love:mini - Issue 5

1love:minilove:mini

•TransformersMini•WorksMinifound•AC/DCMini•AndersWarming•Pacemandrive•BrandsHatch•ClubmanConcept•Barden’sMINIshowstopper

•Eventreports

ISSUE 5

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50TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

THE no.1 onlinE magazinE FoR mini EnTHusiasTs

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F56 MINI LAUNCH AT BOWKER

s love:mini becomes more popular, we are working hard behind the scenes to secure the

best content we can provide to you, the readers. Not only have we joined forces with the Mini Se7en

Racing Club, which boasts the longest running one-make series in Europe, but we’ve also got the likes of premium interior merchants, Newton Commercial, giving an expert guide on how to fit underlay and carpet into your classic Mini. In the features department we have two showstoppers,

from Luke Billing and Neal Barden, and a look at two other Minis of interest, one of which is featuring in the new Transformers film, and a recently discovered Works rally Mini, hidden away for 20-odd years.If you have a great story,

or unusual project, want to advertise your products or company, or just want to send us some feedback... drop us an email.

[email protected]

Craig McBeth

www.ydrolina.net

ISSUE 5

May/jun 2014

WELCOMEBlog and social media links

3love:minilove:mini

CopyrightblurbCopyright of all contributions remains with the original owner. love:mini produced content is copyright of love:mini. By submitting words and photos to love:mini you agree to allow us to use and reproduce this material in any way, shape or form (in a non-offensive manner) for the foreseeable future.We do not intentionally use copyrighted material without permission, and for the most part we have been given permission to use copyrighted material. However, if you believe we have used copyrighted material without permission, we will do what we can to make amends. Reasonable attempts have been made to find and contact any copyright owner whose material may have been used.

THIsIssuEWAsMADEWITHHELPfroM:Sammiiee Watts@Mini Madness, Clive King, Mighty Mini Club Sri Lanka, Paul Lawrence, Newton Commercial, Mini Se7en Racing Club, Antony Williams, David Young, Matthew Barrington, Mark Chandler, Roy Sisley, Robert Leary, Ydrolina Mini, Dave Johnson, Oakfield Motorsport, Bowker MINI, Laurence Parcens, Neal Barden, Jon Alexander, Norm Nelson, George Marsh, Reiza Alvarez, Stefanus Albert, Greg Wenzlick, Chris Wynne Imaging, X-Raid, MINI.

10 On the pulse News - investigated.

18 WOrks Mini Works Mini found.

26 transfOrMers Mini in new film.

30 gear Stuff for your Mini.

36 upcOMing events Plan ahead!

40 clubMan cOncept

44 f56 launch Showroom event.

50 paceMan drive Amild 600-mile jaunt.

54 fit the billing Lee & Luke Billing’s carbon-fibre Mini.

62 My Mini Neal Barden’s showstopping MINI.

70 anders WarMing Q&A session with MINI’s Chief designer.

74 event repOrts Hopkirk Gala, MINI Thunder, Brooklands...

78 brands Media day 2014

98 MOtOrspOrt and Clive King column.

120 WOrkshOp Fit a Newton Commercial carpet.

love:minilove:mini4

love:minilove:miniwww.love-mini.co.uk

What’sINsIDE

5love:minilove:mini

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For over 40 years MiniSport have beenproducing a range ofremanufacturedengines built on along establishedcommitment toengineering excellenceand customer satisfaction.Engines Engine E&G/box998cc - A series, A+ & Cooper £1488 £23711275cc - A series, A+ £1339 £22231275cc - Cooper Carb £1382 £22651275cc - SPi and MPi £1381 £2374Surcharge from £360 £675*E&G - Engine and Gearbox

Engine set - 850/998/1098cc £14.69Engine set - 1275cc £9.89Gearbox set - all Minis £8.98Head set - 850/998/1098cc £14.89Head set - 1275cc £10.32Head set - 1275 with Copper H/G £12.16Head set - 1275 with Turbo H/G £31.09Head set - 1275 with AF460 H/G £50.07Valve stem oil seals - set 4 £2.83Copper head gasket - 998cc £10.91Copper head gasket - 1275cc - AF460 £44.33Turbo head gasket - 1275cc £23.06Manifold gasket - Standard £1.06 Manifold gasket - Large Bore £2.58Catalytic converter gasket £1.37

Full range of individual gaskets available850/998/1098/1275cc & Injection £24.85

Pistons

Brand New1275cc £279Reground by Mini SportFull Range, exchange From £166

(Regrounds complete with bearings & thrust washers)Main or Big End Bearing sets From £25Thrust Washer Sets From £9

For four decades Mini

Sport cams havebeen produced using

tried and proven profiles available from mild road to

full race profiles

Engine StabilisersSlot drive 1275cc £16.12Slot drive 998cc £17.11Slot drive Turbo £31.50Spider drive 1275 £17.29

Peg drive 850/1000/1100cc. £14.35Oil pressure release valve & spring £3.48Oil pressure switch - standard £4.68

Simplex set £21.74Duplex set £27.20Lightened Duplex set

£50.40Light Vernier Duplex set £89.56

Kent Vernier Timing Std £169.16Kent Timing disc £11.65Single row timing chain £4.07Duplex timing chain £6.94Cam locating plate £4.80Timing chain tensioner pad £10.30Tensioner Pad mounting bracket £7.50Breather type A+ timing cover £48.00

Timing

Cams & Kits

Camshaft only From £55.82Camshaft Kits From £78.45Cam surcharge £60.00

Carburettor type - Half kit no exhaust £109Injection type - Pipercross filter £302Injection type - K&N filter £336

Windscreen Locking Strip Fitting Tool £9.42Suspension Cone Tool METRIC or UNF £30.97Piston Ring Compression Tool 45-75mm £15.43Valve Spring Compressor Tool £23.73Flywheel Puller - Heavy Duty £29.04Socket - Flywheel Bolt & Ball Joint Nut £43.31Brake Shoe Adjusting Spanner £10.95Ball Joint Separator Tool Scissor Type £29.02Ball Joint Separator Tool Puller Type £15.47

Feeler Guage Set (imperial) £15.18Brake Hose Clamp Tool £7.21Engine Mounting Bolt fitting tool £16.90Clutch Clevis Pin fitting tool £15.53

Special ToolsCarbalancer - balances twin carbs £20.72Colourtune kit - test fuel/air mixture £35.89Eezibleed - one man bleed - brake/clutch £28.08

1.3 Ratio - standard £189.631.5 Ratio - uprated fast road £189.631.7 Ratio - competition £189.63

Polished Alloy £27.24Polished Alloy - with cap £29.39Chrome Plated Steel - with cap £33.80Metro Style Polished Alloy with cap £45.46Alloy with Polished Fins - Blue or Red £33.68Rocker cover gasket £1.32Oil Filler Cap - Chrome £4.86Oil Filler Cap - Red original £7.41Oil Filler Cap - Black Original £3.94Rocker Cover T Bars - Chrome (pair) £8.77Rocker Cover T Bar Kit - Blue or Red £11.41T Bar Fitting Kit - Silver, Red or Blue £3.73

Mini Sport Alloy Roller Tip Rockers - Give the same powercharacteristics of fitting a performance camshaftwithout removing the engine. Also reducesvalve wear by stopping the side loading on thevalve stem created by standard rockers.

Rocker Cover

Head Parts

Roller Rockers

Mini Sport Ultra Light 1 piece steel billet flywheels - available in 3 weights to suit- Pre-engaged type £144.17- Inertia type £136.14Mini Sport Steel Replacement Flywheels- Pre-engaged type £191.08- Inertia type £183.14Ring Gear Inertia (thin) £22.62Ring Gear Inertia (thick) £25.78Ring Gear Pre-engaged £28.60 Remanufactured flywheel Lightened/Balanced (old unit must be supplied) £90.09

Flywheels

Clutch Plates

Mini clutch plate (diaphragm type) £28.49Competition clutch plate £97.55Verto clutch plate £36.37Sintered Metallic Full Race £214.726 Paddle Cerametalic Clutch Plate £157.95

Recon Engines Crankshafts

Parts & Mountings

Gaskets & Sets

Stage 1 Tuning Kit

1293cc

At Mini Sport we have the ability to transform yourMini to the specification of your choice. The dynamic1293cc, 1400cc and 1430cc engines were originallydeveloped in our own Mini’s way back in the 1960’s.As you would expect, we have continued to developand improve these engines making them just aspopular for today's exciting breed of Minis.

Engine Kits Stage 2 Stage 31293cc Half Engine Kit £754 £8701293cc Short Engine Kit £831 £9471293cc Full Kit (carb) £1421 £1646Built Engine Stage 2 Stage 3Carburettor engine, ready to fit £1804 £2036Injection engine, ready to fit from £1866 -

9090bhpfrom 1380cc

Engine Kits Stage 2 Stage 31400cc Half Engine Kit £872 £9521400cc Short Engine Kit £958 £10381400cc Road Kit (carb) £1550 £1718Built Engine Stage 2 Stage 3Carburettor £1934 £2109Injection £2100 -

104104bhpfrom

Mini Sport Cylinder Heads

Sales: 01282 778731

www.minisport.com [email protected]

With over 40 years of developing our own exacting designs and techniques, we have gained anunrivalled wealth of experience, which keeps Mini Sport as a recognised World Leader of ModifiedMini Performance Heads. Listed is just a limited selection of the heads we manufacture, we canproduce Bespoke heads to your own specification, please call us to discuss your requirements.

Mini Sport remanufactured heads are produced to originalspecifications, finished to the highest standards & designedas a simple replacement for the original old cylinder heads.

u Reconditioned

850cc, 998cc, 1098cc £2581275cc A+, A series £256(all prices are exchange)

Improved efficiency in the gas flow through thecylinder head, resulting in an increase in power andeconomy. Perfect for town, traffic & open roads.

u Mini Road (Stage 2)

850cc, 998cc, 1098cc - (29mm/25mm) £6561275cc incl injection - (35mm/29mm) £636(all prices are exchange)

Improved efficiency in gas flow through the cylinderhead, along with larger valves it is designed formaximum Power, Torque & Economy.Perfect to release power from bespoke engines.

u Road Sport (Stage 3)

1275cc A+, A series carburettor models only £751(all prices are exchange)

Greater gas flow efficiency through the head alongwith Competition Valves, engineered to deliver Power& Torque to the mid range resulting in bettereconomy. Pefect for overtaking and long journeys.

u Grand Tourer (Stage 4)

(all prices are exchange)

‘Breathing new life into the heart of your Mini’

Performance Built Engines & Kits

Mini Special Tools

Developed to achieve significant power increase,improved acceleration and top speed with better fuelconsumption, whilst still maintaining engine reliability.

Power Increase

over

20%

Also available full range of cams & kits from

Standard Valves each from £6.77Competition Valves each from £22.42Rimflo Valves each from £25.31Valve Guide Set Mini (set of 8) £11.78Valve Guide Set - Bronze Alloy £27.60Valve Spring Set 850/998/1100 singles £14.26Valve Spring Set 1275cc 200lb doubles £23.92Rocker Pedestal Spacer (2mm) £2.80Rocker Shaft Mini £9.79Rocker Arm - Cooper ‘S’ £11.82Rocker Arm - Sintered Type £10.80Nut - Cylinder Head - each £1.00Cylinder Head Stud - Short £4.32Cylinder Head Stud - Long £2.70ARP Head Stud Kit & Rocker Studs from £164.87

850cc, 998cc, 1098cc - (32mm/28mm) £8421275cc incl injection - (35mm/31mm) £842

Mini Sport 7 Port heads are manufactured to yourexact specification, for maximum performance, torqueand reliability - 1275cc engines only.

u 7 Port Mini X-Flow

Casting with valve seats & guides £1441Stage 3 Road specification £2171Stage 4 Rally specification £2218

Power gains of +20 BHP on standard engines

4.028 Kgs4.432 Kgs4.154 Kgs

Competition EngineStabilisers

Injection type1275cc type

Full engine & gearbox units also available - Please call to discuss your requirements with our experienced staff

Illustration Only

Castrol Classic Oils Castrol Half Pint Pouring Jug £10.42XL20w50 ( 4.5Ltr)£28.32XL20w50 ( 1 Ltr) £9.34

Cam Follower (Set of 8) £12.23Pushrod 1275cc 1.3i each £2.761275cc Steel Centre Main Strap £16.40Chrome Dip Stick - Silver, Red or Blue top £9.60Engine Steady Bush Kit - Std Rubber £1.44Engine Steady Bush Kit - Comp Rubber £2.69Engine Steady Bush Kit - Solid Nylon £13.32Engine Mounting Standard £3.78Engine Mounting Easy Fit Standard £6.92Engine Mounting - Quick Release - Poly £9.90Engine Mounting - Solid Type - each £18.00Oil Filter Head - Spin On - A series £13.31Oil Filter - Spin On type £3.54Oil Filter - Spin On - 1996 on (PH4952) £4.50Oil Filter Element - Early pre Spin On £4.80Millers Oil Classic Mini 20/50 (5Litres) £28.80Sport CTV 20w-50 (5litres) £53.04

Oil Pumps

Rolling Road Tuning

Computer Controlled Tuning - Book a session todayand maximise the power and performance output ofyour engine. At the same time we will monitor oiltemperature etc and adjust emissions accordingly. Mini Club Shoot Out DaysGreat fun for groups of like minded people. Full detailson request with a minimum of 10 cars required.

Mini Sport LtdThompson StreetPadiham, Lancashire. UKTel: 01282 778731Fax: 01282 772043

Worldwide Express Mail Order Specialists

Longest established Mini Specialists in the World - Totally committed & providing everything Mini, all under one roof.

Open 6 DaysMon-Fri 8:30-5:30Sat 8:30-1:00Friendly Service &Helpful Advice

Prices include:- set (4) pistons, rings andgudgeon pins. All sizes available.998 Dished - circlip fit from £253.95998 Flat Top - press fit from £317.961275 Slipper Std comp from £156.721275 Slipper High comp from £206.551380cc Powermax 73.5mm set £286.13

The Mini Specialists - Since 1967Quality, Reliabilty, Customer Service & NOW even better value for Money!!

Restorations RepairsServicing StylingPerformance

£186stage 1 Carb

£56from only

All prices areexchange

£62from only

Nov 13 p1-4_May 05 1-2 v5 19/02/2014 14:06 Page 2

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7love:minilove:mini

RadiatorsAlloy 2 Core £140.934 Core uprated £152.862 Core injection uprated £151.592 Core uprated £126.66Cooper ‘S’/GT £72.82Mini SPi £135.15Mini MPi £76.80Expansion Tank - MPi £58.94Expansion Tank Cap - MPi £5.92Cooper S top rad bracket £9.12Thermostats, from £3.11Thermo blanking sleeve £7.31Radiator Caps (7-15lbs) £3.70Hoses, from £3.00Fans/Belts11 Blade plastic fan £13.726 Blade steel fan, yellow £33.80Fan belts from £2.77Water PumpsHigh Capacity £16.69MPi water pump £18.00Oil Coolers13 row element only £73.90Mini/Cooper S kit £98.10Mini Clubman kit £105.13Mini MPi kit £133.96S/S cooler pipes, pair £32.03Rubber pipes, pair £22.68Oil cooler thermostat £33.16

Cooling

by Mini SportRight or Left Sideonly £18.18

Gearbox Steady KitsReconditioned 4 Speed - by Mini SportRod - 850 to 1275 A series £574.19Rod - 998 to 1275 A+ £574.78Remote 850 to 1275cc £574.25Straight Cut 4 Speed - by Mini SportStraight cut close ratio fully built 4 synchrogearbox complete with differential.Rod Change Gearbox £1221.42Remote Change Gearbox £1218.58

(all prices are exchange)

Pot Joint type £167.87Rubber Coupling type £167.87Differential PartsDiff Pin £14.40Diff Pinion £9.70Washer, Diff Pinion, A+ Type £2.56Diff Output Shaft Fibre Thrust Washer £2.61Diff Output Flange Cover Oil Seal £4.75Final Drives - all ratios available from £152.26LSD Type - all ratios available from £201.14

We offer a professionalwhile-u-wait fittingservice on almost all theparts we supply. Bookyour Mini in & we willtake care of it for you,while you wait in thecomfort of our fullystocked showroom.

Quickshift

Protects the enginefrom any metalparticles which maybe in the oil.

Completelyreconditioned in ourown workshops. The casingis chemically cleaned and then fully rebuilt withnew bearings, shafts and baulk rings

The Mini Sport 4 PinionDifferential was designed& developed for theserious fast road andcompetition driver whorequires confidencethat the power oftheir engine istransferred to the wheels without stress relatedbreakages. CNC manufactured in our own ‘stateof the art’ machining centre.

Bearing Kits - by Mini SportContains all bearings to re-condition a gearbox.A series rod and remote £108.18A+ rod change £99.74Reconditioning Kits - by Mini SportContains all parts required for reconditioning.A series rod and remote £217.32A+ rod change £206.40

Standard diaphragm (‘S’) £27.10Competition diaphragm - Orange £61.52Competition diaphragm - Grey £61.52

Pressure Plate - Recon (exchange) £47.75Pressure Plate - Lightened Steel £88.25Flexible rubber hose - standard £6.18Release bearing - Tall (pre verto) £8.05Release bearing - Verto £6.00Slave cylinder - pre verto £15.60Slave cylinder - verto £31.03Master cylinder - Late type, plastic £63.67Master cylinder - Early type, metal £84.38Clutch Oil seal - Orange Rubber £4.20Clutch Housing Breather - ‘89on £19.20Verto Clutch Arm £18.28Clutch Throwout Plunger - Verto £15.00Clutch Arm - pre Verto £15.77Clutch Throwout Plunger £11.36

Essential for all fast road & competition Minis

4 Pinion Diff

Oil Pipe & Mag Trap

Gearbox Repair

Magnetic Oil Trap Kit £19.20Centre Oil Pick-up pipe £29.35

Rod Change type £36.10Remote Change type £34.54

Clutch Parts

Clutch Kits

Baulk Ring Heavy Duty £7.56Layshaft 4 Synchro A+ £26.40Bearing - 3rd Motion Shaft - Twin Row £33.60Bearing - 1st Motion Shaft £13.20Bearing - Differential £11.95Bearing - 1st Motion Gear - Roller £13.20Gear Selector Seal Kit - Rod Change £6.73Gearbox Sump Plug - Magnetic £8.40

Gearbox Parts

Pre Verto Kit - Standard up to ‘82 £45.90Cooper Carburettor - Verto Standard £93.12Cooper Carburettor - Verto Heavy Duty £240.18Cooper Injection SPi or MPi £103.50Verto flywheel bolt £4.63Verto flywheel keyplate £22.80

C.V. Joints & Boot KitsOuter CV Joint - Drum type £28.80Outer CV Joint - Disc type £30.60Outer CV boot kit £2.34Inner pot joint £33.60 Inner joint boot kit £6.00 Competition Drive ShaftsSteel pot joint type, pair £182.29Hardy Spicer type, pair £204.58

Front, drum brakes type £12.65Front, taper roller disc brake type £13.80Rear, taper roller type £14.39

Drum type - RH or LH, each £53.94Disc type - RH or LH, each £53.11Fully Built Disc type - RH or LH, each £94.50

Alloy Disc Type - kit £550.98Alloy Rear Hub - ‘84on, pair £176.72Standard Rear Hub, each £25.33

Drive Train

Wheel Bearings

Swivel Hubs

Drive Flanges

Fitting & Service Center

7.5” ‘S’/GT (suit 10" wheels), each £19.857.5” ‘S’/GT - EN24 Hardened, each £28.197.5” ‘S’/GT - Alloy Lightweight, each £86.788.4” Disc type, each £28.04 8.4” Disc type - EN24 Hardened, each £39.168.4” Disc type - Alloy Lightweight, each £86.78Drum type (suit 10"), each £30.00Drive flange collar, disc type, each £4.10Drive flange nut, drum type, each £3.23Drive flange nut, disc type, each £5.40

Gearboxes

S/C Gear KitsSuperior qualitymaterial, incorporating original special tuning gear ratios.

Straight Cut C/R 4 synchro Gear Kit £479.89Straight Cut Drop Gear Kit £240.54

For improved feel and faster, slicker gearchanges. Easy to install in approx 30 minutes.

