Mini Magazine December 2019

We've had an exciting month here at Mini Magazine. Even though the show season has been winding down, there was still Action Day at Castle Combe to enjoy, and despite some typically Autumnal weather, between the downpours we managed to see plenty of track action. You can see our full report starting on page 28. We've also had the opportunity to get behind the wheel ourselves this month, and we were lucky enough to have the track to ourselves, with not a rain cloud in sight. Early in the month, we headed up to Curborough Sprint Course to meet up with the team behind the Vetechbusa and after experiencing the car in both naturally aspirated and forced induction forms, we were completely blown away. Bike engine conversions are not new,…

Words Holly Daffurn From a young age, I remember being sat in my Uncle’s Mini with the Italian Job soundtrack on the tape deck. You could see the road whizzing past through the holes in the floor!” These precious early memories are where James’ love of all things Mini stemmed from. Then when a lad at his school got a Mini for his first car, James was keen to follow suit and soon bought the car off him. “I had it for a month and knew absolutely nothing about them. Something was always going wrong. It was in the garage every weekend so I had to sell it in the end. Then when I started working at Bosch I decided that I wanted another one… one that actually worked! So…

BODY 1977 Mini Estate in 2005 Renault blue. Arc Angels carbon fibre bumpers and arches, Spider Design LED side lights, decals by Sticky Fingers ENGINE 1275cc A-plus, HIF44 carb on Mini Spares alloy inlet, full Maniflow exhaust, DSN engine steady, thermostat housing SUSPENSION Red dot cones throughout, GAZ shocks throughout, adjustable tie bars, competition lower arm bushes, Hi-Los TRANSMISSION Standard four-speed manual BRAKES 7.5 inch discs, Minifins. Competition black braided brake lines WHEELS AND TYRES 10x6 Anthracite Ultralites with Yoko A032 tyres INTERIOR Carbon wrap dash. Three clock dash. Oil, water and volts gauge in the dash centre, low back front seats, re-covered original back seats, wooden JBW style steering wheel, doorcards and headlining from Optimise Automotive…

Right from the start, the classic Mini was a member of high society: royalty, film stars, musicians and celebrities from the world of fashion succumbed to the charm of the British original. To mark the brand's birthday, MINI has unveiled a stunning restored classic Mini in the striped design of the 60 Years Lifestyle Collection. To mark the brand's 60th anniversary furthermore, MINI is commemorating those glorious early years with some exceptional special vehicles. Following the successful market launch of the MINI 60 Years Edition for the current MINI 3-door and MINI 5-door, the classic Mini will once again be at the forefront. A unique, elaborately restored one-off in the colourful striped design of the current MINI 60 Years Lifestyle Collection revives the fashionable panache and lifestyle of the wild…

• On Saturday 19 October, MINI celebrated the launch of the three-year partnership by attending the parkrun event in Oxford, the home of MINI and where its new all-electric model will be built. Over 440 parkrunners took part in the early morning 5km event in Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Park. David George, MD, MINI UK said, “MINI are really excited to support parkrun. For the past 60 years we have made cars that bring smiles to people’s faces and created a real sense of community. Our shared optimistic spirit and desire to bring people together is what makes this such a great partnership.” Parkrun UK supports more than 900 communities around the country to deliver free, weekly, socially focused events. parkrun events are open to everyone, whether you walk, jog, run…

• The Fuchs Lubricants Classic Mini Challenge was held in South Wales in the first weekend of October for the final round of 2019 – Round 8 of the Raintite Metal Coatings Patriot Stages for 61 miles of action over six stages. This rally was based at the Caerwent Military Training Area. Fuchs Lubricants Classic Mini Challenge Results for the Round 8 2019. In first place Jim Brindle and Martin Young, second Martin Melling and Lewis Griffiths, and third place goes to Barry Stenhouse and Suzanna Whalley. This makes the provisional final championship results – Rick Ford in first with 148 points, Martin Melling second with 138 points and Barry Stenhouse in third with 133 points. Well done to everyone who took part!…