Taking MTTS customization to a new level

The many and varied ways in which MINI owners and enthusiasts specially customize their cars for MINI TAKES THE STATES is one of the stand-out features of the biennial motoring adventure.

And at MTTS 2018, there’s one MINI motorer who has taken customization for the rally to a whole new level of sophistication.

Anyone who sees the black 2012 MINI Countryman of Michelle and Mark Resos can’t fail to notice the individually-designed MTTS logo that is hanging from her interior mirror. That’s because it is made from leaded stained glass.

The unique piece of automotive art was designed and produced by Michelle, who is a stained glass artist by profession. She is employed by the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine in St. Augustine, Florida, where she designs, produces and restores stained glass. Her work has involved producing and repairing stained glass for churches including the restoration of many pieces in churches that were damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

Michelle first designed the artwork for the piece and then silk screen printed it onto the glass before baking it in a kiln. She first produced a smaller test piece – the one on display inside her car – and then the full-size final version which she also carrying to Colorado.

When asked what she intended to do with the stained glass MTTS logo, Michelle said: “I have been thinking about raffling it to raise money for Feeding America.” Michelle and Mark, who are driving from Portland to Keystone on the west coast route in their Countryman, nicknamed ‘Midge’, had already raised $1,555 for MINI USA’s chosen charity partner before the rally had even started.

Should they choose to do that, this individual and artistic one-of-a-kind piece of work will surely be in significant demand.