Mini Magazine Summer 2019

Welcome to our very special Mini 60 Anniversary issue! We've added 32 extra pages which has allowed us to explore a little more of the Mini's history, not least the origins of tuning and styling. For newcomers, we also thought it was an appropriate time to include a guide to buying a Mini - despite the Mini reaching its diamond anniversary, its universal appeal never wanes, and we continue to inspire and welcome new enthusiasts to the fold. Long may it continue! Talking of inspiration, on the cover this month is Mark Burnett's wonderful historic race prepared Austin Countryman. You'll no doubt be wondering why an Estate should have been chosen as a base for a racecar, and there's a fascinating story behind it - see page 12. It's an…

It goes really well. It’s mental. It’s mega!” Mark Burnett laughs. This time last year, the racing driver and MD of Burlen Ltd had no plans to build and race a 1964 Mini Countryman... but with the first race under his belt he’s unstoppable. “In some ways, the first race at Goodwood Members Meeting was a bit of a test. I was shocked that it went as well as it did. Knowing the calibre of people that I was up against I really didn’t expect to get into the final, but we did! We didn’t finish but it didn’t matter. That’s racing!” So the real question has to be, why choose to race a Countryman? “I’ve always made no secret of liking the odd stuff. I like to be different,”…

For a car to be eligible to race in historic motorsports events it must adhere to the very exact ‘Appendix K’ specifications. These are published (and updated) by the FIA on a yearly basis. Appendix K regulation cars are also required to have a Historic Technical Passport in order to compete in historic touring car racing or rallying. This document includes details about the car, as well as proving that the car has been assessed by an acknowledged expert who confirms that the car complies with the regulations. With your HTP, in place you can compete all over the world, safe in the confidence that the other cars are built to the same spec. Any modifications must be true to period (meeting the same spec as any works cars built…

BODY Standard 1964 Mini Countryman shell fully restored and built by Owens Fabrication, Tartan Red paint, original mirrors and grille. ENGINE Swiftune 1293cc Appendix K race engine. Kent cam. Twin H4 SU carbs. Maniflow reverse cone megaphone exhaust with interchangeable straight through pipe/rear silencer. Power 130 bhp. SUSPENSION Rubber cone. Rear anti roll bar. TRANSMISSION Swiftune race spec four-speed manual. BRAKES 7.5 inch Cooper S discs, AP calipers. WHEELS AND TYRES Minispares 10 inch Rosepetals with Dunlop CR65s INTERIOR OMP steering wheel, custom Corbeau driver’s seat (trimmed to match the original), 6 point rollcage, custom dash, FIA fire extinguisher, race spec battery, Owens custom alloy fuel tank and cover, wide angle rear view mirror, Owens switch panel, Owens alloy gear knob.…

The British Motor Museum are hosting a Classic Mini Guinness World Record Attempt on Saturday 3 August. Organisers are looking for over 600 Classic Minis and variants to come along and help spell out the phrase ‘Mini 60’. This will be filmed from the air providing evidence which will be submitted in pursuit of a new Guinness World Record. All Classic Minis (produced between 1959 and 2000) are eligible along with Mini variants such as the Clubman, Countryman, Moke, Riley Elf and Wolseley Hornet. You can take part in the World Record Attempt for just £7, which includes displaying your car and Museum admission for the driver and 1 passenger. If you neeeded any more encouragement, the Museum are also running a special offer whereby if you enter your Classic…

• A world record grid of period Minis will celebrate in style at Silverstone Classic (26-28 July). Never before have so many Minis raced together on track. As the entire multitude of original pre-1966 Minis are built to identical technical regulations, the level of competition is going to be fierce. Close racing is guaranteed as the entry list is headed by proven Mini aces including Jonathan Lewis, Ian Curley, Bill Sollis, Lars Ekorness and Nick Swift.…