Otago Mini Owners Club president Natalie McElhinney, of Mosgiel, said 96 Minis from between Auckland and Invercargill converged on Dunedin for the New Zealand Mini Nationals.
The annual event was in its 22nd year and Dunedin was the southernmost location in its history.
The fleet was on display in the lower Octagon on Saturday and was judged on categories from paintwork to engine wiring.
Mrs McElhinney said a Mini was so recognisable it could be distinguished by a toddler and the appeal for the vehicle was "ingrown" in people.
"They can be wee bastards but if you look after them, then they’ll look after you."
Club member Tony Bryson, of Dunedin, said he bought his 1981 Leyland Mini 1000 about nine years ago.
It had "spent many a year in a panelbeater shop"; the motor had been reconditioned and disc brakes installed.
"It’s been an entertaining but bloody dear exercise."
When he was asked the total cost of the restoration, he scanned the lower Octagon to make sure his partner, Trish Palmer, was out of earshot.
"I would have spent a good $10,000."
The Downer road maintenance worker said it was money well spent for an enjoyable ride.
"It’s totally different to anything else ... they are a joy to drive."
When he drove it, people often waved him down so they could photograph the "fire-engine red" car.
On Saturday afternoon, Mr Bryson competed in a speed course around cones at the Otago Taieri A&P Showgrounds in Mosgiel.
In the time trial, Mr Bryson pushed his mini "to the limit" and tested the reconditioned motor.
Yesterday, the drivers explored Otago for nearly four hours on a navigation and sightseeing trail between the Edgar Centre and Taieri Mouth before a prizegiving last night.
Next year’s event will be held in Hamilton.