Brake Parts Calipers - 7.9" vented £288.79Calipers - 7.9" non vented £288.79Calipers - 7.5" (10" wheels) £288.79Calipers - 8.4" vented £319.51

7.5" Discs (10" wheels) kit £365.687.9" Discs non vented kit £353.487.9" Discs vented kit £375.328.4" Discs vented kit £404.70

Standard Assembly Front, pair £116.13Standard Assembly Rear, pair £113.17Mintex Assembly Rear, pair £115.32Rear Wheel Cylinder from £9.00Front Wheel Cylinder from £10.80Rear Brake Back Plate - RH or LH £26.40Front backplate & adjuster - RH or LH £33.93Rear Brake Adjuster kit (per side) £7.26Brake Return Spring Kit - Rear £6.04Front Brake Shoe Return Spring - Single £2.40Brake Lever Set (handbrake) £14.40

Master CylindersMaster Cylinder S/GT Plastic reservoir £48.22Master Cylinder S/GT Tin reservoir £87.00Master Cylinder Yellow Tag ‘85on £76.37Master Cylinder Green Tag ‘89on servo £113.92

Brake Hoses, front or rear from £6.94Handbrake cable, front or rear, from £3.30Handbrake QuadrantsStandard type, each £12.37Alloy, pair Red, Blue, Black, Gold, Orange £28.94

Pads - ‘84 on (12” wheels) - standard £12.30Pads - ‘84 on (12” wheels) - Mintex £10.52Pads - ‘84 on (12” wheels) - EBC Green £30.66Pads - 7.5'' Cooper S/ GT - Mintex £12.61Pads - 7.5'' Cooper S/ GT - EBC Green £37.19Pads - 7.5'' Cooper S/ GT - EBC Red £47.73Pads - 7.5'' Cooper S/ GT - EBC Yellow £46.36Pads Mini Sport 4 pot caliper - Mintex £12.85Pads Mini Sport 4 pot caliper type - EBC £43.85Front Brake Shoes - standard £13.50Front Brake Shoes - Mintex £15.04Rear Brake Shoes - standard £11.40Rear Brake Shoes - Mintex £14.58

HUGE RANGE AVAILABLE, PLEASE CALL

Standard specificationCooper S 10" wheels £567.02Mini ‘84 on, 8.4" discs £536.0312" to 10" wheel Brake Conversion kit £232.81Uprated with 4 pot alloy calipersVented with Grooved discs £775.33Non-Vented with Grooved discs £752.45Cooper S with Grooved discs £753.118.4” with vented & Grooved discs £804.18

Brake hose kit (set 4) £39.29Metro 4 Pot caliper conversion £48.83Coloured Hose kits - red, black or blue £46.40Front Brake Hose, pair £23.66Rear Brake Hose, pair £23.66Clutch Hose £11.52Clutch Hose verto type £14.22

Fits Mk3 single line non servo brake systems, to improve braking power & efficiency.

Mk1/2 Cooper ‘S’ Servo only

£421.80

Standard - front or rear - pre ‘84, each £11.75Spacer type - rear only - ‘84on, each £16.07

Kit Includes: pair performance discs, set fast road EBC

brake pads. Directreplacement.

Specially designed and developed using precisionmatched parts producing the Ultimate Mini Brakes.Confident braking every time with consistent pedalfeel and stopping power. Kit includes:- Mini Sport4 pot alloy calipers, performance discs,performance brake pads and fitting kit.

Achieve the ultimate stoppingpower with these Mini Sportlightweight alloy 4 potcalipers. CNC machined ‘inhouse’ from high gradeanticorrosive alloy billets.

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4 Pot Calipers

Alloy Superfins

Drum Brakes

Alloy Brake Kits

Sure Stop Kits

Brake Discs

Brake Drums

Disc Drive Assy��

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Cooper ‘S’ 10" wheels - x-drilled discs £107.06Mini ‘84 on, 12" wheels - x-drilled & grooveddiscs £72.83

Pads & Shoes

Aeroquip Hoses

Remote Servo Kit

Gold, Green, Gunmetal, Titanium, Silver,Black, Red, Blue or PurpleCalipers - each (RH/LH)

Cooper ‘S’ - O.E Specification £84.00Mini ‘84on (12” wheels) O.E Spec £62.40Caliper piston, Cooper S, stainless steel £8.27Caliper piston, ‘84 on, stainless steel £11.27Caliper Seal Kit - Cooper S £5.28Caliper Seal Kit - Mini ‘84 on £4.62

Standard specificationCooper S - 7.5" Discs, each £26.40Mini ‘84 on - 8.4" Disc each £14.108.4” vented - each £17.46Cooper 997/998 - each £54.88Performance DiscsCooper S 10" wheels - X/drilled, pair £76.24Mini ‘84 on - X/drilled & grooved, pair £46.808.4” vented - grooved, pair £74.957.9” vented - grooved, pair £81.56

Steering rack, RHD/LHD £59.23Sportspack rack, RHD/LHD £113.65Quickrack, 2.2 turns, RH/LH £92.89Steering rack boots (pair) £5.40Cooper S steering arm, each £19.20Track Rod End - Standard £7.88Track Rod End - Group A £18.47

The Mini Sport Superfin superior light weight alloybrake drum has 25% extra fins for better cooling, abuilt in spacer for extra strength and rigidity,weighing 50% less than the original drum.

Steering

Subframe fittings & bushes, full range in stock

Subframes

The Mini Specialists - Since 1967

£289pair only

£536from only

£118pair only

£189from only

£111pair only

Fully built disc drive assemblies using new andgenuine quality components.

Fully assembled, consisting of back plate, wheelcylinder, handbrake lever including rubber boot,brake shoes and springs.

Front from £420.01Rear dry suspension type from £188.60Rear dry - Powder Coated £211.61Rear hydrolastic from £221.58

£190only

GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY OF THE RALLYE MONTE-CARLO VICTORY

Quilted Jacket

S, M, L, XL, XXL

Hoodie '64 Winner Hoodie ShieldT-shirt '64 Winner T-shirt Shield T-shirt Honour

Special EditionClothing £60

only

£28only

£13only

£28only

£15only

£13only

Nov 13 p1-4_May 05 1-2 v5 19/02/2014 14:08 Page 3


love:minilove:mini8

Solid State Electric Fuel PumpsRoad kit £46.75Fast Road kit £48.24Competition kit £52.50Interupter Electric Fuel PumpsSilver top Road kit £82.15Silver top Comp. kit £84.44Red top Comp. kit £90.02Filter King & Petrol KingGlass bowl 67mm £46.98Alloy bowl 67mm £48.53Glass bowl 85mm £50.89Petrol King Pressure reg. £46.48

Carburettors

Airfilter Mini Sport PiperX K&N1 1/4''HS2 - £36 £761 1/2''HS4 cone £37 £36 £69HIF 44 cone £37 £36 £77Carb element - - £34Injection element - £39 £35SPi Induction kit - £80 £83MPi Induction Kit £80 £100

Twin SU Carburettor Kits:-Includes carbs, inletmanifold, linkages & filters1 1/4'' HS2 £743.621 1/2'' HS4 £744.791 3/4'' HS6 £786.12Inlet ManifoldsSingle HS2/HS4 waterheated £35.40Weber 40/45 DCOE £114.31Twin HS2 or HS4 £102.76Twin 1 3/4'' HS6 £85.39

Single SUCarburettors

from £235

10% POWER INCREASEReplacement Throttle body for MPi Minis. A quick & low cost performance boost.Mpi 48mm £153.81

Air Filters

FACET Fuelling

Throttle Body

40 - 45 DCOE Weber carburettor £39240 - 45 DCOE Weber kit £630

Exhausts

Single box system £75Twin box system £84Rear silencer £62




Mini Sport Superflow exhaust systems designed for Ultimate gasflow, increase in power yet retain alow noise level. A twin silencer system with stainless steel tail pipe.

Side Exit, LCB £79Centre Exit, LCB £79Side Exit, Van, Estate £86Side Exit, catalytic £86Centre Exit, catalytic £86

Full range of quality exhaustsystems and silencers.

Standard Exhaust

LCB Manifolds

Stainless SteelWiper arm, each £5.16Wiper blade, each £5.69Wiper plug, each £3.84Wiper bezel kit £7.45Washer jetsTwin, pair £7.55Single, pair £5.83

WipersFull Kit: arms, blades, washerjets twin, bezel kit & blanking plugs only £37.84

Twin round CAT system £207Twin round LCB system £221Twin DTM CAT system £197Twin DTM LCB system £2113” Side CAT system £1603” Side LCB system £174

Superior mirror polished stainlessexhausts with lifetime warranty.

Twin Round

Twin DTM

3" Side Exit

Mini Saloon 1967-92 System £301.73Mini Cooper & S 1961-63, 1 Box System £301.73Mini Cooper & S 1963-71, 2 Box System £347.64Austin Mini 1275 GT 1969-80 System £366.00Mini 1.3 SPi & MPi 1992-00 Cat-Back System £347.64

25 year guaranteed Stainless Steel Original Spec Exhausts

Full Rangeavailable, please call

Catalytic Converter £81.70Catalyst Removal Link Pipe £29.75Cooper Carb Downpipe £56.16Injection Downpipe £54.00Magic Pipe (instead of LCB) £33.30998/1098/1275 Twin silencer system £60.78Estate/Van/Pick-up Twin silencer system £100.55Large Port Manifold Gasket £2.58Standard Port Manifold Gasket £1.06Injection Downpipe Gasket £1.91Catalyst Gasket £1.37

LCB Single Box System Side exit £92.06LCB Twin Box System Centre Exit £100.80CAT Twin Box System Side Exit £117.60CAT Twin Box System Center Exit £135.91CAT Twin Box Twin DTM System Centre Exit £184.38

Alternators & Dynamo - by Mini Sport16/17ACR pre ‘80 NEW £65.4645 Amp ‘80-’85 exchange £74.7455 Amp ‘85-’96 exchange £60.0070 Amp ‘85-’96 inc SPi NEW £71.88MPi ‘97-’01 exchange £111.60Dynamo - NEW £70.38Starter Motors - by Mini SportPre Engaged Type NEW £89.14Inertia Type - exchange (surcharge £40) £60.83Inertia Type - NEW from £86.40

Fast Road Yellow, from £144.90Fast Road Yellow Side Entry £182.04Fast Road Yellow Vacuum Adv, from £182.04Competition Red, from £144.90

Full range of Aldon partsstocked, please call us for details

Aldon Ignition

Flame Thrower Coil - Black £55Flame Thrower Coil - Chrome £59Flame Thrower Coil - Epoxy Race £63Ignitor - Electronic Ignition from £109

Ignition Parts

Lucas Sports Coil £18.60Ignition Switch Mk4 on £42.00Plug Lead set from £11.90Silcone Plug Lead set - black, red, blue, green or yellow - up to ‘96 from £13.55- MPi set from £18.18NGK Spark Plugs set (4)from £10.56OE Spark Plugs set (4) £5.95Distributor Caps, from £4.76Rotor Arms, from £1.63Contact sets, from £2.28Condensor, from £2.07Starter Solenoid, from £8.37

Distributors - Standard65D Electronic Type £10159 D A + ‘80 on £86Vacuum Unit from £18Vacuum Pipe from £3Pig Tail Wire £25

ElectronicIgnition System

Pro-Flow LCB £61Pro-Flow Injection LCB £75Maniflow Superior LCB £79Maniflow large bore LCB £201Maniflow catalyst LCB (injection) £107Maniflow stainless steel LCB £188Maniflow carb cat LCB inc link pipe £122Maniflow injection LCB inc link pipe £147Maniflow large bore 3into1 £258

Mk1/2 Mini, Cooper & ‘S’ from £167.13Van/Traveller/Pick-up from £203.52Mk3 Mini, Cooper & ‘S’ from £203.52Mk4 2 or 3 clock from £249.94Dash Clock Conversions Centre to Side or Side to Centre clocks from £32.22

Full range available, please call for details

Shock Absorbers

Rubber cone, genuine £40.69Ball joint kit (1 side) £7.56Knuckle joint £3.24Knuckle joint cup £1.50Radius arm, recon, exchange, each £60.85Radius arm repair kit £9.00Bump stop front (single thread) £5.40Bump stop front (twin thread) £5.51Rebound buffer, front £3.36Top shocker mount RH £12.00Top shocker mount LH £12.00Top Suspension Arm - LH or RH £45.60Top arm repair kit £14.77Lower suspension arm shaft £9.00Top suspension arm shaft £8.28Competition SuspensionFront comp bump stops, pair £21.55Rear comp bump stops, pair £24.36Rose joints 1/2” (male) £19.76Rose joints 1/2” (female) £22.97Top shocker mounting (RH/LH) ea £21.59Lower shocker mounts pin, each £6.89KAD Alloy h/brake quadrants, pair £38.48Competition track rod end £18.47

Suspension Parts

Spax RED Front/Rear std or lowered, each £70.26Spax Yellow Front/Rear std or lowered, each £70.26Paddy Hopkirk Edition Spax - set 4 £254.16Spax Full Coilover KIT. standard or lowered £611.98GAZ Front/Rear standard or lowered, each £40.80KONI Front/Rear standard or lowered, from £68.40Bilstein B4 Gas - Front or Rear, each £22.50Bilstein B6 Sport Gas - Front or Rear, each £73.80KYB Front/Rear Oil, each £14.28KYB Front/Rear Super Gas, from £24.01KYB Front/Rear Gas-a-Just, from £35.32GMAX Front or Rear, each £21.80BOGE Front or Rear, each £14.88

Sports Ride - Gmax Shockers - Kit £266.48Sports Ride - GAZ Shockers - Kit £346.76Sports Ride - KYB Gas Shockers - Kit £281.59Sports Ride - Spax Shockers - Kit £433.02

Front set £45.18Rear set £63.20Full Kit, includes front and rear sets £98.31

Negative camber & tracking rearbrackets. Allows alignment of rear wheels.

Adjustable heavy duty pair £34.14Group 'A' adjustable pair £66.56Group 'A' rose jointed, pair £148.86Standard tie rod, each £12.96Tie rod bush, standard £0.66Tie rod bush set, uprated £4.20

Kit:- 1.5˚negative camber bottom arms, GroupA adjustable tie rods and rear brackets

ADJUSTA

The unique design enables quick and easy fitmentand suspension height adjustment. Designed as adirect replacement to the original alloy trumpetand knuckle joint, without modification.

Variable Height Suspension Kit

Fully adjustable sports suspension kit to allowfine tuning for maximum road holding. Kit:- Adjusta Ride full kit, 4 sports shockabsorbers, negative camber bottom arms,adjustable tie rods, poly bushes & rear brackets.

SPORTS

SMOOTHA

Designed with Dr. Alex Moulton (the originalMini suspension designer) to transform the Minisoriginal suspension, making the great car morecomfortable and easier to drive. Kit:- Adjusta Ride full kit, 4 shock absorbers, 4 new rubber cones & adjustable rear brackets.

SuspensionKit

Rear Brackets

Adjustable Tie Rods

Negative Camber Kit

Front Bump stop kit, pair £8.20Engine steady £7.12Engine steady, ultimate, pair £6.23Gearbox steady kits £7.12Front subframe upper kit £10.68Front subframe, front mount £4.45Front subframe, rear mount £11.47Rear subframe kit (early type) £8.40Rear subframe kit (late type) £10.82Rear shocker bush kit £5.39Full car kit (early type) £31.98Full car kit (late type) £36.49Lower arm bush kit £8.18Tie Rod bush kit £6.23Rebound buffer, pair £4.52Polyurethene bushes available in Black or Red

Wiper Motor £39Wiper Wheel Box £14Wiper Rack £9

Wiper Tube Kit £33Wiper Motor Strap £6Motor Crank Wheel £24

Polyurethane Bushes

Bottom Arms

1.5˚negative arms, pair £42.602.0˚negative arms, pair £57.35Adjustable, heavy duty, pair £66.35Adjustable rose jointed, pair £83.95Adjustable rose jointed, heavy duty pr £127.32Standard bottom arm bush, each £1.50Uprated bush set, nylon £15.67Bottom arm shaft, each £9.00

Wiring Looms

Dynalite Alternator that looks like a C40 Dynamo- Negative Earth £419.26- Positive Earth £489.14PowerLiteLucas Type Lightweight Alternator £229.00Hi Torque Inertia Starter Motor 1Kw £153.75Hi Torque Pre-engaged Starter Motor 1Kw £162.00Slimline Inertia Starter Motor 1.6Kw £229.00Adaptor Alternator to Lucas Plug £19.96Dummy Control Box for Dynalite Alternator £54.00

PowerLite Electrical

Sales: 01282 778731

www.minisport.com [email protected]

Mini Sport LtdThompson StreetPadiham, Lancashire. UKTel: 01282 778731Fax: 01282 772043

Worldwide Express Mail Order Specialists

Longest established Mini Specialists in the World - Totally committed & providing everything Mini, all under one roof.

Open 6 DaysMon-Fri 8:30-5:30Sat 8:30-1:00Friendly Service &Helpful Advice

The Mini Specialists - Since 1967Quality, Reliabilty, Customer Service & NOW even better value for Money!!

Restorations RepairsServicing StylingPerformance

£43from only

£57from only

£99full kit

£61from only

£62from only

£91from only

£75from only

£84from only

£375full set

£126kit only

£79from only

2" Centre Exit

3" Side Exit

2" Twin Centre

2" Twin DTM

Nov 13 p1-4_May 05 1-2 v5 19/02/2014 14:10 Page 4


9love:minilove:mini

* Red, Blue or Black available

Special Arches, black £19.20Chrome Covers inc Side strips £71.81Monte Carlo style £63.42Sports Pack - Genuine inc all fittings £342.16Sports Pack - Non Genuine inc all fittings £50.16Group 2 Glassfibre arches £54.85Group 2 Race Glassfibre arches £55.77Group 5 Race £61.54 Other Steering Wheels - wheel only KIT

12”,13” Black Vinyl 3 spoke £39.13 £52.2512”,13” Black Leather 3 spoke £56.04 £67.1013.5” Woodrim 3 spoke £72.04 £88.1613” Black Vinyl, red stitching £49.53 £59.15Boss Fitting Kit £16.12

Mini Parts 8.4” Vented Brake Kit £5508.4” Vented Disc Drive Assembly £8957.5” Cooper S Brake Kit £5257.5” Cooper S Disc Drive Assembly £8458.4” Standard Calipers £3958.4” Standard Disc Drive Assembly £845

Available only in Burr Walnut or Charcoal finish

Style - 2 or 3 clock instrument faciaFinish - Burr Walnut, Charcoal or AlloyOptions - Chrome ring inserts & extra guage holes

Front Cage - ROAD only * £151.30Rear Cage - ROAD only * £151.30Front £192.12Rear rally £204.20Rear race inc. Diagonal £264.46Rear detachable diagonal £336.86Multi point weld in cage £625.75Multi point bolt in cage £939.89Door bars - pair £113.33Roll cage padding, 80cm £11.40

RAC dural £96.00Monte Carlo £86.98Steel £68.56Extension £51.60

RAC Steel

Full range of Heritage,Aftermarket & Restoration panelsavailable at the best prices, please call.

