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We are on a road trip in the States and our last leg is Chicago, I new there was Mini Jems some were in the states , I did a search on the net and came up with a email address for guy in Dekalb called Andy Vanko, Dekalb is about 50 west of down town, I made arrangements to meet him Saturday afternoon and yes he as a Jem, he as had this car for number of years, the story goes ,the first person bought it from Fellpoint in kit form ( shell with trim ) his wife left him so he sold it, the next who bought his wife left him, then Andy bought and his wife left , he asked me if I was married haha,
Had great couple of hours talking mini's with Andy and he is involved with the Illinois mini owners club, also great collection of mini stuff, he was telling me that when the dealer shut down they gave him all the tools ,books ect ,also he as a original Clive tricky trophy ,I have photo's but to large to post I will do this when am back next week. I would say that few on this forum know Andy.
Goff

I knew Andy Vanko back in the late 1970's early 80's.....when in the days before the internet it was only really possible to make contact with overseas Mini enthusiasts by posting a letter. He had his Mini Jem back then and used to send me the MINI (Minis In Northern Illinois) monthly newsletter in exchange for UK Mini club news and newsletters!
Look forward to seeing your photos.

I used to speak top Andy on the old Minimania forum. A really decent bloke.

A COUPLE OF PHOTO'S OF THE JEM AND OF ONE THE ORIGINAL TROPHY'S THAT CLIVE TRICKEY WON , ANDY VANKO WITH IS JEM

Goff

Mmmm, I like Jems!
My wife didn't leave when I brought home a derelict Mini Marcos, but my kids nearly did when I sold it!
I wish I had another!
Tom