisor
- Ahmed
The Birth of Ryan’s Big MINI
In the days following Ryan’s passing attempts both large and small were made to try to feel closer to Ryan. Whether it was holding a toy, looking at a photo, watching home videos or just spending countless hours reflecting. It didn’t take long for us to have the urge to purchase a life-size version of the Matchbox Red MINI Cooper she loved so much. How could one not feel close to Ryan sitting in her favorite car.
Two weeks following her passing, the first of several trips were made to the local MINI Cooper dealership. Just being around the MINI’s brought comfort. After that first visit, it was realized that decisions and purchases as big as buying a MINI should probably not be made in the throws and immense power of grief.
As months went by and the Matchbox MINI treasure hunt continued, the idea of owning an exact replica of Ryan’s red MINI never left our minds and hearts. Each time a MINI drove by, especially a red MINI, it was as if Ryan was urging us on. And once Ryan’s MINI Adventure was born well, it was a given. There just had to be a Ryan’s BIG MINI.
MINI Coopers are meant to be personalized. With hundreds of options, no two MINI Coopers are the same. MINI’s are typically created and designed by their future owners to fit their needs and likes. Once conceived and ordered, MINIs are lovingly assembled and given life in Oxford, England.
Ryan’s BIG MINI is as close to her Matchbox MINI as possible, except for the heated seats and satellite radio. She would have liked that!! Every time we see it, wash it, and drive it, Ryan is just a bit closer. It’s a symbol of her youth, her endless joy, her likes, and her sense of fun and adventure. MINI Coopers are sharp looking and fun to drive. Their power and go-cart styled maneuvering make every driver and rider smile from ear to ear. There can be no better car to represent the spirt of a little child than a MINI Cooper.
Ryan had good taste and her parents are very appreciative. If all goes well, her little brother Ian will get the key in 2024.
“NAKO” – The Story Behind the Name
Ryan had a great imagination. When asked once who was her favorite Disney Princess she pointed to the one in the pink dress on her new bed sheets. When asked what the Princess’ name was Ryan stated, “The heart of the Princess’ name was NAKO.” Of course she was making it up but we all had a good laugh. In the MINI community, owners usually name their MINI creations. Once Ryan’s BIG MINI arrived, a name search commenced but it didn’t take long to think back to that day she named her favorite Princess… and so Ryan’s MINI was to be named “NAKO”.