Roll cages

Sump Guards

Wheel Arches

ChromeSpecial Group 2 2 Race 5 RaceSports Pk

Replacement Panels Non Gen GenuineA panel Mk3 - RH/LH £10.93 £19.99A post hinge panel - RH/LH £10.44 naRear valance all models £11.52 £49.00Rear valance closing plate £6.48 £34.07Front floor well - RH/LH £18.36 £51.64Rear floor well - RH/LH £25.02 £59.53Sill Outer 4.5'' Mk3 on - RH/LH £14.02 £37.52Sill Outer 9'' Mk3 on - RH/LH £15.44 naSill Inner repair - RH/LH £8.82 naDoor Step, shaped - RH/LH £8.82 £75.00Boot floor rear repair £18.40 naScuttle complete £50.22 £124.99Door Skin Mk3 on - RH/LH £27.36 £80.00Bonnet Mk2 on £117.45 £165.00Front wing - early £51.30 £94.99Front wing - late £51.30 £94.99Front panel to ‘76 £61.02 £175.00Front panel ‘76 on £56.88 £175.00Screen corner repair £9.54 naFibre PanelsFull range of carbonfibre & glass fibrepanels available, pleasecall for details

Mud Flaps

Body PanelsDashboards

Interior Trim

Handles

Custom Consoles

Light Systems

Screens & Seals

Grilles

Wheels

Old English White, each £62.47Silver, each £62.47

Reproduced by MiniSport - 3.5J & 4.5J x10” to originalspecifications. These wheels areNOT cheap copies, but exact replicas of the originaldesign, perfect for any restoration project.

wheel only Package (set4)6x10 Silver, Anthracite or Gold £60 Falken £3655x12 Silver - Minilight £68 Falken £4235x12 Silver Polished rim £60 Falken £4035x12 Black, red stripe £64 Falken £4135.5x12 Silver Polished rim £65 Falken £4225.5x12 Black, red stripe £64 Falken £4305.5x12 Black, pol. rim £64 Falken £4106x13 Silver £73 Yokohama £5457x13 Silver £77 Yokohama £5167x13 Deep Dish £86 Yokohama £5457x13 Split Replica £86 Yokohama £5457x13 Black, red stripe £86 Yokohama £545

Revolution wheel only Package (set4)6x10 Black 4 Spoke £62.05 Falken £4295x12 Black 4 Spoke £62.46 Falken £419Starmag6x10 Black Hi-Lite £52.09 Falken £3776x12 Black Hi-Lite £59.03 Falken £4197x13 Black Hi-Lite £72.05 Yokohama £502Mamba5x10 Black Hi-Lite £50.76 Falken £3546x10 Black Hi-Lite £55.37 Falken £3776x12 Black Hi-Lite £62.75 Falken £4197x13 Black Hi-Lite £76.60 Yokohama £502

Cooper S 3.5J x 104.5J x 10

Tyres

A539A008

Seats

Cooper int release £44.10Cooper ext release £44.10Cooper Lamp Holes £98.56Mk 5 wavy int £82.43Mk 5 wavy ext £82.43Mk3 chrome £73.90Mk1 Austin wavy £88.46Mk1 Austin Cooper £85.15Mk1 Morris Cooper £74.08Mk1 Mustache surr. £91.96Mustache ends, ea £10.78Mk3 surrounds, ea £9.32Mk3 Top surround £16.64

O.E. spec Stainless £46.80Chrome £36.24Stainless £42.14Black or Grey £35.65Clubman Front £158.57Overiders & Corner BarsMk1 kit £133.52Mk1 kit & bumpers £214.37Mk2 overider kit £58.48

Stainless door, each £23.94Black early, each £19.85Black late, pair £38.46Bullet chrome, each £13.86Bullet late chrome, ea £26.82Downton style, each £21.07Cooper Chrome, pair £51.92Classic clip on, each £27.91Cooper White, pair £47.63Interior - Stainless £24.26

Carpet Sets

Mirrors

Quickshift Gearlever withGear Knob £59Gearlever Gaitor £18Silver Gearknob £29Oil Dip Stick £27Polished Rocker Cover £39Rocker Cover Cap £7.50Red Rocker Cover T Bars £27Steel Fuel Jerry Can £24Steel Fuel Jerry Can-Red £24Jerry Can Spout £14Jerry Can Spout-Red £14Luxury Floor Mats (4) £25Front Grille Badge £14Rally Plate Decals pair £4Official Merchandise 8Gb USB Memory Stick £19Rally Plate Mug £7Mug "33 EJB" £7Sticker Pack £3Rally Plate Key Chain £4Rally Plate Lapel Badge £2Rally Plate Cuff Link set £9T-Shirts - S, M, L or XL Roundel - Black £1537 - Red £15Rallye - Black or Grey £15

Deluxe CarpetsBlack, Red or Brown £44.15Newton Com, from £158.61

Standard CarpetsBlack, Red or Grey £29.02Sound insulation kit £44.14

Luxury deep pile tailored 4piece carpet mat set, withspecially formulated non slipbacking to fit all Mini saloonsRHD or LHD. Front mats comecomplete with embroideredMini Sport Flying Flag Logo.All season £22.80

Classic style only £141

3+3 RHD - also available in LHD only £141

Newton Commercial interiors & trims availablefor all models of Mini. Please call for details.

Full rangeavailable

145/10 - Falken SN807 £42.00165/70/10 - Falken FK07E £49.90165/60/12 - Falken ZE912 £49.80145/70/12 - Federal £50.45165/70/10 - Yoko A032 £60.60165/70/10 - Yoko A008 £53.54165/60/12 - Yoko A539 £62.00165/55/12 - Yoko A048 £90.37175/50/13 - Yoko A539 £71.94175/50/13 - Yoko A048 £109.08

ZE912FK07E

RHD & LHDavailable

Side RepeatersClear Type £2.46Amber Type £3.30

Genuine Rear - pairMini Logo £29.38Cooper Logo £30.60

Moto-Lita

H4 Headlamp Assemblies,includes headlamp bowl plusinner bezel, suit LHD or RHD

Pre ‘97 Mini from £43.71MPi Headlamp Mini - with motor £58.16Headlamp Leveling Motor - ‘97 on £46.64Valeo/Cibie Halogen unit, each £36.65Halogen Crystal Headlamp - standard £37.22Halogen Crystal Headlamp - Angel Eye £46.15Headlamp Bowl from £8.29Rubber Seal - Headlamp Bowl £2.85Inner Chrome Bezel, from £5.40Chrome Headlamp Ring from £9.42

Angel Eye Spot Lamps, red, blue or white £46.15Rally Giant Spot Lamp Kit £39.12Road Runner H3 Spot Lamp Kit £20.27

Spot Lamps

Works Lamp Bar Kit

Stainless Steel

Kit includes4 lamps, 4

brackets

Kit : Stainless Lamp Bar, wiringloom, 2 Drive and 2 Fog lamps

Genuine RoverCooper Lamp Kit

Quadoptic Headlamps

Headlamps

Full Kit: 2 Drive Lamps & 2 Fog Lamps £222.27Full Kit: 4 Drive Lamps £220.67Genuine Lamps, Fog or Drive each from £39.95Lamp Brackets, outer or inner, each from £9.85Wiring per lamp £11.92

Mk1/2 - push fit amber plastic lamp unit £7.20Mk1/2 - amber glass lamp unit, each £12.00Mk1/2 - push fit clear plastic lamp unit £6.78Mk1/2 - clear glass lamp unit, each £11.96Mk1/2 - metal bulb holder £6.72Mk1/2 - chrome outer locking ring £2.76Mk1/2 - rubber boot rear of lamp £3.35Mk3/4 - amber lamp unit (screw type) £7.19Mk3/4 - amber lens, each £3.89Mk3/4 - clear lamp unit (screw type) £7.27Mk3/4/5 - clear lens, each £2.68Mk5 - clear lamp ‘97-’01 £11.12

Mk1 Rear Lamp RH or LH, each £37.98Mk1 Rear Indicator Lens RH or LH, each £8.16Mk1 Rear Stop Lens RH or LH, each £6.54Mk1 Lens screw kit, per side £1.70Mk2/3 Rear Lamp RH or LH, each £47.94Mk2/3 Rear Lens RH or LH, each £16.75Mk2/3 Rubber Seal RH or LH, each £7.24Mk4 Rear Lamp RH or LH, each £42.84Mk4 Rear Indicator Lens RH or LH, each £6.82Mk4 Rear Reverse Lens RH or LH, each £9.00Mk4 Rubber Seal RH or LH, each £6.30

Rear Lights & Lenses

Indicators

Clear LensesSupplied as pairscomplete with orange and red bulbs, upper lenses only

Screen seal front from £9.31Screen seal rear £12.14Chrome locking strip £3.78Quarter light sealsopening type £8.04fixed type £10.97

MK3 Door seal £16.56Mk3 door chrome strip £15.60Mk4 boot lid seal £9.60Sill trim black £9.56 Sill trim chrome deluxe £14.20Roof gutter trim black £10.62

Clear, front £48.00Clear Heated, front £255.85Tinted, front £56.32Tinted Heated, front £254.96Top Tinted, front £56.40Top Tinted Heated, front£276.28

Mk2/3 Clear, rear £77.44Mk1 Clear, rear £92.52Mk2/3 Clear Heated, rear£171.17Mk1 Clear Heated, rear £171.17CAN BE SHIPPED WORLDWIDE

Windscreens

Rubber Seals and Strips

Burr or Charcoal Interior AccessoriesDoor Pulls, pair from £50.04Window Winders, pair £50.04Door Openers, pair from £53.41Door Cappings, set 4 £126.00Handbrake Handle £21.00Gearknob - silver Mini Wings Logo £20.38

10 Piece PolishedAlloy Handle set

Full Set only£34.80

Vinyl - no options from £70Vinyl - radio slot from £79Vinyl - air vents from £113With - vents/ radio fr £117

Exterior Handle SetsMk1 set £78.22Mk2 set £87.77Mk3 set, early £97.42Mk3 set, late £48.60

LHD orRHD

Coloured Vinyl, Burr Walnut, CarbonFibre look or Alloy. Radio slotOptional. Available in all colours.

Boss Kits to suit Mk1, to ‘76 or ‘76 on- Black with cap or horn control £54.32- Polished with cap or horn control £83.83Steering Wheels - flat or dished spokes13” Woodrim - Polished Spoke £150.1112” Leather - Polished or Black Spoke £150.4913” Leather - Polished or Black Spoke £146.15

Cobra seats - available with Mini fixingsClassic Vinyl - all colours from £135.90Classic Vinyl & Piping - all colours from £157.78Clubman - black, blue, red or grey £189.54Monaco - black, blue or red £200.80Forza FIA Approved - black, blue or red £248.53GTB Recliner with h/rest- black cloth £437.57GTS Recliner with h/rest - black cloth £443.46

Handcrafted wood or leather steering perfection

Seatbelts Decals

Carpet Mat Sets

Inertia Reel typeFront - Black £32.39Front - Coloured £55.80Rear - Black £32.39Rear - Coloured £44.80

Automatic Belts inBlack, Red, Blue,

Beige or Grey

Full range of Harnesses available.

Chequered Roof £38.64Union Jack Roof £45.00Bonnet Stripes - B or W £9.28Cooper Laurel £5.99Pin Stripes car set from £9.16

Internal Bonnet Release KitGrille Buttons

Chrome or Black set £10

Bumpers

S/S Headlamp peaks £10.80S/S Headlamp stoneguards £11.40Mk3 chrome no plate lamp £20.69Stainless seam mouldings, pr £23.52Boot Hinges - chrome £10.73Plain Door Handle Scoops £7.19Alloy Dip stick: Blue,red,silver £9.60Aston style fuel cap £19.76Union Jack Badge £6.76Cooper Boot Badge ‘92 on £34.79GB Boot Badge £7.68Cooper S Mk3 Bonnet Badge £20.41Mk3 Boot Handle £24.80

Brightwork

Quadoptic H4Halogen Conversion

37®

For the full range alongwith details & specsplease go to the websitewww.paddyhopkirkmini.co.uk

Gauges

Voltmeter from £40.78Ammeter from £21.23Oil Pressure electric from £78.01

Oil Pressure capillary from £59.83Water Temp electric from £58.51Water Temp capillary £54.96

SMITHS gauges also available, pleasecontact us with your requirements

£29from only

£23only

£222full kit

£38pair

£30kit only

£15Mk4 Uppers

£44only

£89only

£165full kit

£59Lamp Bar

£31Mk1 Lenses

£43Mk4 Lamps

£46LHD pair

£38RHD pair

£98only

£83only

£141one price

GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY OF THE RALLYE MONTE-CARLO VICTORY

Special EditionMerchandise

Monte Mug winner

Legend Pen Parker PenCoaster Set 4

£25only

£9each

£3only

£9only

£2only

£6only

Golf Umberella

Col Du Turini Mug

Bottle OpenerKeyring

37®

Nov 13 p1-4_May 05 1-2 v5 19/02/2014 14:12 Page 5


Lincs Mini Chaos Club founder, Kerry Cox, has seen her trial

for defrauding the Help for Heroes and Breast Cancer Breakthrough charities collapse.

There has been a lot of gossip and false information being spread on the internet since the trial finished in February, but love:mini likes to get to the root of the story and tell the truth. So, the information contained herein comes from official sources and documented evidence.

The 41-year old from Louth, Lincolnshire, was charged in December 2011 and pleaded not guilty to the charges of:

• Four counts of Dishonestly making false representation to make gain for self/another or cause loss to other/expose other to risk (Fraud)

• Three counts of theft

The events revolve around the 2010 Mini Obsession Forum’s (now defunct)

Nude Calendar, run by Mrs Cox, which was promoted as donating funds to charity. Several high-profile members of the Mini community, and companies contributed to the pictures in the calendar and sponsored the production of it.

In 2010, concerns were raised within the Mini community about whether the proceeds of the calendars sold did actually go to charity, despite claims by Mrs Cox that they raised over £1000 for the charities.

Mrs Cox then produced a letter purporting to come from the Help For Heroes charity, who then, when asked about the letter, questioned its authenticity.

Police contacted the charities who confirmed they had not received any donations as stated by Mrs Cox.

Kerry Cox was charged with the above counts on December 22, 2011. The matter was listed for trial on August 27, 2013 and a Jury was empanelled to hear the case. According to a court official, shortly into the trial

the prosecution highlighted a difficulty with some of the counts, which resulted in counts 6 & 7 being quashed.

On August 29, 2013, a further difficulty arose surrounding some of the evidence that had been given by Mrs Cox. That resulted in the Jury being discharged and the case being adjourned for the prosecution to consider their position.

On February 7, 2014, the matter came back before Lincoln Crown Court, and the prosecution offered no evidence in relation to the outstanding counts. Having so done, the Judge formally directed that ‘not guilty’ verdicts, under Section 17 of the Criminal Justice Act 1967, be recorded against each of the five counts. There was no jury involved in the hearing.

Case officer Kerry Topham, told love:mini that the original calendar case in August 2013 had to be closed and jury directed to find the defendant not guilty, before Mrs Cox could be charged with perverting the course of

Kerry Cox is Miss September.

love:minilove:mini10

Follow us online to get the latest news first

mINI cHARITY cALENdER fRAud TRIAL coLLApSESMini Obsession and Lincs Mini Chaos founder Kerry Cox found not guilty after prosecution withdraws its evidence.

legal

on the PULSE

https://twitter.com/love_mini

http://www.facebook.com/loveminimag

http://loveminimag.blogspot.co.uk/

mailto:[email protected]

justice. However, this charge was made after an error by her lawyers and was subsequently dropped.

In the trial that reconvened, she told us that the CPS decided that, because of the period of time that had elapsed, inconsistencies in witnesses and witness statements and the cost, that it was not in the public interest to continue.

CPS StatementA spokesperson from the Crown Prosecution Service gave love:mini an official statement into the withdrawal of evidence in the case:

“The charges against Kerry Cox were brought in line with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, in that it was considered that there was sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and it was in the public interest to prosecute. The basis of the charges was that she had made false representation about the charitable distribution of funds from

the sale of calendars.During the trial, the defence produced

a document that had been published on a website that the defendant ran in 2009 that cast doubt on the prosecution’s claim of dishonesty. The trial was halted at that stage to investigate the authenticity of this evidence. This was a complex matter to investigate, because it had been removed from the website and the site’s hosting arrangements made obtaining authenticated copies impractical. In the end, the prosecution could not prove beyond reasonable doubt that the document was false. On that basis, it was no longer possible to prove that Kerry Cox had acted with dishonest intentions, so the case was discontinued by offering no evidence in court.”

The evidence produced by Mrs Cox in court was a screenshot purporting to be from the Mini Obsession Forum which gave details of the percentage of proceeds which would go to charity

from sales of the calendar. Because the CPS could not verify its authenticity or prove it was false (the website had been removed and was hosted on foreign servers) they decided against taking the matter further, leaving the Judge no option under Section 17 of the Criminal Justice Act 1967 but to find Mrs Cox not guilty.

When contacted for a comment Mrs Cox said: “There’s not much to say really. It’s all over now. We went to court and there was a not guilty verdict. That’s it.”

Separately, Kerry’s husband, Carl Cox, was found guilty of ‘Witness Intimidation’ outside the court of her trial and sentenced to do community service.

While the judgement is officially not guilty, the fact that the case was not fully heard by a Jury leaves many questions unanswered and the integrity of Mrs Cox’s reputation shrouded with elements of doubt.

11love:minilove:mini

The screenshot that brought the case down.

The fake Help For Heroes letter.Extract from CPS letter to witness.


There’s been a lot of talk about the newly proposed Ultra

Low Emission Zone that is set to be introduced in London in 2020.

The scheme is looking to reduce air pollutants and CO2 emissions within central London by using the existing infrastructure of the Congestion Zone.

A number of representatives of the classic car scene are worried this will lead to a ban on classic cars within the Capital because of high emissions.

Classic and Sports Car magazine leads one of several campaigns and petitions that have been emerging to petition the Mayor of London and head of Transport for London (TfL), Boris Johnson.

Taking these concerns to TfL, love:minispoke to Nancy Ryder, spokesperson for TfL, who told us that the proposal are still in the early stages of concept and the issue of exemptions will be looked at later. The scheme is set to be offered for public consultation later in 2014.

“The original press release that was issued in February last year announced

the Mayor’s intention for an Ultra Low Emission Zone in 2020.

Since then TfL has been exploring ways to introduce the scheme in 2020 and has focused on the development of options.

Engagement with stakeholders has been a key element of the process and this work will continue throughout 2014.Stakeholders feedback will help shape a final proposal for public consultation in late 2014.

At this point we will specify which vehicles we propose will be required to meet the emission standards. At this stage we are exploring the parameters of the scheme and for this reason it is too early to talk about exemptions.“

Whilst the details of the scheme are yet to be revealed, others are sceptical about the threat to classics in the Capital. “It’ll never happen,” said one forum user.

www.tfl.gov.uk/media www.london.gov.uk

THREAT To cLASSIcS IN LoNdoN?Transport for London’s plans for a Low Emission Zone could restrict access to the Capital for classics.

legislation

If you want to support the call for classic cars to have free, unrestricted access to London you can add your name to the thousands of others by clicking on the link below and adding your name.

Sign the petition here: www.classicandsportscar.

com/news/general-classic-car-news/the-free-use-of-classic-

cars-in-central-london

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www.classicandsportscar.com/news/general-classic-car-news/the-free-use-of-classic-cars-in-central-london


News in BriefStay up-to-date with our

Blog and social media links

Buckinghamshire-based young persons’ charity SKIDZ, which provides motor studies programmes for young people, plans to establish a pilot project in Belfast as part of its strategy to expand operations across the UK over the next five years.

Preliminary discussions are already underway regarding creating a project in Belfast in partnership with the Integrated Education Fund of Northern Ireland.

This potential alliance is the result of initiatives being organised around the Paddy Hopkirk Gala and other events being held in 2014 in Northern Ireland to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Paddy’s historic victory in the Monte Carlo Rally.

Belfast-born Paddy is Patron

of SKIDZ and a long-time supporter of IEF.

Graham Andrews, SKIDZ CEO, says: “SKIDZ and the IEF are both registered charitable organisations and are proud to have Paddy Hopkirk as a Patron. Proceeds from the Gala events in the Province will be donated to both charities. In this context, it seems appropriate that SKIDZ examines the feasibility of establishing a ‘pilot’ project in Belfast in partnership with the IEF – so that the proceeds can be invested back into Belfast and become one of the first of the new SKIDZ projects to open in the UK.”

The pilot envisages 100 students initially in the age range 13-19 years will be able to access a range of courses.

SkIdz pILoT pRojEcT

BLYToN pARk mkI pERfomANcE dAYBlyton Park raceway in Lincolnshire, is hosting the inaugural MkI Performance Day on May 4th.

For more information contact organiser Pete Flannigan: [email protected]

mITp BLuRBBlur tribute band - Blurb - have been confirmed as the headline act for Saturday night at Mini In The Park on August 10, with the support act named as The Kaiser Thiefs.

Tickets are £10 in advance (£15 on the gate) and an extra fiver for camping the night before. Under 14s free.www.minishow.co.uk

mTTS REGISTRATIoN Now opENMINI owners in America rejoice as the registration for this year’s Mini Takes The States is now open.

For the majority of MINIacs in America, this is the biggest and best event you can take part in.

The two-week journey

travels West from San Francisco through to Boston, MA. Anyone wanting to join the convoy can do, for as long at they want. There is a one-off $45 fee, and participants will have to also book and pay for their own hotels, food and fuel.www.minitakesthestates.com

mINI Top foR mumSA survey by HPI, has revealed most people remember their mum driving a Mini moren than any other car.The ‘stroll down memory lane’ put the Mini first with 9.4% of the vote, ahead of the Ford Fiesta 6.6%, Cortina 4.7% with the Ford Sierra and Vauxhall Cavalier tied in 4th. Fifth place was drawn between the VW Golf, Ford Escort XR3i, Toyota Corolla, Ford Capri and the Austin Allegro.

