Mini Magazine July 2018

Production might have stopped almost 18 years ago, but thanks to innovative owners such as Paul Young, we’re still seeing project cars taking the Classic Mini formula to new extremes. So what has Paul done to make his Pick-up stand out? On top of replacing the A-Series engine with Honda VTEC power, Paul has extended the cab for more space and even moved the petrol tank to behind the seats. The result will certainly split opinion, but it’s a beast of a Mini that you certainly won’t miss. Especially with those wide arches, one-off wheels and the bespoke interior. See what you think with our full feature. From one extreme Mini to another, with Harry Orridge’s Tweed Grey, 16-Valve future track star. A winner at Mini In The Park 2017,…

Nostalgia is a thing of the past. At least that’s how it appeared to many during the 1980s. As the ’70s drifted away, off went Starsky and Hutch and The Bionic Man and whatever did happen to the Likely Lads? Glam Rock was wrapped up in Spandex and thrown in the bin and you couldn’t buy a decent pair of flares anywhere. As the new decade took shape no one in stonewashed jeans sporting a mullet would be seen dead in an Austin Maxi or an Allegro, never mind a Morris Minor. The modern young driver wanted something sharper. Offerings from the major manufacturers - including the new front-wheel drive Ford Escort, the Golf MkII and Peugeot 205 - certainly came with up-to-date styling and with fuel injection, they were…

BODY (1 of 200) Mark VI shell with new sills, scuttle and A-panels. Flame Red with white roof. Limited Edition decals: Monte Carlo style rally plates on bonnet, boot lid and rear quarter panels, bonnet stripes, John Cooper signature on wing top, coach lines. White door mirrors, four driving lamps ENGINE Repainted 1275cc engine. 70.64mmx81.33mm single-point fuel injection. 10:1 compression ratio. Power 63bhp at 5,700rpm. Torque 70lb ft at 3,900rpm three-way catalytic converter. Dressed with Smiffy’s Bits. TRANSMISSION Standard four-speed all synchromesh gearbox. Ratios: 1st; 3.647:1, 2nd; 2.185:1, 3rd; 1.425:1, 4th; 1.000:1, reverse; 3.667:1. Borg and Beck 7.125-inch clutch. Final drive ratio 3.11:1. SUSPENSION Independent, rubber cone springs, double wishbones, telescopic dampers (front). Independent, rubber cone springs, trailing radius arms, telescopic dampers (rear). BRAKES Lockhead discs and callipers 8.4-inch (front),…

It is summertime, where drop-top motoring becomes more popular. Perfect time then, to be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the original Rover-built factory Convertible. This Mini Convertible wasn’t quite the first though, as the limited-edition, German-built Lamm Cabriolet came two years earlier in 1991. It was offered to test the market before the official Rover car, Lamm Autohaus, removed the roof prior to sale in the UK, and it was an instant hit with all 75 vehicles selling immediately — making it one of the rarest Minis ever produced. At launch, the Mini Cabriolet cost almost double that of the 1993 Classic Mini and was available in just two colours - Caribbean Blue with a Grey hood or Nightfire Red with matching hood, and featured new 12-inch diameter Revolution wheels…

• The Herts and North London region of the Mini Cooper Register is proud to announce that the talk by motorsport legend, Stuart Turner, raised an impressive £700 for the charity Race Against Dementia. The audience at the United Reformed Church in Potters Bar was entranced and entertained by Turner’s tales from a life of co-driving, journalism and team management of the factory BMC and Ford rally teams. The evening, which provided a unique insight into over 60-years of motorsport, included a special message from Sir Jackie Stewart who set up Race Against Dementia. Tales from his past were abound and included Steve McQueen and Ringo Starr along with Fangio, Clark, Moss, Cooper, Issigonis, Hopkirk, Aaltonen and Timo Makinen to name but a few. If you get the opportunity, we…

• Mokes were out and about in the English Midlands to participate in the UK Classic Car Drive It Day, which this year coincided with the 35th anniversary of the founding of the Mini Moke Club, in April 1983. Many original members and Mokes were present as the convoy progressed from pub to pub (so nothing has changed in 35 years!). Much reminiscing was done, with lots of old stories told, and most members wondering where all that time has gone! Still, on this occasion it was agreed that when you’re in a Moke, time is the least important thing on your mind! We hope there are many more years of Moking to come!…