TVmoc GAINSBoRouGH mINI dAY fIRST SHowFrom the team that brought you Lincoln BIG Mini Day, Trent Valley MOC, comes an event on Father’s Day, June 15, which takes over Gainsborough city centre. Entry is free. www.trentvalleymoc.co.uk

BMW Group UK presented Halliwell Jones, Warrington with the prestigious BMW Dealer of the Year Award at an awards ceremony held at its National Dealer Conference in February. Exceeding targets set in nine different operational areas across its business, the dealership won the award following strong competition from the two other finalists, Chandlers Hailsham and Soper of Lincoln.Other awards presented at the ceremony were:

Marketing Champion of the Year Wollaston BMW Northampton

Corporate Sales Dealer of the Year Elms Group BMW Bedford,

Cambridge, Stansted

Used Car Dealer of the Year Bavarian Garages Belfast

Aftersales Dealer of the YearRybrook Warwick

Customer Champion of the Year Lloyd Carlisle

Dealer Principal of the Year Russ Trotman, Dick Lovett Bristol

mINI dEALER AwARdS


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creates a partnership the Mini Se7en Racing Club - the leading classic Mini motorsport club in the world.

love:minilove:miniAs your favourite

Mini magazine, love:mini, grows

in popularity, we’ve expanded our support for Mini motorsport with the announcement of a sponsorship deal with the Mini Se7en Racing Club.

The M7RC is well known for running the longest form of one-make motorsport - the Mini Se7ens, since 1966, when Bob Fox won the first title, and the more powerful Mini Miglias aren’t far behind, starting a mere four years later in 1970.

The close, tight-knit racing of the Minis has been enthralling crowds for years, and even 14 years after the final classic went out of production, there is no sign of interest in the sport waning.

“love:mini’s online reach is a great opportunity to boost the Club’s profile and get more people involved with both the Mini 7 Club and Mini motorsport as whole.” says

Colin Peacock of the Mini7 Club. “Working with love:mini we will hopefully reach a new audience who look to get their information online nowadays.”

As part of the deal love:mini will produce the Official Mini7 Racing Club newsletter and work with the Club to promote the series.

love:mini Editor, Craig McBeth said: “The Mini 7 Club has a great heritage that has run alongside the history of the Mini and deciding to work with the Club was a no-brainer. As the longest running and, in my opinion, most exciting, form of one-make motorsport, getting more people interested in the Club is no less than it deserves.”

The Dunlop Mini Se7en & Mini Miglia Challenges supported by Mini Sport run on the same days, with two rounds each, ensuring you get your money’s worth of exciting track action.www.mini7.co.uk

MINI MIglIa aND MINI Se7eN supported by Mini Sport

www.mini7.co.uk

aPRIl 21 Castle CombeMaY 10/11 Brands hatchMaY 31 - JUNe 1 Cadwell ParkJUNe 14/15 ThruxtonJUlY 12 Oulton ParkaUgUST 23/24 Donington ParkSePTeMBeR 20/21 Croft

Click to Download the newsletter

PHOTO: Matthew Barrington

http://issuu.com/lovemini/docs/m7rc-issue2

http://www.mini7.co.uk/


jAY LENo GETS THE mINI dAkAR ExpERIENcEDakar winner Nani Roma takes US chat-show host Jay Leno for drive in the dunes.

CELEb

Recently, the MINI ALL4 Racing had a very special guest on board: US-American comedian and TV-show host Jay Leno

drove the 2014 Dakar Rally winner. Accompanied by the reigning Dakar Champion Nani Roma, he experienced the strengths of the MINI in the Dumont Dunes between Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

Leno spent the morning in the co-driver seat and enjoyed the experience to be surfed across the dunes with a height of up to several hundred metres by Dakar winner Roma. In the afternoon, Roma and Leno swapped seats and he took the wheel. Jay quickly familiarised with the MINI and soon, he tackled some dunes himself. On his return to the camp he had a beaming face. The video of his ride in the MINI ALL4 Racing can be watched at jaylenosgarage.com.

“Jay did a really good job driving the MINI,” revealed Roma. “It was obvious that he already has driven a lot of cars. Nonetheless, I was somewhat surprised when he

headed to first dunes flat out right away. We had a lot of fun together and I think it was a great experience for him.”

Jay Leno: “The thing I found really impressive is that the car is virtually unbreakable. As someone who restores cars and works on cars, I know how fragile they can be. This thing is just a monster. You can push it over and roll it over. That was the most impressive part. As far as driving experiences go, this is one of the great ones.”

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Watch the Video here

http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/2014-dakar-rally-winner-nani-roma-and-mini-all4racing/n46025/

The stars turned out at the Vinyl Factory in

London in April to promote Quest TV’s new line-up of programmes for 2014. Amongst them were Robson Green, Top Gear’s Richard Hammond, Drew Pritchard from Salvage Hunters, Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason and AC/DC’s lead singer Brian Johnson.

Brian will be fronting a brand new programme on Quest starting Thursday May

8, entitled Cars that Rock with Brian Johnson. In the programme, Brian analyses, discusses and of course drives some of the most iconic branded cars in history. From the Bugatti and Ferrari to the humble Mini. Also on display at the launch show was Brian’s own 1275 Mini which he is racing at Goodwood.

In the series Brian meets Mini legend, Paddy Hopkirk. “Filming with Paddy Hopkirk was one of the highlights of the series,” says Brian. “Winner of the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally, he was a childhood icon of mine. We met on a deserted airfield in Oxfordshire with a 1960s Mini just like

the one from the Monte. Hailstones were coming down, as they do in summer in England. Here, alongside me, was this lovely man, now 80 years old but just as sharp as he was when he won the Monte half a century ago. He turned to me and said: ‘Brian, this is all a little boring. Shall we spice it up a bit?’ I asked what we should do. ‘Get the speed up to 60 miles an hour, Brian. Would you do that for me, Brian?’ He had a twinkle in his eye.

So we got up to 60 and he said: ‘Now I want you to pull the wheel around as fast and as violently as you can.’

I said: ‘Oooh, won’t we .?.. won’t we .?.. roll over?’

‘Don’t you trust me, Brian?’ he replied. So on the count of three I yanked the wheel and he pulled up the handbrake and we did a 360. I whooped with delight. ‘Don’t get cocky, son,’ he told me. ‘Now let’s do it backwards.’”

love:minilove:mini16brian meets paddyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uWcGtS5y_E

cARS THAT Rock - wITH BRIAN joHNSoNlove:minisent Andy Woolhouse to meet the AC/DC lead singer and find out more about his love for Minis and new TV Series on Quest.

CELEb

Freeview 38 Sky 167Virgin 172

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uWcGtS5y_E


A crew of Wakefield men have raised nearly $100,000 for the

Nelson Cancer Society by raffling off a restored yellow Mini, but their effort has come at a price - the Mini may leave Nelson, situated on the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island.

Retired mechanic Bob Croy bought the 1975 Morris Mini MkIII for $750, recruiting John Bruce, Martin Reid, Dal Stewart, Nick Harrison and Chris Tonkin to restore it for the 2014 Relay for Life.

The men, calling themselves the Caffeine Crew, had been working on

the car since 2012, and profits from the raffle will go to the Nelson Cancer Society.

A number of businesses, including the Bowater Motor Group, added their muscle to the project. Parts for the car were provided, and others donated prizes for the raffle.

The fundraising efforts got under way in November 2013. The raffle tickets cost NZ$20 each for a chance to win the restored car valued at over NZ$8000.

NZ Police Senior constable Peter Cobeldick drew the winning ticket at Wakefield police station, selecting a

ticket purchased by the principal of Levin Intermediate School, Trevor Jeffries. Trevor and his family visited Nelson for the Woollaston Jazz & Blues Nelson Festival, picking up the winning ticket at the Nelson Market.

He said he had not given much thought to what he would do with the car if he won, he simply wanted to support the Cancer Society.

Linda Lucre, centre manager for the Nelson Cancer Society, said the Caffeine Crew had done an amazing job.

Croft Autodrome hosted its first motor racing event on

August 3, 1964 and exactly half-a-century later, on August 2/3, 2014, the sights, sounds and smells of yesteryear will be recreated when the Nostalgia Weekend roars into the north-east’s premier motor sport venue. Stars and cars from eras

gone-by are sure to wow crowds both on and off the track.

Now entering its fifth consecutive year, the winning blend of historic Hillman Imps and legendary Lotus Cortinas, live music, fashion displays, World War Two encampments and air shows makes the Nostalgia Weekend fun for all the family. www.croftcircuit.co.uk

$100k mINI fuNdRAISERNew Zealand Caffeine Crew’s Mini opens the wallets and pulls on the heartstrings for Nelson Cancer Society.

charity

cRofT AuTodRomE TuRNS 50Huge half-century birthday party and nostalgia event set for August,

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WORKS MINI


We’ve all heard of barn finds, and we know there are some

gems of a classic Minis hidden away somewhere, lost and long forgotton by their owner - but what you never hear of is an old Mini Works car being found... that’s because they’re rare as hen’s teeth and such time has passed that it is commonly thought that they’d long perished or been lovingly restored and cared for. So, you can imagine the shock to Mini enthusiasts Dave Johnson and Martin Price when they first realised what was before their eyes.

It started out when the pair bought some Mini parts from a bloke who lived on a farm a few miles away and claimed he had an ex-Works Cooper S

in his barn that he’s had unrestored for 30 years.

Dave Johnson explains:“Even though the chap seemed decent

and plausible we obviously dismissed the idea of an ex-works car sitting un-discovered just down the road from us because Martin and I have been interested in Minis for getting on for 30 years each so surely we’d have known about it! We tried to put it out of our minds but about three months after selling the parts we came across Paul’s phone number and agreed that we should give him a ring and try to call

round and take a look what he’d got.We made the call and arranged to

meet at Paul’s farm and just in case he had something interesting, we asked a local chap called Dave Beswick to come

Ex-woRkS cAR fouNdMini ex-Works car discovered in barn find after 30 years PHOTOS Dave Johnson

along, as he’s got a vast knowledge of ex-Works cars and we knew if this car was anything he’d probably recognise it.

Dave explained to us on the way the first things he’d be looking for was the asbestos heat shield on the bulkhead and the Hydrolastic pipes running inside the car through neat grommets in the bulkhead and down the inner wheel arches with inline coupling/restrictors fitted. We knew the car was bought by Paul with a 970S engine but this was out the car so the pipes/heat shield should be clearly visible.

When we arrived at the farm Paul took us to the building where the cars were. What we were greeted with was a rough old red Mini with a white roof, right colours but not an obvious ex-Works car - this was until we opened the bonnet and pulled the carpet back inside to expose the Hydro pipes. Dave couldn’t believe what he were looking at.

After being the biggest cynic out of any of us he was quite sure we were looking at an Abingdon built ex-Works car.

Thirty years ago when Paul bought the car he was told it was GRX 55D which had been purchased by Jonny Organ (known comps dept mechanic)

from Abingdon or at least one of its incarnations and as we looked at it sat on its bump stops looking sad the story stacked up in our minds as it had obvious damage on the nearside front corner which was documented on the 1966 Monte and everything looked right. We wondered if after GRX 55D was damaged Abingdon decided to re-shell the car or build a completely new car for the GRX55D identity to enter the Circuit of Ireland?

Expert VerdictNeedless to say we took lots of pictures and that evening emailed them straight off to Guy Smith and Robert Young. The next morning we spoke to both of them who had been discussing our find until late that evening and they were both 99% sure we were looking at an ex-Works S.

What we had to determine next was which car we had found. We all understood that if we could work out which car it was there was a good chance the car would already exist as most Works car had more than one shell, so having a couple of cars both claiming the same identity happens. Robert explained to us it would

Tony Fall and Attis Krauklis win the 1966 Polish Rally in GRX 309D, driving with a 970cc engine.


The famous Works switch extenders.... or else you couldn’t reach them once harnessed in!

WORKS MINI

probably be easier to prove the car wasn’t GRX 55D than to prove it was, in fact the chances were we would never find out what numberplate our car competed on. The best hope we’d got of positively identifying the car was if it still had the body number plate intact on the front panel which was always going to pretty unlikely as we believed Paul’s car had 10 years rallying in private hands after its Works life. Robert explained to us the body numbers were recorded by Abingdon when they registered a new car so unless it was the first shell of a known Works car it would be meaningless as its number would have

never been recorded.As you can imagine after getting

the news off Guy and Robert we were eager to get back over and look at the car in more detail so we went back with a proper camera, a torch and some emery cloth to clean any parts up that looked like they might hold clues to the car’s past identity.

Obviously the first thing we looked for was the body number and to

our amazement there it was sat in between a 6RA relay and a rough old bracket exactly where it should have been, with a few layers of paint over it. With the emery cloth and a wire brush it wasn’t hard to reveal the numbers which we forwarded straight on the Guy Smith.

Guy hadn’t got the list of body numbers, which is held by British Motor Heritage at Gaydon, so he called Robert. Robert hadn’t got access to the list either so he called Bill Price who straight away told Robert that the car wasn’t the first body shell of GRX 55D but was in fact the first shell of GRX 309D.

This news came as a shock to us as only a couple of days before we first

viewed


Internal brake and Hydrolastic lines neatly secured was a key indicator.

A Works dash in keeping with the times.

The cut out on the radiator hot air outlet allowed

easier access to the back of the engine.

the car we happened to be looking at the history of GRX 309D.

We understand that this find is not going to make the current people who are arguing about who’s got the genuine GRX 309D very happy. It’s well documented that Abingdon sent a race car to the States to compete in the Sebring 3-hour race. We think perhaps Abingdon built a brand new car for this prestigious event as they wouldn’t have wanted to enter a rally car that had done four major events into a circuit race. As far as we can work out this genuine Abingdon ex-Works car still survives in the States as a race car. Then we have the UK car that is registered with the number GRX 309D. We have researched what we can about this car and found its authenticity has come in for some criticism over the years but we can’t comment on how much of it has ever seen Abingdon but one thing is for sure, whatever it is it’s a thing of beauty and we’d love to own it.

Thanks to Guy Smith, Robert Young and Bill Price for their help in identifying this car.”

The truth?So now there are three cars that claim to be GRX 309D, but from further research and work with the Mini Cooper Club, they believe that this barn Mini is the original GRX 309D that first competed in the 1966 Rally of the Flowers, driven by Paddy Hopkirk, as a 1275cc car. This GRX 309D then did the 1966 Polish and the Welsh rallies driven by Tony Fall as a 970cc car where it was severely battered. The GRX 309D registration is believed to have been put on to a new car for the 1966 RAC rally, driven by Graham Hill as a 1275cc (retired). It was then prepared for the Sebring endurance race and shipped to America, where that second GRX 309D car lives.

Paul got hold of the original Mini when it was sold out of the Abingdon

back door via Jonny Organ, a Works mechanic, as a complete 970cc car minus the Works registration number, dash and rollcage, as well as a 1964 log book. It did a few club rallies in the Midlands and was used as a road car until the 970 engine expired. It then sat for a few years until bought by Paul for £300 in 1980. It is still sat in Paul’s barn.

For more information and to keep updated on what happens to GRX 309D visit the link.

http://mk1-forum.net/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8858

The ‘second’ GRX 309D racing at Courtland, Alabama in May 1967 at the SCCA “Heart of Dixie” National Championship Sportscar races. GRX 309D won the C Sedan class with

Bruce Hollander driving.


http://mk1-forum.net/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8858


In 2013

Firefighter David Franks of Kent Fire & Rescue Service, based at Herne Bay Fire Station, began

to dream of building a track car with some friends to enjoy some racing fun at local Kent track events.

Dave was not new to the idea of buying a car and restoring it having already rebuilt his own personal 1985 MkIII Mini. From this knowledge and love for this classic vehicle he got a small group of friends together to invest in the purchase of a 1978 Mini MkIII saloon. This 35-year-old car was showing its age, but Dave’s group had a vision and were confident they could build a trackworthy car from this shell.

Having acquired the car, Dave, who was already the Station Rep for the Firefighter’s Charity, changed his vision for the vehicle following a visit to Harcombe House rehabilitation centre

in Devon - owned and run by the Firefighter’s Charity (Formerly the National Fire Service Benevolent Fund). This visit highlighted the charity’s work and facilities in the rehabilitation of injured firefighters from across the country. Speaking to the staff and charity members it became clear to Dave that the charity required new ways of raising sponsorship and support to fund this invaluable service to the firefighters of the country, and so a seed was planted and Dave’s dreams for the race car began. Whilst at Harcombe House, Dave began sketching ideas for his race car, little knowing at this time how real these ideas would become.

In August 2013, Dave spoke to his

friends and expressed his interest in using the Mini to support fundraising for the Firefighter’s Charity. Having already made some enquiries Dave highlighted some potential sponsorship ideas to not only restore the car, but to fully convert it into a Race Specification Classic Mini. From this meeting the Firefighter’s Race Team was born.

The Fire Fighter’s Race Team’s vision was no longer just a track day vehicle, It was a fully fledged classic racing Mini which could be run by a small


group of individuals who have the Fire Fighter’s Charity in their blood, Using the race car as the team’s heart to raise funds and support for the Firefighter’s Charity.

The team is hoping to raise funds and support by attending many different events across the country. Raising the race team’s profile along the way and increasing awareness of this worthy charity that supports UK Firefighters.

The Firefighter’s Race Team Mini will be used in various fundraising activities including car shows, hillclimbs, sprints, track days as well as being entered into two Race Championships (subject to team funding); BARC QMN Saloons and the Classic Sports Car Club Special Saloons.

Along side this, with the support of

Kent Fire & Rescue Service, the racing Mini will also offer local support by engaging with communities to raise Road Safety Awareness, highlighting the many safety features built into the

vehicle to allow it to be used safely in a controlled race environment.

This dedication to Road Safety Awareness was demonstrated during a visit to the NEC International Autosport Show 2014, where the team hosted a stand with the support of Kent Fire & Rescue Service and West Midlands Fire Service, as well as the Firefighter’s Charity.

From the stand the public and members of the trade were able to engage with Kent Firefighters who distributed road safety messages and materials, as well as displaying road traffic collision rescue equipment and resources including the ‘Jaws of Life’.

The car build is now almost complete and ready for ‘Shakedown’,

and with the help of Brands Hatch will be running track tests, leading into the race

championships.

Once the car has completed its tests the team already has a full calendar of events that they wish to attend during 2014.

All of this is only possible due to the dedication of David Franks, the generosity of the team sponsors and of course the team’s own members donating time and money into the car.

The story doesn’t end there...The team is now in need of further sponsorship to maintain the car and to run the team’s calendar of events. As a non-profit organisation further funding is essential to successfully run the team.

Donations are also required to support the FireFighter’s Charity, but by supporting the Firefighter’s Race Team they pledge to continue to raise much needed funds for the Firefighter’s Charity.

coNTAcT THE TEAm

DONATEwww.justgiving.com/firefighterscharity-kent-mini

Tel: 01227 250 750 Email: [email protected]

Web: www.firefightersraceteam.com

Twitter: @FireFightersRT

www.justgiving.com/firefighterscharity-kent-mini


BODY: Classic Mini, 1978 MkIII manual 1000cc bodyshell, hand-made alley exterior MkI style hinges; GPR bootfloor floor; GPR removable front end fitted; GPR bonnet; All GPR supplied by Arc Angels; modified baulk head to take carb box; Carbonfibre bumpers and Miglia arches; Windows by ACW motorsport windows; Safety Devices bolt-in rollcage; FIA padding; paint Oyster Grey base with RGVA Vehicle Graphics wrap in oversized Fire Engine Battenberg, red front end with van white roof;

ENGINE: 1275cc A-plus bored to 1380cc and fully built to Bill Richards’ Club Circuit Racing Spec; Mini Spares forged pistons; MED crossdrilled nitride crankshaft; A-Series 11-stud; Stage 4 head with Minispares 1:5 roller rockers; Piper Cams race camshaft, followers, double valve springs and duplex vernier timing gear set; Weber 45 DCOE carb on Maniflow 5” inlet manifold; Maniflow LCB and 2” single pipe centre exit exhaust with centre box for noise regs; Swiftune catch tank; Brise race alternator, starter and Bill Richards spec Brise hand-made Alley front-mounted radiator; Aldon distributor; Think Automotive Mocal 13-row oil cooler; NGK plugs and silicon leads; solid mounted engine mounts and retro sport top and side engine mounts; Davies Craig electric water pump and Alley swirl pot; Facet fuel pump and 25ltr fuel tank; Estimated power, enough to scare myself silly !

TRANSMISSION: Bill Richards built four speed SCCR gear, drop gears; Swiftune supplied Quaife 14K ATB, Limited Slip Differential; 3:9 crown wheel and pinion; Hardy Spicer outputs and Mini Sspares race-hardened driveshafts; Mini Spares Clutch, flywheel, backplate and diaphragm.

SUSPENSION: All round Quantum Miglia spec dampers; Mini Spares yellow spot rubber cones; KAD front tie-bars, KAD rear camber brackets; extended heavy duty steering arms; Mini Spares adjustable lower arms; seam-welded and strengthend front subframe; solid subframe mounts; seam-welded rear subframe; Mini Spares reconditioned rear trailing arms fully built-up.

BRAKES: Front Mini Sport 4-pot callipers; carbon metallic pads; 7.9” diameter ventilated and grooved discs; 4 dot fluid non servo; rear Minifin drums with standard brake shoes; Cooper S adjustable brake bias valve and standard handbrake cable with KAD Alloy quadrants; Aeroquip copper tube and Goodrich brake lines.

WHEELS & TYRES: Revolution 13x8 competition wheels and Avon Racing full slicks and full wets.

INTERIOR: Fully stripped out interior, rear pockets, door internals and dash fully removed; seat backs reinforced, rear shelf removed and Alley plate installed; new steering wheel drop bar, standard but lowered steering column and Lifeline Quick release; Mini Spares Quickrack steering rack; Corbeau personalised race seat and Luke 6-point harness; Sparco steering wheel; 12-volt planet supplied electrical parts, switches, cables, fuse blocks and connectors; Mini Spares supplied TIM Rev counter 10K, water temp and oil pressure gauges; Varley battery and cage; Lifeline supplied full FIA 4ltr foam electric fire extinguisher system; full custom wiring loom; OMEX supplied rev limiter and shift light; KAD quickshift gear stick; Lifeline rain light; Lifeline Mirrors both internal and external.

Fire Fighters Race Team Mini Spec sheet


Driven Innovation Ltd

Complete Interiors start from £899. Contact us for a [email protected] 07732 534546 www.Facebook.com/DrivenInnovation

Whether you are looking for a standard replacement or a bespoke design of

your choice, we can provide it for you.Everything from a Gaiter to a complete

interior, we manufacture it. Centrally located in the East Midlands and present at shows throughout the

year.Find us on Facebook for the latest news

and products.

https://www.facebook.com/DrivenInnovation

www.rimmerbros.co.uk

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mINI STARS IN NEw TRANSfoRmERS fILm

‘Big Tuna’ takes a leading role in the fourth installment of the epic robotic sci-fi movie series; and love:minigrills its owner.

The Transformers franchise may have gone downhill in

recent years, but if there’s anything that will get a flood of Mini enthusiasts through the turnstiles is featuring a classic Mini in the film - which is exactly what they’ve gone for in Transformers: Age of Extinction.

In the recently released 2 minute 30 second trailer for the fourth installment of the franchise, the classic Mini is seen prominantly in several scenes, most noticibly sporting a surfboard on its roof.

love:mini got in touch with the Mini’s owner, Troy Anderson, from Texas to ask him about how the Mini got

involved in the film and what we can expect to see from it.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INTO MINIS AND WHEN DID YOU FIRST GET THIS ONE USED IN THE FILM?I’ve loved classic Minis since I was a kid, but I guess my obsession really started when the R53 came to the States back in 2002. I bought one of the first ones and that started the ball rolling. People came out of the woodwork to talk with me about my car, especially old-timers who remembered when classics were sold here in the 60s. These guys had some amazing stories about auto-crossing old Minis, and I knew I had to have one. I bought my first classic, the Mini

you will see in Transformers 4: Age of Extinction, in 2008. We call him “Big Tuna” (a nod to Andy’s irreverent name for Jim on the American version of The Office). Since then, I’ve added 3 additional classics to my collection: a 1984 Mini City that I am converting to rear-engine, a 1978 Clubman, and a 1983 Leyland Mayfair. I’m also the resident Mini mechanic for the Austin Mini Cooper Car Club (AMCCC).

WHAT ARE THE SPECS OF THE MINI? TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAR.Big Tuna is a 1993 Rover Mini Sprite SPI LHD, and my daily driver. The car was imported to the States from the Netherlands in the late 1990s. Incidentally, years later, I gutted the

movies


Transformers screengrabs courtesy Paramount Pictures

interior to install sound-deadening material and found a few Dutch Guilder coins.

HAVE YOU DONE ANY MODIFICATIONS ON THE MINI, IF SO, WHAT?When I bought the car, the old rubber cone suspension was stock and long past its prime. I replaced it with coil springs with Hi/Los. I also put in adjustable lower arms, adjustable tie rods and converted the car to all poly bushings. I also put in fully adjustable KYB shocks. I converted the front brakes to 8.4” vented disks with alloy 4 piston calipers, installed aluminum super fins in the rear, and converted all of the brake hoses to braided stainless lines. Since I went with the bigger brakes, I had to get bigger wheels. I went with 13” Ultralights. I fabricated my own Group 5 arches and riveted them on with exposed aluminum rivets. That was my first time doing any sort of bodywork, and I am really happy with how it turned out. I also gutted the interior, installed sound deadening material and put in a single Corbeau racing seat with a Corbeau four-point

harness. I haven’t done anything to the engine yet, but an R1 conversion is in my future plans. I did, however, replace the stock exhaust with a long center branch header and an FMF 4 cycle dirt bike muffler.

HOW DID YOUR MINI GET CHOSEN TO BE USED IN THE FILM?About a year ago, Paramount Pictures contacted the local MINI dealership to ask if they might have a lead on a classic for the film. The dealer referred them to Dana Noworyta, the organizer of AMCCC. There are several classic Mini owners in the club, so Dana had each of us submit a photograph of our car to Paramount. They ended up choosing mine. I think they liked my car because it was the only LHD car in the group, and that fit well with the exterior shots they had already planned. I also think that my car looked the most like a car a surfer would drive.

WHAT DID YOU HAVE TO DO TO PREPARE THE CAR, IF ANYTHING?Paramount Pictures didn’t ask me to do anything to prepare the car for the shoot; however, when they told me that someone would be exiting the vehicle on camera, I offered to put the stock seats back in to make it less awkward. They installed the roof rack with the surfboard that you see in the film, and sadly no, I didn’t get to keep it.

HOW DID YOU FEEL ENTRUSTING YOUR PRIDE AND JOY TO A BUNCH OF STRANGERS WHO WERE GOING TO BLOW STUFF UP AROUND IT?It was one of the most stressful experiences of my life. I felt like I was dropping my child off at summer camp.


“I got a call from the set - the mini had broken down”


I really didn’t know any of the details surrounding my car’s involvement in the movie, so I really didn’t know what to expect. I knew they would take care of Big Tuna, but I also had a feeling that there might be explosions nearby. To ease my fears, my friends, family and I stalked Big Tuna on the web. Every night, we searched for “spy shots” posted by people who had watched that day’s filming. I remember we would get ridiculously excited when we found pictures of Mark Wahlberg or Michael Bay that had my car in the background. One of my favorites, though, is a somewhat blurry iPhone shot that someone posted of my car in a parking lot, sandwiched between the old Optimus Prime truck and some random armored vehicles. Once word had spread that my car was going to be in the new Transformers movie, people started asking me if I would ever consider allowing my car to be

blown up on the big screen. At first, my response was a resounding yes! I mean, who wouldn’t want to see their car blow up on the big screen? After more careful consideration, though, I don’t think I could have gone through with it.

WHAT PROTECTION DID THEY OFFER TO ENSURE NO DAMAGE TO YOUR LITTLE CAR? AND DID IT RECEIVE ANY BATTLE SCARS?Of course Paramount Pictures insured the car while it was in their care, but I truly started to feel more at ease when the transportation coordinator told me about the other cars that were going to be on set. As for lasting battle scars, Big Tuna didn’t really come home with any. However, I’ll never forget the day that the transportation coordinator called me to let me know that the fuel pump had died mid-shoot. I’m a mechanic, and I know British cars.

When I dropped the car off, I told him to let me know if any problems arose. I told him that I could either come down and fix them myself or walk him through the repairs fairly quickly. I was surprised, though, to hear that the fuel pump had died. I immediately started to panic. Of all the problems I had imagined, I knew that the fuel pump would not be an easy fix. The transportation coordinator let me know that they would tow it to the next scene, so that it would not delay their shooting schedule, but that it needed to be fixed ASAP for an upcoming driving scene. I told him I would think about how to fix the problem quickly and call him back later that day. When I hung up the phone, I had an epiphany of sorts. I immediately thought that the problem was likely that the inertia switch had been tripped, shutting off the fuel pump. In the event of a collision, the inertia switch cuts

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A mini would be an autobot - who

could ever think of an evil mini


off the fuel pump to avoid fire. The transportation coordinator didn’t mention any accident, but I assumed that the inertia switch could possibly be tripped in the event of an explosion. I called him back and told him how to reset the switch, and Big Tuna roared to life. When the car started, I really didn’t know whether I should be excited or scared. This was all the proof I needed to know that my little car was seeing some action; however, it wasn’t until I saw the trailer that my suspicions were confirmed.

WHAT WAS THE MINI USED FOR IN THE FILM?From my understanding, the car belongs to one of the main characters, played by Jack Reynor.

IF YOUR MINI COULD TRANSFORM, WOULD IT BE AN AUTOBOT OR DECEPTICON, AND WHY?Much to my dismay, I think Big Tuna would have to be an Autobot. Decepticons would never choose to be a classic Mini. Every time Minis get scared, they leak oil. Plus, c’mon, look

at it. Who could ever think an evil thought about a Mini? They’re just fun. You can’t help but smile around them.

SOME PEOPLE LET FAME GO TO THEIR HEAD AFTER STARRING IN A BLOCKBUSTER, HOW IS YOUR MINI BEHAVING? JUST AS GOOD/BAD AS USUAL OR ACTING LIKE A PRIMA DONNA NOW?I think Big Tuna is probably the same as he always was. He’s always had something of a Napoleon complex, so I can’t really see that this has changed anything. Like I’ve always told him, it’s not how many horsepower you have, it’s how you use them. Now he counts Optimus Prime amongst his closest friends.

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TRansFoRmERs: agE oF ExTincTionJUNE 2014

The fourth instalment of the Transformers franchise sees the action take place four

years after the last film. Former lead actor Shia Labeouf has quit the series - some will say thankfully - and in his place is all-round

American action hero Mark Wahlberg.

After interest in the films seemed to decline, this ‘reboot’ - which from the trailer looks rather enthralling - could actually be a

winner... and not just with classic Mini fans. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubGpDoyJvmI

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubGpDoyJvmI

Bits and pieces for your Mini


BMH CAtAlogue

www.bmh-ltd.com

The new British Motor Heritage (BMH) 40-page catalogue is out now and fully details the company’s offerings from panels and bodyshells to silicon hoses and retro accessories.

Order your free catalogue by emailing [email protected] or calling +44 (0)1993 707200.

£FREE

eIBACH CoIlovers for r58/r59 www.www.eibach.com

Eibach has developed the Pro Street S coilover upgrade for Coupe and Roadster variants of the MINI.

Two distinct kits have been created to cater for the differing engine options - and therefore axle weights - available on the car. The units can also accept any springs from Eibach’s ERS range, allowing rates and free lengths to be adjusted to owner’s preference, if required.

Ride height can be adjusted from anywhere between -25mm and -50mm, offering a truly aggressive stance if required, or a more subtle drop if preferred.

Damper rates are computer matched with the springs at the Eibach factory, making the Pro-Street S kit a true ‘fit and forget’ proposition once the desired ride-height has been set.

£770+

MIllers ClAssIC oIl 20w50 nt

www.millersoils.co.ukMillers Oils has launched a new, Classic High Performance 20w50 NT oil suitable for classic Minis. The fully synthetic, low friction engine oil has been developed especially for high-performance classic vehicles providing better wear protection and increased efficiency over traditional oils. The new product ties in with the firm’s new support service which will offer classic car owners advice on the oil requirements of their specific vehicles.

“Many classic car owners don’t realise that most post-war cars run just as well, if not better, on modern synthetic oils as they do on mineral oils,” says Nevil Hall, Joint Managing Director, Millers Oils. “We have the task of helping people to understand the durability gains and other benefits that synthetic oils can provide.

The 20w50NT oil utilises nanotechnology in order to reduce overall running costs and extend component life by reducing friction by up to 63%, which in turn provides a reduction in wear by up to 38% compared to other synthetic oils of the same grade. These benefits all

add up to enable classic owners to get the most out of their car, while also protecting their engine.

£50

Gear

Dsn front DAMper Mounts

www.dsnclassics.co.ukThese aluminium brackets are a direct replacement for the standard steel items. Supplied with all fixings and Allen key.Manufactured in-house and available anodised in black, blue, red or silver.

£75 per set


£12Dsn seAt pull knoBs

www.dsnclassics.co.ukThese replace the plastic items on all ‘lock down’ Mini seats. Available in black, silver or black with a polished face.Again, manufactured in-house at DSN Classics.

zIp-guArD

www.frost.co.ukProduced by the same company who

make the highly rated POR-15 primer, this anti-rust product - Zip-guard - is another move to ensure the dreaded iron-oxide stays off your classic car.

The ZIP RUST Technology encapsulates rusty surfaces without the need for special primers. Zip-guard has been designed to resist the damaging effects of severe weather and provide long-lasting corrosion resistance. Such is the confidence in the product that it claims to protect against rust for an amazing 8-years, and can be applied directly to rust as well.

Available in colours green, brown, silver grey, grey, dark grey, black, gold, and copper.

£19.99

£91.76verto ClutCH kIt

www.minispares.comIn reaction to the spate of poorly fitting clutches that are flooding the market, Mini Spares are offering two precision engineered 3-piece Verto Clutch kits that you can rely on fitting properly. The first fits all pre-1990 1100cc Minis up to the change to 1275cc

engines and comes with an AP 180mm diameter clutch plate, an AP pressure plate and a release bearing. Order as part number GCK151MSThe second fits all post 1990 1275cc models (carburettor and injection) and has an AP 190mm diameter clutch plate, an AP pressure plate and a release bearing, Order as part number GCK152MS£35.50

rIMMer Bros teCHnICAl

puBlICAtIons DvD

www.rimmerbros.co.ukThis DVD is collection of original technical publications for the Mini dating back from day one in 1959 to some of the most recent issues of technical info.

Included are Driver’s Handbooks for the Mini and its variants through the years, plus parts lists, special tuning data and lists, plus workshop manuals and much more useful information.


Bits and pieces for your MiniGear

sC s/s lCB exHAust MAnIfolD

www.specialist-components.co.uk

Specialist Components are re-

releasing their popular stainless

steel LCB exhaust manifold. With a

new flange shaping, Mandrel bends

and TIG welded throughout, the item

also includes two Lambda bosses to

allow the fitting of sensors. Clamps

included.

£84

sC MInI t-sHIrts

www.specialist-components.co.ukSpecialist Components has launched its own range of Mini t-shirts with illustrations from Guy Allen.The design image features Specialist Components’ very own Twin Kam Mini and unique wheels, with a company logo on the rear neckline.Kids t-shirts are £8.99. Colours Sky Blue, Fuchsia (kids); Sky Blue and Grey (Mens); Fuchsia and Swimming Pool (Ladies).

£16.65+VAT

veloCe speeDpro Books

www.veloce.co.ukAutomotive publisher Veloce has released two more volumes of its SpeedPro Series which helps the homebuilder enthusiast tinker with their car by providing useful information and knowledge to help make better buying decisions for car parts. How to Choose Camshafts... helps explain camshafts, how to choose one and how to time it in. Available for £17.99The 96-page SU Carburettor HP Manual is another in the series, this time focussing on the SU carburettors like those used in classic Minis. In here you’ll find more information about getting the best results from your project by using the right parts. Available for £19.99

From £17.99

MInI spAres CAtAlogue

www.minispares.comOver two years work has gone into this latest parts catalogue which includes 217 pages of drawings, identification of parts and up-to-date part numbers of mechanical, body and trim parts. It is an essential tool in helping you identify classic Mini parts and also includes useful technical data.

£7.50

Ms two-wAy BrAke unIon

www.minispares.comMini Spares have just released a previously unavailable two-way brake union, as used on the front subframe of classic Minis.

The union can be ordered as part number 21A654 and retails at £21.60 inc vat (£18.00 exc vat for customers outside the EU).

£21.60


AC sCHnItzer exHAust enDs

www.ac-schnitzer.co.ukFancy something a little bit different to jazz up your MINI’s tailtrims? German auto specialists AC Schnitzer have created these custom designs which will make your car stand out from the rest with some shiny exhausts.The company claims improved performance and efficiency without affecting the MINI’s signature warble.The double pipe racing design is available for all 2nd Gen Cooper S and SD models at £249.58, whilst the solo chromed tailtrim fits the JCW models as a pair at £254.11

From £249

sC twIn kAM Arp HeAD stuDs

www.specialist-components.co.uk

These exclusive ARP head stud kits

have been specified especially for

the Specialist Components Twin-

Kam conversion. The higher strength

studs are ideal for these conversions

and are supplied with smaller

head nut that fits in place without

camshaft modifications that are

needed using standard items.

£109+VAT

soMerforD group 2 ArCHes

www.somerford-mini.co.ukFifteen years ago Somerford Mini commissioned Bill Wood, who worked for the famous Stewart and Arden Company, to make the moulds for our Group 2 arches. Using an original Leyland Special Tuning set they asked him to improve on the quality and fit (they were very rough and ready). The results were superb. Somerford has now produced new sets of moulds from the original masters and have moved production to a new factory. The fit and finish are second to none and the finish is such that you do not need to paint them. They are supplied with arch to body piping and fixing screws.

£76.60

soMerforD w&p ArCHes

www.somerford-mini.co.uk

Somerford Mini have been selling these arches

for many years and they are known all over

the world to be the best available. They are

made from fibreglass with a high quality gel-

coat finish. This ensures that no painting is

required. They fix from underneath and come

complete with arch to body piping, meaning

that no fixings are visible. The rear arches

wrap under the rear bumper to give a really

smart look. We have recently made new sets

of moulds from the original masters and the

results are truly superb.

£97.02

Ms quICk releAse roD CHAnge geAr CouplIng

www.minispares.comThe Mini Spares quick-release rod change gear coupling is a direct replacement for the standard item, doing away with the troublesome roll pins.It comes complete with high quality quick release clips.

£36


Bits and pieces for your MiniGearMeD MIgHty MInI fInAl DrIve

www.med-engineering.co.ukMED’s latest version of its standard Final Drive that is being used in the Mighty Mini racing series.If it’s good enough for the Mighty’s, it’s good enough for you.

£210

MeD wAter puMp BlAnkIng plAte

www.med-engineering.co.uk

If you’ve decided to move over to an

electric water pump in your classic

Mini, you’ll be looking for something

like this.

£40

MeD ADvAnCeD fIxIng systeM

www.med-engineering.co.ukIf secure fastening of your main bearing cap is a top priority then MED’s Advance Fixing System ‘AFS’ high tensile main bearing stud kit is for you. The kit comes with a set of eight specially waisted and centred studs for use with MED’s four bolt steel main bearing cap set. Also included are eight forged ‘AFS’ multi point nuts and assembly lube to complement the kit.

£90

MeD Arrow 5.750” ConroD

www.med-engineering.co.ukWorking alongside Arrow Precision, MED has now redesigned the Arrow 5.750” conrod, reducing the weight down from 480 grams to 430 grams (inc ARP bolts and bush). The firm believes this is now the lightest 5.750” steel conrod for the A-Series on the market.

oMegA flAt-top 998 pIston

www.med-engineering.co.ukNew to the MED range of Omega pistons is the new forged 998 semi slipper piston. CNC machined from lightweight alloy forgings, the new piston has been designed to be as light as possible, only 325 grams,

including pin and rings, for use with either fixed or fully floating pins and supplied with a set of special wire circlips. Ideal for use with the firm’s Arrow 998 steel ‘H’ section fully floating conrods.

MeD k-HeAD steel gAsket

www.med-engineering.co.ukMED has created a new steel MLS gasket to suit the BMW ‘K’ conversion. The stud pattern has been matched to the BMW ‘K’ cylinder head therefore the gasket is a direct fit. The bores of the gasket are to suit 73.5 bore and the thickness has been increased to 0.051” giving a compressed volume of 5.5cc.

£120

£500

£890 per set

Official Fuel Economy Figures for the MINI Hatch Range: Urban 36.7-67.3 mpg (7.7-4.2 l/100km). Extra Urban 58.9-91.1 mpg (4.8-3.1 l/100km). Combined 48.7-80.7 mpg (5.8-3.5 l/100km). CO2 Emissions 136-92 g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions.

THE NEW MINI. THE NEW ORIGINAL.ARRIVING MARCH 2014.

To find out more about the all new MINI Hatch visit our website at www.bowkermini.co.uk or call your local Bowker dealership.

BOWkER pREsTONChannel Way, On the DocksPreston PR2 2YA01772 765995

BOWkER BLACkBURNTrident Park, Off Whitebirk DriveBlackburn BB1 3NU01254 274428

29321_bs213191_Bowker_Blackburn_297x210.indd 1 04/12/2013 16:15

adVErt

35love:minilove:miniOfficial Fuel Economy Figures for the MINI Hatch Range: Urban 36.7-67.3 mpg (7.7-4.2 l/100km). Extra Urban 58.9-91.1 mpg (4.8-3.1 l/100km). Combined 48.7-80.7 mpg (5.8-3.5 l/100km). CO2 Emissions 136-92 g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions.

THE NEW MINI. THE NEW ORIGINAL.ARRIVING MARCH 2014.

To find out more about the all new MINI Hatch visit our website at www.bowkermini.co.uk or call your local Bowker dealership.

BOWkER pREsTONChannel Way, On the DocksPreston PR2 2YA01772 765995

BOWkER BLACkBURNTrident Park, Off Whitebirk DriveBlackburn BB1 3NU01254 274428

29321_bs213191_Bowker_Blackburn_297x210.indd 1 04/12/2013 16:15

http://www.bowkermotorgroup.co.uk


EventHighlight

mINI fESTIVALBrands Hatch MAY 11, 2014 Oulton Park JULY 12, 2014

01474 872331 www.mini-festival.co.uk

How do you improve a popular

show that has seen its audiences swell in the past few years? An event that is so jam-packed full of track action, trade stands and club cars that the mind boggle to consider what will trump the previous event.

Yet for the Mini’s 55th Birthday celebrations the organisers of the Brands Hatch Mini Festival, have indeed come up with a new way to make the event bigger and better

than ever before... have two events!So, for 2014, it is not only Mini

owners in the South of England who will be looking to attend MSV’s Mini Festival, as a second, larger event is to be hosted at the Cheshire circuit of Oulton Park.

The welcome announcement brings a big event to the North, and will hope to attract crowds from the South as well as from as far north as Scotland and even Ireland, just across the water.

With these types of events it’s hard to anticipate what other

entertainment is up the sleeves of the organisers, but from previous events and looking at the calendar, it certainly seems like one not to miss, especially on a special Birthday year. There’s bound to be some secret treats.

The Brands Hatch date sadly clashes with the British Mini Club show at Himley Hall, but with one event in Staffordshire and the other in Kent, hopefully it won’t affect attendance at either show too badly despite the Brands Hatch Festival offering free tickets to Mini drivers.

www.mini-festival.co.uk


Upcoming eventsDates for your diary

MAYMAY 2-5Northumberland Mini Splash Dashwww.minisplashdash.webeden.co.ukwww.cumbriaminicruisers.co.uk

MAY 2-5Riviera Runwww.rivierarun.co.uk

MAY 3Back to DowntonBrian Whitehead Sports Ground, Wick Lane, Downton SP5 3NSwww.dewsc.org.uk

MAY 3-5Minis on the PromAberystwythwww.newportminiowners.co.uk

MAY 11British Mini DayHimley Hall, Staffordshire, DY3 4DFwww.britishminiclub.co.uk

MAY 11Brands Hatch Mini Festivalwww.mini-festival.co.uk

MAY 17-18London to BrightonCrystal Palace, London to Madeira Drive, Brightonwww.london-to-brighton.co.uk

MAY 25Durham Mini and Classic Car ShowNorth East Restoration Club, 1 Wilden Terrace, Pattinson Ind. Est., Washington, www.facebook.com/durham.miniclubwww.durhamminiclub.com

MAY 25-26Motorsport at the Palacewww.motorsportatthepalace.co.uk

MAY 26The 3rd Mini & VW Showwww.classicshows.org

MAY 31 - JUNE 1Classic & Performance Car Spectacular CheshireTatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire.www.cheshireautopromotions.co.uk

JUNEJUNE 8MCR Mini Cooper DayBeaulieu Motor Museum, Hampshirewww.minicooper.org

JUNE 14-15Under Milk Wood Run / National Transport Festival of WalesBracelet Bay car park, Mumbles, Swanseawww.ntfwswansea.co.uk

JUNE 15 - CANCELLEDNormanby Hall Mini Day07749 536407www.trentvalleymoc.co.uk

JUNE ??Bristol Mini DayWashpool Farm, Easter Compton Bristolwww.bristolminiday.co.uk

JUNE 15Knebworth Father’s Day Festival of TransportKnebworth Park, Herts. SG3 6PYwww.classicshows.org

JUNE 15Gainsborough Mini Daywww.trentvalleymoc.co.uk

JUNE 22Mega Mini Meet 2014Lytham Hall, Lytham St Annes, [email protected]/events/730934063600928/730963550264646

JUNE 21 - 28Lands End to John O’Groats (LEJOG)www.smallcarsbighearts.co.uk

JUNE 29Colchester Mini Show 2014www.colchesterminiclub.co.uk

JULYJULY 5-6Retro Run01458 851591www.retrofundraising.co.uk

JULY 6Gaydon BMC & Leyland Show (Previously Gaydon Mini Festival)Gaydon, Warwickshirewww.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk

JULY 12Oulton Park Mini Festivalwww.mini-festival.co.uk

JULY 12-13Scottish Vintage Vehicle Transport Extravagandawww.glamis-castle.co.uk

JULY 14Thames Valley Festival of TransportStubbings Estate, Maidenheadwww.classicshows.org

JULY 19-20Manx Mini Meetwww.manxminiregister.com

JULY 20Minis on the Wreckwww.brightonminiclub.co.uk

JULY 25-27Cambridge Mini ChillMarley Eternity Social Club , Meldreth, [email protected]

JULY 27Cheshire Classic WeekendCapesthorne Hall, Cheshirewww.classicshows.orgJULY 20

JULY 27Cotswold Mini Classic Tourwww.minifixers.co.uk

JULY 31 - AUGUST 3IMM 2014Kent showgroundwww.imm2014.co.uk


ViEW

click

Event Listings

Visitwww.love-mini.co.uk

formoreinformationoneacheventandafulllistoftheyear’sevents


Oakfield MOtOrspOrt

team profile

THE TEAMThe team is run by Neil Newstead and Steve Cocker from their base in St Leonards and has the benefits of a full workshop facility. They have also recruited MINI race legend Bill Solis as Race Engineer and Coach, supported by Darren Tapp and Chris Lee.

Oakfield Motorsport is fully committed to its racing, with an emphasis on being professional and dynamic in everything it carries out. The team has a ‘can do’ attitude, and delivers a service second-to-none.

The team is looking to expand and wish to support other people who wish to race but do not have the knowledge or time to support a competitive car.

MINIChalleNge

Contactwww.facebook.com/oakfieldmotorsportwww.oakfield-property.co.uk

We started racing in 2011 in the MSVR

Track and Team Trophy where we had a successful season driving a BMW 328i. Then in 2012 and 2013 we raced in the BMW Kumho Championship racing an E36 M3 again with excellent success.

2014 sees an exciting new challenge for us as we enter a two car assault on the Maxed Power Mini Challenge Championship. Although it is a huge change from the heavy rear-wheel drive of the BMWs to the lightweight MINIs it is a great learning experience. The MINIs are fast and fun and have a great cornering speed and we are excited to get started racing.

This year we are pleased to

have secured sponsorship from main MINI dealership, Chandlers of Hailsam, Oakfield Estate Agents and SDS Builders and Decorators.

It was imperative that we recruited a successful coach and race engineer to work with us, and to ensure we got to grips with all the changes of driving front-wheel drive cars with turbos and slicks, and who better than Mini legend Bill Solis. We have been working closely with Bill to ensure the cars and our driving are as competitive as they can be.

Our first shakedown of the cars was at Snetterton at the end of November, a wet and slippery track but both cars ran absolutely faultlessly, for which our thanks must go to ExcelR8 who built the

www.facebook.com/oakfieldmotorsport


THE CARS Oakfield Motorsport are pleased to be launching two fully prepared racing JCW MINI Coopers into this year’s Maxed MINI Challenge Championship. The MINI Challenge JCW Class is the top class with cars sporting the following features: • 220BHP1.6TurboEngine• 2WayAdjustableKWDampers• Adjustabletoe,rideheightandcamber• Powerfulbrakeswithracingdiscsandbells• TorqueBiasingLimitedSlipDifferential• Aerokit• TeamDynamics17InchRims• PirelliSlick&WetTyresThe above combine to deliver very high performance

with sufficient set up flexibility to allow handling to be tailored to driver preferences.

cars for us. Although the day was, for the majority, wet, we gained some great experience from the cars and what a difference driving a front-wheel drive car in the rain, compared to a lively rear-wheel drive M3.

We hit our local track at the beginning of December and put the cars through their paces, and we managed to obtain some invaluable data. It became very obvious from this that the cars where down on power, and further investigation was required.

Both cars were taken to San Speed at Bexley and put on the rolling road, from that day car #77 engine was removed and had a full rebuild, along with a new turbo from Owen Developments, car #66 had a new turbo fitted as well.

We did more testing at Brands Hatch

in March with the cars, drivers and team hitting targets and car #77 into the 53 seconds. The media day at Brands on the 5 March gave us a chance to get some good testing in after doing some passenger hot laps for the media. As the weekend approached we got the cars all prepared and ready for the launch of the third generation MINI, supported our partners and sponsors Chandlers of Hailsham with #77 in their showroom for the weekend.

A few days later and we were back at Brands Hatch testing. It was a great day, learning more every time the MINIs are out. We love the new Alcon Brakes.

In late March we took a road trip to Donington, all

set up and ready for the next day. We absolutely love this track, what a buzz once you are flat through Craner curves, and 100% commitment through the Old Hairpin.

We are all set for our first race at Donington Park on Saturday 25th April, two days of pre testing as well.

Read about how we get on in the next issue of love:mini.

Hot off the heels of the launch of the 3rd Generation MINI

Hatch (F56), comes the first of a wave of next generation variants.

It’s inevitable that the launch of a new platform for the next generation of MINIs will slowly see the variants brought up-to-date to align with the new range, and the first of these is the estate model in the range - the Clubman.

These concept pictures were released in March shortly before a hard-copy version was shown off at the Geneva Motor Show - as seen on the next page.

As with the Hatch model, the Clubman has undergone a complete redesign from top to bottom and the transformation looks a lot less boxy, and more rounded than its predecessor, although we’re still not won over by the front end of the 3rd Gen MINIs yet.

The Hatch model grew in considerable

size in its latest redesign and so has the Clubman - adding an extra 26 centimetres in length and 17 centimetres in width. This of course has given extra space to work with and sit four proper doors to the car.

While the images look rather flashy and eye-catching, and there are still obvious style elements that make it obviously MINI, the evolutionary step this time, in our opinion, makes the MINI less distinctive, and more samey as other modern cars.

Fair enough the previous Clubman wasn’t exactly the prettiest

painting but it was radical, distinctive and quirky - even with that silly half-door for backseat passengers.

The split rear doors remain, with a lot of remodelling that sees the vertical edged finish replaced with more rounded doors, bulging lights jutting out from their seating position and a


redesign

cLuBmAN coNcEpT

IMAGES: Courtesy of MINI

on the PULSE

The first of the 3rd-Generation MINI variants to get a makeover.

large plasticky rear bumper increasing the MINI’s overhang yet again.

Head of MINI Design Anders Warming explains: “With the MINI Clubman Concept we are presenting a car with space, flair and style in a segment where the focus is mainly

on function and utility. With clever ideas, emotional design and a cool blend of colours and materials, it offers an overall experience which remains unique in this segment to date.”


the split rear doors remain, with a lot of remodelling

MINI says:

• Four doors and five seats offer plenty of utility space, thereby supporting an active lifestyle.

• Classic MINI design features such as the hexagonal radiator grille, Side Scuttles, the Black Band, short overhangs and elliptical front and rear headlights ensure high recognition value from every angle.

• Length: 4223 mm, width: 1844 mm (not incl. mirror), height: 1450 mm.

• Integrated aerodynamics as an essential part of the exterior design.

• The interior design interprets typical MINI shapes and colours, presenting an effortless and elegant combination of high-end quality and functionality.

• An elaborate colour and material concept in the interior with exclusive materials and unexpected details.

• The Centre Instrument with newly conceived user interface creates an event-controlled interaction space with touch operation.

GENEVA MOTOR SHOW 2014


GENEVA MOTOR SHOW 2014PHOTOS: Newspress

First sighting of the new MINI One.


showtime

It was March 14, one month after

Valentines Day, shrouded in darkness, the evening glow of the moonlight was all that lit the quiet parking area surrounding Bowker MINI’s Showroom in Blackburn.

Reflections of the twilight bounced off the gleaming roofs of the polished MINIs all tucked up fast asleep. Was this the right place? Where is everyone? This was meant to be the big launch of the new F56 MINI.

Suddenly the blackened door to the showroom opened and walking out

through a cloud of dry ice we saw a smartly dressed host appear. Walking in there was a flute of champagne on offer and a charming smile before we set eyes on the showroom display.

Hidden away were the desks and variant models, leaving a large open space for two brand new F56 MINIs to stand proudly, dominating the grandstand. Although covered up, the ring of the headlamps glowed through the cloth, and into the smokey atmosphere.

An American retro cocktail bar had been setup as part of a special ‘50s theme. Dealership staff lead the way with their Grease-style costumes of T-Birds and Pink Ladies which certainly caught the attention of some guests. Cheese and pineapple sticks and other finger food had been creatively put on display, with old skool sweets available too. Yum!


launch

BowkER mINI f56 LAuNcHlove:minivisits the Blackburn MINI dealership for a VIP unveiling of the new car.

It was no surprise to see two beautiful classic Minis also on show. One was an immaculate Paul Smith LE owned by a member of staff at the showroom, whilst the other was a tasty yellow number we will be featuring soon. We kept a keen eye on the interest in the Minis, and there was a lot of interest in they yellow classic, with many having a sit behind the wheel.

MINI has always worked creatively with incorporating the classic Mini’s history into its own, and tonight

was no different. As well as showing the current MINI ‘Dominos’advert, the

special introduction video for the F56 went through the timeline of the Mini in each year, and picking out highlights, before the final countdown to the unveiling.

The covers were whipped off and the dry ice bellowed out with lights flashing and a round of applause went round as the host said a little word before guests could get all touchy-feely with the new cars, a yellow Cooper S and white Cooper D.

Our first impressions are of mixed feelings, but we don’t want to say too much without properly examining all

A Paul Smith LE was

one of two classics.


Tributes to the classic Mini were evident.

The introduction video looked at the timeline of the Mini.


the covers were whipped off and the dry

ice bellowed out ...

aspects of it. But it certainly looks more ‘grown up’ - and we don’t know how to feel about that, when really Mini owners are just big kids at heart.

Star of BBC’s The Voice, Kiki de Ville was a special guest and put on a live display of her vocal talents covering a range of classics from the ‘50s until the present day. She was very impressive.

Speaking to one guest he was telling me both his wife and his daughter were thinking of getting one, and that he used to own a classic Mini Clubman back in the ’70s. Great stuff.


... with lights flashing and a round of applause went round


guests could get all

touchy-feely with

the new cars

LEFT: Staff get into the ‘50s theme by dressing up as the Pink Ladies and T-Birds from Grease. BELOW: Jonathan Hedley-Bar-rett’s classic Mini drew a lot of interest from thr younger guests. RIGHT: The Voice’s Kiki De Ville sang a beautiful set of tunes.



The MINI Paceman has been on sale now for just over a year, but even so, we had never had the chance to drive one until

now. With an epic 300-mile journey to Brands Hatch coming up, we thought this would be the ideal opportunity.

The Paceman has always been the misfit of the MINI stable. Ever since it was announced, a question was posed over its purpose. You don’t see many of them about, do you? The Countryman may be considered the ugliest of the MINIs, but it can be argued that it at least has purpose and function, something that is a bit lost on the Paceman.

It’s on the same platform as the Countryman, raised off the ground, with only two doors though and a sloping Evoque-like body and roofline. At over £2,000 ($3329) dearer

than the MINI Countryman, with less practicality you can see why it’s struggling to find a market.

We suspect the market is, those well-off middle-aged women who doesn’t have young kids and want a luxury-type car, but something that is more tailored to their individual preferences and not a ‘man’s’ car - such as the Evoque. They don’t need four seats, but want them in case they take friends out, and the Hatch model is not an option because it’s too small and low. The raised driving position in this case, does give an advantageous selling point.

Drive timeBowker MINI in Blackburn, kindly lent us their demo car for a couple of days and we warned them we would be clocking around 600 miles on the unsold car. Our loaner was a Silver and Black Cooper SD model.

Looking at the car, we do find it rather stylish despite it not being particularly mini/small. Inside there is plenty of legroom in the front, and as long as the seats aren’t pushed all the way back, there is adequate legroom in the rear too.

The seats are comfy and with a long journey ahead they

A 600-mile round trip to get to know the MINI Paceman.

Keeping up the Pace


needed to be, whilst the rest of the interior was standard MINI fare with

the central speedo, dash and switches. One change that can also be found in the Countryman is the, what we consider, odd handbrake. Coupled with the fact it would butt up against the central armrest made it just seem out of place.

The boot was, as expected, larger than in the Hatch models, and probably just about the right size for a stereotypical Paceman owner. A few bags from Marks & Spencer or Waitrose will fit nicely in the back here, although as with all MINIs, we do question where all the space has gone when the car is opened up. There always seems to be

too much ‘padding’ and plastic body coverings which end up reducing the actual physical space inside the car.

Nevertheless, it was comfy and spacious and I was looking forward to eating up the motorway miles now, instead of dreading them. I filled the tank with £60 of fuel which gave us a nice 400-mile range. Of course this was speculative optimism and the MINI Paceman had not yet learnt about my lead-footed driving style.

Once on the motorway it became clear why these ‘raised’ driving positions are so popular. With the rolling efficiency on new cars at their maximum, it is easy to approach cars in an intimidating manner and once they finally get the message the engine is responsive enough to move you swiftly past by whilst they curse you for their own ignorance of other drivers.

There’s no denying the influence of BMW in the

£60 filled the tank and gave us

a nice 400-mile range


BOWKeR MINI

Bowker BlackburnTrident Park, Off Whitebirk Drive,

Blackburn. BB1 3NU01254 274333

http://www.bowkermotorgroup.co.uk


engineering quality of the engine and the materials used in the interior. The powerplant certainly has a kick to it that should be enough for all but the speediest of speed freaks, and the smattering of chrome and circles in the cabin gives reference to the extensive chrome parts found on the classic, but that said, we’ve never particularly been fans of the plasticky bits of the body or excessive bulges that most modern cars seem to be constructed from, fortunately the Paceman is sleek and lacking these ‘bulges’ most noticeable on the Countryman.

Practicality-wise, and being the owner of two young children, I took them out for a spin, but instead of waiting for me to move the seat forward for them to get in, they just climbed over the seats with their dirty feet. On exit though they came out from behind the seat, but this, awkwardly, meant I would have to reset the seat’s position everytime I let someone in or out. This reinforces the reasoning for more people opting for the cheaper four-door MINI Countryman, and just occassional rear seat use.

However, I would be travelling alone, and for that purpose it was a great car to use. I had a huge selection of digital radio channels to choose from and could have even put on the cruise control. In fact there were so many options it was all too easy to fiddle too much! There was mood lighting,

data displays with information about fuel consumption, average speed and more. We were clocking a respectable 40mpg whilst travelling at a generous speed along the motorway, and so we were impressed by the consumption considering our driving style.

Cut to the chaseAt love:mini we always analyse each MINI model on the what we deem the original and essential Mini characteristics; fun, innovation and space-maximising.

On the fun side of things, we cannot deny it is fun... to a point. It has to be said, that along with the MINI Countryman, the raised platform of both models has reduced the ‘go-kart’ effect that is so commonly associated with Minis, and this very detraction is a critical error in brand continuity. Minis must have that ‘go-kart’ feeling, it’s one of the defining characteristics, but we have found both the Countryman and the Paceman too ‘wobbly’ to give us that reassurance to take corners at speed as most Mini owners do. That is a disappointment.

Innovation-wise, there is little here that hasn’t already been produced on previous models, and aside from the stylish design it lacks the innovation to make it a ‘must-have’ MINI when there are other more practical MINIs on offer.

Finally it is hardly space-maximising, but anyone who is looking for a car like this, isn’t looking for space anyway. The MINI Paceman is a pure luxury toy car, and its only real redeeming feature is its looks.

It’s sad to say, because it is a lovely car to drive, but it just doesn’t have the Mini character to wear the name. For those with grown-up, or no kids, a lump of £20k and after something a bit exclusive (after all no-one else is buying them), then the Paceman is perfect. And for all the negative sentiment, it has to be said it’s not a bad car, it just lacks the Mini personality.

they climbed over the seats

with their dirty feet


HigH fibre dietLee and Luke Billing got so fed up looking for that special Mini to buy, they ended up building one themselves.

We’ve all had those moment whilst working on a project when interest in it

dies down, and the enthusiasm to go and get back in to the garage is at a low ebb. It’s not uncommon, but it is at this crucial crossroads that dream projects can be realised or written off as another eBay part-complete.

Father and son, Lee and Luke Billing, reached this decisive moment after being messed around by a local service provider, as Lee explains:

“We bought this Mini in 2009 as a 1989 Mini City E, to complete as a father and son project with my son Luke.

The Mini needed a lot more work than we first anticipated so we asked a local Mini expert who basically did nothing in the eight months he had the Mini.

After a while of nothing happening we got a bit fed up, and so started looking at completed Minis to buy instead of building one for ourselves. But we just couldn’t find one that we liked so decided to bite the bullet and find somebody who could complete the project.

We eventually found Endaf Owens at Owen’s Motorsport Fabrication and the Mini was trailered to Endaf’s workshop in deepest, darkest Wales, to start the stripdown. From Wales we had to drive to Kent - which is a

PHOTOS: Laurence Parcens


HigH fibre diet


the wheels are the only ones

in the world


six-hour journey each way to Curley Specialised Mouldings to collect a carbon-fibre roof, carbon-fibre rear bumper, carbon-fibre flat boot floor, carbon-fibre doors, carbon-fibre one-piece front end, carbon-fibre smooth bootlid, carbon-fibre Miglia arches, carbon-fibre parcel shelf and carbon-fibre dash and pod. As you can tell, we went for a carbon-fibre theme.

Something specialNext were the wheels; we searched everywhere for a different set of wheels for the project but we just couldn’t find any.

Finally, we came across a company called Compomotive Motorsport Wheels and they custom-made us a set of 7x13 wheels in graphite. Since then, Compomotive has gone bankrupt, so the wheels are the only ones in the world!

Endaf then made a custom single wiper conversion. Once Endaf had sorted all the welding we had to choose

a colour - this was one of the hardest decisions. We just wanted a grey that had never been seen on a Mini before, so we had a custom mix made.

I then gave KAD a call for the new KAD K4 callipers in gold. We chose Minifins for the rear brakes, a Miglia front end, before painting the rear subframe the same colour as the car.

The engine was next. I wanted to keep the old A-Series but also wanted the sound and speed of my old Escort RS Turbo, so the only choice was to have a turbo’d A-Series.

The spec is a 1293 Morspeed engine, Morspeed Phase 3 cam, modified T3 turbo, Omega forged turbo pistons, steel rods, high pressure oil pump, updated fuel pump, AP Racing six-paddle clutch, lightened and balanced flywheel, hardened crank, Quaife straight-cut gearbox, KAD quickshifter, Metro turbo manifold, Maniflow 2.5-inch stainless exhaust, Owens Fabrication engine steadies, Stage 5 super squish head, HIF44 carb, Fiesta RS Turbo intercooler,

Avonbar dump valve, Avonbar actuator, MED four-core full race radiator, lightweight alternator, high torque starter motor and K&N cone airfilter.

The end result was 181bhp and 170lb.ft torque @ Jamsport rolling road day.

Once the engine was built up, Endaf fabricated a turbo bulkhead so the engine would fit. Around June 2013, the shell was back from paintshop and the car could finally start to be reassembled. We had aimed to get it ready for British Mini Club’s Mini Fair 2 in September 2013, so we had to crack on.

Polycarbonate windows were installed, then all the carbon-fibre was fitted. We used Force Racing hinges on the doors and F1-style mirrors. We then opted for Recaro Evo8 bucket seats inside and a pair of KAD rear arms fitted to the freshly painted rear subframe. Lightweight rear hubs were next along with lightweight uprights fitted on the front. By this time it was August 20, and we were worried we


wouldn’t make Mini Fair 2. As the days passed by we worked hard to get the carbon-

fibre dashboard fitted with its Race Technology digital dash, suede steering wheel with quick release boss and TRS race harnesses. The suspension consisted of GAZ adjustable dampers along with rear camber brackets and fully rose-jointed on the front. Endaf then made a custom, lightweight 4.5-gallon fuel tank, and fitted it along with a Owen’s Fabrication oil catch tank and washer bottle. In such a lightweight and fast Mini, a Safety Devices six-point cage was a must and it was one of the last things we did before

the MOT which was the day before Mini Fair 2! If the car failed we would have to wait until January 2014 to show it off. Luckily it passed first time with no advisories, so we both had a 250-mile trip to Stonleigh Park for Mini Fair 2 - stopping to fill up eight times each way due to the small fuel tank, Haha!

When we finally arrived we entered the Mini in the Show ‘n’ Shine and the amount of attention the Mini got really was amazing. But when our name got called for the winner of the ‘80s class I just couldn’t believe it! All the time, effort, sleepless nights and money was really worth it.”


the m.o.t. was the day before the mini fair 2 deadline!

Force Racingwww.force-racing.co.uk

Owens Fabricationswww.owensfabrication.com

Race Technologywww.race-technology.com

Curley Mouldingswww.curleyuk.com


I wanted to keep the old A-series but

also wanted the sound and speed of my

old escort rs turbo


love:minilove:mini ��

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court

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GeT your mini feaTureD

Unlike other magazines, we’re not just looking for the shiniest, most perfect Minis.

We want to hear the stories of all types of Minis, from the dilapidated workhorses of the world to your latest creation - and everything inbetween. But most importantly we want to hear about you - the people - and your experiences and most heartfelt moments. Those unforgettable occassions in a Mini that made your heart beat a thousand times faster and bring the biggest smile ever to your face. That’s what love:mini is all about...

email: [email protected]


my mini & me

I bought my Cooper S John Cooper Works in June 2006,

having previously owned an R50 Cooper, followed by a Cooper S.

I wasn’t keen on what I’d seen of the forthcoming second generation MINI at that point, so wanted one of the last supercharged R53 JCWs.

By this stage of production, the JCW tuning kit was available as a factory-fitted option, together with the JCW brakes.

For the colour scheme, I chose Chili Red with a White roof, as I’d loved this combination on my first Cooper.

To keep the cost vaguely sensible, most of the options chosen were performance-related or cosmetic. I didn’t bother with expensive sat-nav, gadgets or stereo upgrades; I’d found with my previous Cooper S I spent more time enjoying the sound of the car rather than the stereo, and guessed correctly that this would be even more the case with the JCW!

From the factory, I went for the Chili pack, plus body-coloured dash and door rings, red/black cloth and leather seats, and the chrome line interior and exterior. I’d heard good

things about the JCW suspension, so had this fitted as a dealer extra.

After three months of eager anticipation, the car was delivered just before the 2006 World Cup; as a non-football fan that suited me perfectly, as I could get out and enjoy him on some wonderfully deserted Sussex roads whenever England were playing!

Health problems followed by a redundancy scare at work meant that I didn’t get to enjoy my MINI very much in 2007, but I did get to an event organised by one of the MINI forums at the Top Gear track at Dunsfold - the car still wears his “I was the Stig” stickers from this event.

Fifty YearsThe year 2009 marked the 50th anniversary of the Mini, of course, and I wanted to go to as many of the celebratory events as possible. Following on from MINI United at Silverstone, Beaulieu was particularly special as my MINI was picked by the Mini Cooper Register to represent 2006 in the Fifty Years of Mini display. Once again, he still wears the commemorative sticker for this with pride!

Neal Barden has been through a lot with his MINI, but now that he can afford an upgrade, he’s not sure

if he wants to lose that bond and shared history.



i could get out on the deserted

roads whenever england

were playing

Representing 2006 at Beaulieu.


In 2010 I reached the end of the original finance period. I couldn’t afford to replace my JCW with the Gen 2 equivalent at this point, so decided to keep him and extend the finance for another couple of years.

By this time the original R98 web spoke wheels were in a bad way, the design is prone to corrosion around the polished rims, plus I had some damage caused by a careless tyre fitter. So I started browsing for MINI wheels on eBay, and early in 2011 found exactly what I wanted - a set of freshly refurbished genuine Minilites, fitted with brand new non-runflat tyres.

No one else bid on them, so I got them for a bargain price, and had them shipped down from Scotland. Once fitted to the car, they proved a revelation - the


ride quality was so much better on 16” wheels and normal tyres compared to the original 17” wheels with runflats.

In 2012 the finance was paid off, and he was finally all mine. I also got brave enough to take him for some track action, with fast pace car laps at Castle Combe being followed by the MINI to the Max track day at Goodwood.

Facebook WinI’d won a place on the latter in a Facebook competition, and although most of the day was spent driving cars provided by MINI UK, I did sneak out in mine for one session. I had hoped to do some more in 2013, though my plans to do the Santa Pod drag strip at Mini in the Park, and the LSMOC track day back at Goodwood, failed to come off for reasons I’ll go into later.

He even appeared on TV twice in 2012, firstly as part of the coverage of the Brands Hatch Mini Festival on Motors TV as well as appearing on the official DVD of the event. Then I was invited, along with a few other classic and new Mini owners, to appear on BBC South East Today as part of a promotional feature for the Minis at the Pavilion event at the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill. This involved being filmed driving around the car park beneath the replica Italian Job coach artwork installed on the roof of the Pavilion, and was great fun.

I’ve made a few minor cosmetic modifications to my MINI over the years. For the interior, a carbon-fibre and leather JCW gearknob, bought from John Cooper Garages closing down sale, and a set of red carpet mats from Newton Commercial, for summer use only. On the exterior, Union Jack mirror caps and chrome scuttle vents complete the look. At the moment I have a pair of aero kit side skirts awaiting refurbishment and fitting, plus a JCW strut brace ready to go on.

Keeping the car fairly standard-looking paid off last year. The R53 Cooper S was chosen by Auto Trader magazine as their car of the decade for the 2000s, and they picked mine to take part in a photoshoot for the final


the ride quality was so much better on 16-inch wheels and

normal tyres

De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill


I have a sneaky feeling i’d end

up regretting letting him go


print edition of the magazine. We made the trip up to Wimbledon for the shoot, where he posed both on his own, and with a lovely young lady called Daisy. As well as the resulting photos published in the magazine, he also made an appearance on the pull-out souvenir poster, and in a video on the Auto Trader website.

Future thoughtsIronically now I’ve finished paying for the car, I could afford a few more mods, but find that first generation JCW bits and pieces are quite hard to come by these days. Things do occasionally turn up on eBay, but everyone else wants them too...

I’d love a set of red/black JCW Sparco seats, or even GP Recaros, but these go for silly money when they do appear.

On his rear windows, the car wears a collection of stickers commemorating the clubs I belong to and events I’ve been to during the years I’ve owned him. I have thought about taking these off to clean up the look, but so far have decided not to do it as they’re part of my history with him.

At the beginning of August 2013, disaster struck. I was on my way west to Castle Combe for the MINI Challenge, when a deer ran out, straight into the front of my MINI. The car was just about driveable, and I was able to limp home, but I felt sick at the extent of the damage. A few sleepless nights followed, I was so worried that my MINI was going to be written off.

It was a huge relief when I got confirmation from the insurers that he was going to be repaired. I missed all the Mini events in August as a result, including Mini in the Park and my planned Goodwood track day, but after three MINI-less weeks, and £4000 worth of repairs, it was a joy being reunited with him.

In February 2014 I finally got my first proper full track day at Goodwood, thanks to Surrey New MINI. It was great to be able to drive my MINI at speed, and to hear his supercharger screaming around the classic circuit was just wonderful.

I have had thoughts in the last few months about changing my MINI for a newer one, but the problem is, it would take something rather special to replace him, such as a JCW Coupe or a GP2, and both are beyond my budget at the moment. I also have a lot of history with this car, and feel such a bond with him, that I have a sneaking feeling that I’d end up regretting it if I let him go.

Posing for Auto Trader.

Having debuted at Plant Oxford before setting

off on an epic world tour through three world capitals, The New MINI. The New Original. proved it knows how to make an entrance. MINI Space stole a few minutes with Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design and Anders Warming Head of MINI Design, to get the low-down on picking a palette, Britishness and what goes into creating that iconic MINI face.

MINI Space (MS): MINI has made a name for itself as a car its drivers can fully personalise. We’re curious how you maintain the balance of making MINI at once for so many people and personalities, and yet so universally iconic.

Anders Warming - Head of MINI Design (AW): Well, the issue of customising is exactly that personal relationship that people have with a car. Of course it is a means of transportation, but you can choose it in the colour that really fits your lifestyle, and you can choose the kind of materials that also fit your lifestyle. I think the strength is that we have an array of variants in the car so we make sure that we can have

the right colour, fitting the right interior. You can have a very lively colour combination or you can have a very subdued maybe black-on-black combination and you still have the same level of high quality design either way.Mini-60.jpgAdrian van Hooydonk (left) and Anders Warming (right)

MS: So, given the variety of colour combinations, how did you arrive at Volcanic Orange and Blazing Red to introduce The New MINI?

AW: Well actually both of those colours were developed with one specific target - to add the very intense colour to the palette. We have a lot of very valuable darker colours but we needed these two to really stand out, and the orange colour really has a reference to a heritage of racing - not MINI per se - but the feeling of racing a car, and it’s a new colour to the line. The Blazing Red is a unique red that has a sparkle in it, so in the right lighting it gives you not just the red colour, but also the shape as it changes between light and shadow.

Adrian van Hooydonk - Senior Vice President BMW Group Design (AvH): [MINI is] a car for people that enjoy life and like to show it. So among all car brands I think

MINI’s job is to offer more colour than any other brand.

MS: A lot of people say that MINI has a face, literally - that it looks human, almost with a happy expression. How do you arrive there in the design process? Is that something that’s even thought about consciously?

AW: That’s a very important issue. Every car has a face but I think MINI has this personal relationship based on a couple of very elementary graphics. The round front headlights are a MINI heritage element that we have been developing over the years, but especially now with the headlight having LED technology inside of it - [it’s] something even more special. On the one hand it’s a reference to the past, but also it’s a clear reference to the technology that goes inside of a headlight. The shape of the grille is also very important to us, so all-in-all the grille and front headlights makes up for a MINI iconic face.

MS: Speaking of the shape of the grille, we know that there were quite a few design restrictions this time around - for example, US pedestrian law dictates that the bonnet has to be a bit longer. Were there any other restrictions

~ anders Warming ~Head of MINI design

January 2011 - Present

Cou

rtes

y of

MIN

I Sp

ace

“I think it’s a wonderful challenge to design a car.”


Cou

rtes

y of

MIN

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ace


every car has a face but I think MInI has this personal

relationship based on a couple of very elementary graphics.

you encountered in designing The New MINI?

AW: I wouldn’t say ‘restrictions.’ I think the thing is when you design a car you have actually thousands of parameters you have to work around; ergonomics, acoustics, aerodynamics, how the car sits on its wheels, the balance of the car - all these factors go into proportioning a car and it goes beyond the crash impact as well. All of that is one big composition of elements and that is the true challenge of car design. That being said, at the end of the day there has to be a beautiful car that sits well on its wheels and that’s our main goal.

MS: Anders, we know you’re known for driving a variety of MINI. Which are you driving right now and why?

AW: I’m driving a MINI Clubman John Cooper Works right now and I really enjoy it.

MS: What colour is it?

AW: I have it in Eclipse Grey. I had a

Black just before - I’m going through several Clubmans right now. The fact is the Clubman is the perfect car for me because on the one hand you have the flexibility in the back of the car, and on the other hand I’m still a fan of the club door on the other side of the car - for the kids getting in and out, it’s just perfect for me.

MS: And how does each of you tap into Britishness in recreating the iconic MINI?

AvH: Well I think London as a city encapsulates what British design stands for. There is still Saville Row, and there is also some very modern fashion

design happening here at the same time. So Britain deals with its history I think very well, and at the same time allows very new things to happen. For us that is a source of inspiration for every new generation of MINI and that’s exactly what we are trying to do with the MINI brand. Of course you will be able to trace back MINI’s history, but in each new generation

- now the third generation - of new MINI, we will add some innovative elements that will make the car very recognisable and modern as the latest version of the brand.

MS: MINI drivers have existed since the ‘50s. How do you think that they’re changing in this decade?

AvH: Somehow I don’t think that they have changed, and that to me is a strong point of the MINI brand. The original MINI appealed to people young and old, across gender,

across generations, across society you would say. The Queen drove one, Enzo Ferrari drove one, Twiggy drove one, and I think that’s still the case. Even with the New MINI I think that the appeal is universal and that’s what we like to move forward with, I think the New MINI does that as well.



A passion for power, or just crazy about classics? Then check out

Classic, Performance & Retro!

Get It FREE Every Month At:

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someone said: “look it’s paddy,” then

suddenly there was a crowd of people

around him


It’s been 50 years since Paddy Hopkirk first won the Monte Carlo rally and

turned him into a Mini legend and a rally icon. The anniversary celebrations have been in the making for some time now, and the all culminated with the Paddy Hopkirk Gala, held in Paddy’s hometown of Belfast.love:minisent along our intrepid

reporter, Jon Alexander, to be part of the celebrations and absorb the historical atmosphere.

The day started with an early drive to meet at the Parliament Buildings in Stormont to line up, check-in and put plaques on the cars. If you didn’t have a plaque on the car you weren’t in the

cavalcade, and you also got a goody bag sponsored by MINI, which included a peaked cap and a MINI bottle. As we were lined-up, waiting to move off in convoy, Paddy Hopkirk turned up, to lead the cavalcade in a replica of his 1964 Monte Carlo-winning Mini. It was kinda of funny as soon as he was spotted he was swamped with people. I overheard someone say: “Look it’s Paddy,” then suddenly there was a crowd of people around him - it was like watching Obama and his security men. Anyway Paddy got in the Mini to start the cavalcade and you heard over 200 engines start up. It was a great feeling to be a part of it.

Three special cars led the way from Stormont: Replica of Paddy Hopkirk’s 1964 Monte Carlo winning Mini with Paddy driving this; The Shawcross/Hopkirk Art Mini donated by the Donnelly Group; Chassis number 20 the oldest known 1275 Cooper S driven by Rosemary Smith in the events Ireland from 1965 to 1970.

Other notable cars included: 570 FMO which finished 7th overall in the Monte Carlo Rally driven by Rauno Aaltonen; ORX 707F driven by Tony

Fall and Mike Wood into 4th in the 1968 Monte Carlo rally; and many others.

As we headed out of Stormont in convoy we had a police escort stopping the Belfast traffic at every junction, so we could flow through the streets. At Belfast City Hall we all stopped to watch Paddy receive the freedom of the city scroll, from the Lord Mayor of Belfast. As you can imagine 200 cars parking up outside City Hall was some sight to see and as we travelled through the city we saw people’s jaws dropping at the sight of the cars.

After the City Hall ceremony

Huge celebrations and the key to the City for the Belfast boy that won the Monte Carlo 50 years ago.WORDS & PHOTOS: Jon Alexander

we had to get back to ours cars and follow Paddy to the Titanic quarter, but there was a treat first for all the cars. As Paddy left City Hall he had to drive

33 EJB out of the gates, in one way and out the other gates passing the City Hall doors. The Shawcross/Hopkirk Art Mini and the 1275 Cooper S driven by

Rosemary Smith followed Paddy in hot pursuit.

so off we rolled in pursuit of Paddy who was being directed by police to


someone said: “look it’s paddy,” then

suddenly there was a crowd of people

around him

the Titanic quarter for the final stop. At the Titanic museum all the cars

parked up, and it was quite a sight. On hand was an auto test display - them guys can sure drive their cars! There was also a massive marque tent up where there were some MINIS on display and Mini Sport had a very nice display there selling Paddy Hopkirk memorablia.

When lunch had finished, Paddy sat

down with friends to autograph items for the public. I was in the queue with a plaque from the car, one of my sunvisors and I bought the Paddy Hopkirk Story book for £30 - it was worth buying it just to get it signed and the money went to two charities SKIDZ and IEF (integrated education fund).

They must have been signing for about two hours solid, and they still

had the evening VIP Gala Dinner to host. It was a great day for me and I think all that went to it enjoyed it as I don’t think you will see that again in Belfast or the likes of it.


“these guys can sure drive

their cars!”



“these guys can sure drive

their cars!”


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MSV Media day

As the start of the racing season draws near, love:mini was invited

to track owner, Motorsport Vision’s racing Media Day at Brands Hatch to find out what they have in store for 2014.

Arriving for a 9am start we made our way to the media centre which is situated track-side above the paddock. The sun was out and we could smell the petrol fumes in the air and hear the cars roaring around the track.

After signing in at Race Control, we wondered down the pit lane to see what was on offer. Our main focus was to be the MINI Challenge cars and to see what treats we can expect in the forthcoming season, but there were also other monsters of motorsport to enjoy too.

But first we needed to eat. Motorsport Vision had put on a prime spread for the gathering journalists with both

bacon and sausage sarnies on offer, and plenty more. After a long drive to the track, navigating the M25 at rush hour, it was a well-earned breakfast.

The morning presentation began

with MSV Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer welcoming the guests before interviewing representatives from each of the Championships MSV would be hosting. Antony Williams, Organiser of

MINIChalleNgeHeading to Brands Hatch to get close to the MINI Challenge team.

www.minichallenge.co.ukwww.mini-festival.co.uk

www.minichallenge.co.uk


the MINI Challenge and driver Hamish Brandon. The pair spoke about the growing support for the series and the announcement of a new sponsor with Power Maxed cleaning products. There was also news that MINI Challenge racing will be headlining both the Brands Hatch and Oulton Park Mini Festivals as well as the introduction of the F56 MINI for next year’s (2015) championship.

Back in the paddock it was time for photographs

Msv put on a prime spread for breakfast - bacon and

sausages sarnies!


mini challenge will be

headlining both mini festivals

and passenger rides. We bumped into classic Mini racing legend, Bill Sollis, who is advising the Oakfield Racing team, and felt the need for a shameless selfie with the lads before going for a spin. Oakfield driver Neil Newstead offered up his passenger seat, and I

was strapped in to the stripped out MINI and we lined up in front of the marshall in the pitlane waiting for the go-ahead.

When it came Neil nailed the accelerator straight in to Paddock Hill bend, up the steep Hailwood Hill

before cutting into Druids Bend, before heading back downhill, quickly onto Cooper’s Straight and fast around Clark Curve and back onto the fast fast fast Brabham Straight and across the line. We took another couple of flying laps around the Indy circuit with Neil speaking through the speeds and gears needed for each turn, before we finished up and pulled into the pits.

As an owner of a classic Mini, I found the drive quite refined considering the speeds we were clocking, and fear was an emotion that never registered, but it was thrilling and certainly had me itching to have a go behind the wheel.

After a light buffet lunch we took time to chat to the drivers and find out more about them and their backgrounds. There is an air of excitement surrounding this season’s MINI Challenge Championship, the drivers can sense it, the organisers can sense it and I can sense it from them.

PHOTO: David Young


ABOVE & BELOW: A selection of MINI Challenge cars line-up for press shots and passenger rides. RIGHT: Shameless selfie with Bill Sollis and the Oakfield Team..


With two Mini Festivals to headline and plenty of ‘rubbing’ to be had, make sure you don’t miss it!


MINI ChalleNgewww.minichallenge.co.uk

aPRIl 26-27 Donington ParkMaY 10-11 Brands hatch IndyJUNe 21-22 Snetterton 300JUlY 12 Oulton ParkaUgUST 2 Castle CombeaUgUST 16-17 Silverstone gPSePTeMBeR 13-14 Brands hatch gP

Brooklands Mini ShowHistoric race track hosts the first outdoor Mini show as Spring rolls in.

showtime

PHOTOS: Mini Madness WORDS: Sammiie Watts

The historic Brooklands Museum in

Weybridge, Surrey, became home to almost 1000 classic and new Minis on Saturday, March 22. Models from 1959 right up to the brand new 2014 MINI Hatch; coded as the F56, were sat amongst each other. Thankfully the weather this year was a lot warmer and brighter than last year which saw windchills of -5 degrees C!

Both my Minis were on show with the Portsmouth and Southampton Mini Owners’ Club. My daily driver; Stripes the Indi Blue R50 MINI and my red ‘95 classic Mini Sprite named WinnieP. The club had around 25 Minis on display near to the famous remains of the banked racecourse with a variety of old and new amongst each other.

The brand new F56, third

generation MINI attended courtesy of Barons Farnborough MINI. They brought along a Cooper D and a Cooper S for people to take a look at and to help them get to know the new Hatch. It was interesting to see a dealership amongst a show environment but I personally believe that this is a good idea as it means they are aware of the lifestyle that comes with owning a MINI. It’s great to see the F56 amongst a show environment as they are the next generation of MINI that we are going to see more and more of on the road, but the real test for these will be what

the owners make of how they feel to drive and whether that ‘Mini-ness’ is back.

Driving skills can be tested at this show if owners decide to take part in one of the two Test Hill events. The 352-feet long famous Test Hill is made up of three sections, starting with a gradient of 1 in 8, then 1 in 5 and the top third has a gradient of 1 in 4. Minis of all ages are invited to try and make the climb in front of a large


DATEMarch 22, 2014

LOCATIONBrooklands Museum, Surrey

WEBSITE www.

brooklands museum.com

UK

audience. If this challenge doesn’t appeal then you can experience a part of history by walking along the remains of the banked racecourse which is always swarmed by Minis.

One MINI that caught my attention and left me almost drooling was Richard Davies’ modified R56 Cooper S. The grey and black combination gets me every time as I personally find it such a hot look. Richard has lowered his MINI on Vmaxx coilovers, stretched tyres on 17” Dare RS’ 7.5j front and 8.5j at the rear with 10mm spacers, added a power

flow exhaust cat back, de chromed belt line handles, a JCW carbon-fibre bonnet scoop, tinted windows along with the front and rear lights and a Luke tow strap in a pale blue to match the two stickers, to name just a few of his modifications. He has owned this little gem for three years and still has more plans. These include going even lower and removing the rear seats.

A classic Mini near to the East Coast Mini Club caught my eye, it looked like it had just stepped out a showroom. The owner Carl George


the banked racecourse is

always swamped with minis

had displayed the invoice for the vehicle across the back which you could see in the rear window. I loved the fact that he had taken the time to leave this on display as it really did get everyone talking and made us all realise what a fantastic history the Mini has.

To finish off my day, I decided to take WinnieP and Stripes over to Concorde to snap a few shots of them below. We were

joined by ‘RJ’ who is an R50 in Pure Silver owned by Keith

Burton. This MINI has a subtle black and silver

styling and packs a punch under the

bonnet as it’s been remapped by Lohen with

a Pipercross induction kit added

too. I’m extremely pleased with the results of this

mission as the three of them look good together which is all due

to their colouration.

showtime



Mini Thunder VTraining Mini owners how to handle their cars on the oval track... and then letting them loose.

The fifth and increasingly popular

Mini Thunder event took place again this March at Thunderhill Raceway in Willows, California, where MINI drivers from across the States (and across the border) came to enjoy some high-speed driving around the twisty circuit.

love:mini contributor, Norm Nelson, organises this event which allows drivers of varying degrees of skill to go out on

the track and be tutored by a professional instructor about how to drive with spirit on the tarmac, through the corners and on the straights. With 50 tutors and over 130 participants, Norm says this event has grown to become the largest High Performance Driving Event in the US.

It was another bright shiny, sunny day in northern California for Mini Thunder. Considering the track day is in February, considered as the middle of winter and it had been pouring with rain before the event, attendees had been lucky. So far each year the show has been blessed with awesome weather.

With sponsoring from O2 Motorsports in Redding and Niello MINI in Sacramento, the group were able to host a Casino night with dinner and gaming, followed by plenty of prizes the

previous evening.The 50 coaches on hand

were more than enough to cover the beginner classes and which left some over for those in intermediate and advanced groups to get the coaching they wished. In addition, spectators were given hot lap rides

showtime

PHOTOS: George MarshWORDS: Norm Nelson,

Craig McBeth

Photo courtesy of Dito Milian of GotBlueMilk.com


DATEFebruary 16,

2014

LOCATIONThunderhill

Raceway, CA

WEBSITE www.

thunderhill.com

USA

www.thunderhill.com

throughout the day. I’m sure they got a thrill from that with great big smiles on their faces.

Each group got their five each – 20 minutes of on-track action, with no accidents or even any bumps. After each 20-minute session particpants attended classroom sessions for critique and further instruction.

Also on show was the twin-engined MINI - the TWINI - which was on-hand for display and demo drives. This is the twin engine, R53 with 520+ bhp that has been built for the running of the 25 hours of Thunderhill in Dec 2014.

As the event has matured, organisation and limiting group numbers has helped to ensure it has become more easily manageable, which in the end leads to a better experience for those taking part.


50 coaches were on hand to help mini owners master

track driving


On a bright Sunday in March, the Indonesian Mini Club celebrated their second anniversary with a get-together which

attracted a large number of Minis, a couple of Jags and lots of interested passers-bys.

The club family bond is strong and with the Minis lined up in age order, Chairman of the club, Mr Indo Mini, or Enril, gathered members in the Plaza Senayan, Jakarta, to start the celebrations with the cutting of the amazing birthday cake.

Around noon, the Minis set off for a convoy before returning to the Plaza to enjoy lunch with inflatable ceremonial candles.

DATEMarch 10, 2014

LOCATIONPlaza Senayan,

Jakarta

WEBSITE www.gettinlow.com

indonesia

The sun itself was just waking up.

Partying Jakarta with stunning Minis.

PHOTOS: Rieza AlvarezWORDS: Stefanus Albert

Indo Mini Club 2nd Anniversary

showtime


wide and low was the order

of the day


A beautiful range of new and old minis were on show

[email protected]

kEEPINTouCH

WEBsITEwww.love-mini.co.ukThe love:mini website is a one-stop resource for useful information; such as event dates, upcoming motorsport, Minis for sale, useful articles and other helpful and informative links and tools.

fACEBookwww.facebook.com/loveminimagOur very popular Facebook page is where we unwind with some fun pictures and ‘Shares’. The latest news from our Blog and Twitter account is also fed into here so you won’t miss a thing.

BLoghttp://loveminimag.blogspot.co.ukThe love:mini Blog really is worth bookmarking as it is here that we look behind the headlines of a story and keep you up-to-date with the latest happenings in the Mini scene.

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41st NZ Concours d’eleganceThe Premier car event for classic cars all over the world hosts an exquisite show in Auckland.

showtimeshowtime

WORDS & PHOTOS: Greg Wenzlick

February 8th and 9th saw the 41st annual

NZ Concours d’elegance Inter-club and NZ Classic Car Show held in the picturesque grounds of the Ellerslie Racecourse of Auckland City.

In recent years, the Mini Car Club of Auckland has won the “Best Club display” title, with their imaginative displays, and also members’ driving prowess

in the Gymkhana - known for revving engines, smoking and squealing tyres.

This year clubMINI NZ combined with the Mini Cooper of NZ Register in a display of Mini Cooper and MINI Cooper cars from the past to the future.

Amongst the clubMINI NZ display cars was a 1961 Cooper T56 Formula Junior 1 litre racing car of Ian Garmey, one of two 2010 MINI John Cooper Works F1 WC50 special edition cars sold in NZ owned by Blair Sowden, a 2008 MINI John Cooper Works Clubman of Aaron Martin, an R56 MINI JCW GP car (imported privately as none of this model were sold new in NZ), and guest appearance of “MINI DOWN UNDER” book author Donn Anderson, who was reunited with his previously owned car, a 1964 Morris Cooper S now fully restored and owned by Graham Wing.

The clubMINI NZ display included a retro-restored 10.5 ft caravan, painted in Cooper colours of BR green and white with 17 inch Cooper S 8-spoke wheels, for the members’ convenience. Other early Mini Cooper and Cooper S models were shown by members from Auckland and Tauranga clubs.


DATEFebruary 8-9,

2014

LOCATIONEllerslie

Racecourse, Auckland

WEBSITE www.concours.org.nz

new zealand

Valentines BashSharing the love with members of the Mighty Mini Club Sri Lanka on Valentines Eve.

DATEFebruary 13,

2014

LOCATIONSri

Jayewardenepura

WEBSITE www.mightymini.lk

sri lankaPHOTOS & WORDS: Malinda Sirisena, Mighty Mini Club

Sri Lanka

The Mighty Mini Club of Sri Lanka

organized a Valentines Bash on February 13, Valentines Eve, for its members at a hotel in the Capital, Sri Jayewardenepura. It was an event where all Mini fans of Sri Lanka got together for a different reason from the typical Mini get-togethers with conversations on Minis, driving

around in Minis and playing games related to Minis. It was a night filed with love and romance. Giving some extra attention towards the spouses and families of the Mighty Mini Club members, a change of attention from the much-loved small cars.

A live band and DJ kept the attendees entertained throughout the night with a mix of music

to cater to all age groups. Some of the members children took to the stage to show their talents by singing. Quite a few prizes and surprises were dished out throughout the event which gave an existing element to the night. A big scrumcaps buffet was also enjoyed my all attendees.

All in all, the Mighty Mini Club members had a very good time!

sociallife


April Mini RunA charity Mini run to the beautiful Goodwood Circuit attracts huge numbers.

A charity run set up by Rob Hadley

to raise money for his mum who has cancer, was well received with a good turnout of around 90 Minis.

The road trip started at Goodwood Motor Circuit in

Chichester, with the Minis enjoying two parade laps around the famous track before heading off for a drive to the Royal Oak pub in Midhurst for a raffle and quiz, with over £600 raised!

It was two years ago that Rob’s mum was diagnosed with

a rare form of bone cancer. She had her femour removed and replaced with a metal rod and a knee replacement. She bravely overcame this but last year she was then diagnosed with lung cancer - which is terminal. Recently she underwent a major op to remove one of the lumps.

DATEApril 12, 2014

LOCATIONGoodwood, Chichester

WEBSITE www.goodwood.co.uk

Uk

PHOTOS: Mini Madness


Minirun

Resto & Rust ShowPractical Classics show gives a masterclass on how to look after your cherished vehicle.

The inaugural Practical Classics Restoration Show, held at

Birmingham’s NEC on April 12-13, proved to be a hit as just shy of 12,000 enthusiasts attended the first outing which included live demonstrations, celebrity seminars and fantastic restoration displays.

With over 300 cars in various states of repair – from pristine and roadworthy to barn find and project – the two halls were buzzing with the sounds of the 30 clubs working on their cars, with the Triumph Dolomite Club welding and the Jowett Car Club actually building a car over the two-days.

The Practical Classics Live Stage saw celebrity appearances from Wheeler Dealers Mike Brewer and Edd China, motoring journalist and presenter Quentin Willson, Red Dwarf star Chris Barrie, Car SOS presenter Fuzz Townshend and Fifth Gear’s Vicki Butler-Henderson.

The special guests also hosted a myriad of seminars on the Footman James Classic

Car ER stage offering expert advice on buying and selling project cars, planning a restoration and preparing for MoTs.

One of the busiest areas was the Heritage Insurance Barn Find display where 25 barn finds from all over the UK had been gathered. The cars ranged from a 1960 Aston Martin DB4 to a Morris Oxford that was barely in one piece!

The team from Leeds City College worked non-stop in the Workshop as they were besieged

with visitors asking advice and getting their hands dirty as they go hands-on tuition.

Dan Nwaokolo, Show Director, said: “The response has been completely overwhelming.”

The next Practical Classics Restoration Show will take place on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th March 2015. www.necrestorationshow.com

DATEApril 12, 2014

LOCATIONNEC,

Birmingham

WEBSITE www.necrestorationshow.com

Uk

PHOTOS Chris Wynne Imaging


showtime

MotorsportRally:Circuit:Hillclimb:Autograss:Sprint


Three-day event sees the X-raid teams secure more top results in the MINI ALL4 Racing Countryman.

www.italianbaja.it/en www.x-raid.de

Russian duo battle hard in the italian Baja

In the Baja Italy, the second round of the FIA Cross Country Rally World

Cup, X-raid succeeded in once again securing a top result. With their MINI ALL4 Racing, Russian pairing Vladimir Vasilyev / Konstatin Zhiltsov finished fourth, in the three-day event, while Poland’s Martin Kaczmarski and his

Portuguese co-driver Filipe Palmeiro in the second MINI ALL4 Racing came sixth.

In the 10 generally very short special stages that featured distances of 18.77 or 44.29 kilometres, every second counted. In the end, Vasilyev crossed the finish line just 2:10 minutes behind the winner, Yazeed Al Rajhi,

with Kaczmarski’s gap to the winner amounting to 3:19 minutes, in the end.

“The result is okay for us,” said X-raid Team Manager Sven Quandt. “Both MINI ALL4 Racing vehicles completed the event without encountering any problems whatsoever. Nonetheless, the two Bajas raced so far demonstrated that the Toyotas are very competitive.”

Overall result Baja Italy:

1. Y. Al Rahji / T. Gottschalk Toyota 3h 17m 15s2. B. Gadasin / A. Kuzmich G-Force Proto 3h 17m 59s3. M. Dabrowski / J. Czachor Toyota 3h 19m 07s4. V. Vasilyev / K. Zhiltsov MINI ALL4 racing 3h 19m 25s...6. M. Kaczmarski / F. Palmeiro MINI ALL4 Racing 3h 21m 04s


Russian pairing Vladimir Vasilyev / Konstantin Zhiltsov

secured the win in the third FIA Cross County Rally World Cup, with their MINI ALL4 Racing. Furthermore, all the stage wins also were secured by the Trebur based team and four of its

five MINI ALL4 Racing vehicles made it to the top 10. Nani Roma and Michel Périn had to retire early as the Spaniard couldn’t continue due to stomach problems.

Vasilyev delivered in extremely competitive and consistent style, over the course of the past days. The

Russian made it to the top four in every single stage and celebrated three stage wins. At the end of the day, he won the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge with a 47-minute lead over Poland’s Adam Malysz in a Toyota. With this success, Vasilyev also leaped to the lead in the FIA World Cup. With 60 points on his tally, he now is tied for the first position in the World Cup standings with Al Rahji.

German pairing Stephan Schott / Andreas Schulz also were delighted with their achievements. They took their MINI ALL4 Racing to fifth position in the overall rankings. The Germans made it to the top 10 on every day and contested the event in Abu Dhabi’s desert without encountering any major problems. Erik van Loon and Wouter Rosegaar, also delivered in fine style to finish sixth, in their first rally with the MINI ALL4 Racing. Only on day two, the pairing that made it to the top 10 in every other stage, was temporarily stopped by a broken accelerator cable. Kazakhstan’s Aidyn Rakhimbayev, also succeeded in convincing, with his


http://abudhabidesertchallenge.com www.x-raid.de

mini domination in the abu Dhabi DesertRussian duo leave the competition buried in the sand as the X-Raid MINI team takes home another win.

Motorsport

MINI ALL4 Racing. Together with his Russian navigator, Anton Nikolaev, he came tenth in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge – and even won the second last stage.

“We may be really delighted with our achievements in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge,” said Team Manager Sven Quandt. “Vladimir delivered in great style and raced the entire event without making a single mistake. And I’m particularly happy about the fact that “Schotti” succeeded in finishing fifth. He and Andi proved to be extremely competitive. It’s a pity that Nani was that sick so early. He certainly would have been a factor in the battle for the win.”


Final result Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge:

1. V. Vasilyev / K. Zhiltsov MINI ALL4 Racing 17h 10m 19s2. A. Malysz / R. Marton Toyota 17h 58m 14s3. M. Zapletal / M. Marton H3 18h 29m 58s...5. S. Schott / A. Schulz MINI ALL4 Racing 18h 43m 56s6. E. Van Loon / W. Rosegaar MINI ALL4 Racing 19h 07m 51s...10. A. Rakhimbayev / A. Nikolaev MINI ALL4 Racing 21h 05m 42s


WORDS & PHOTOS: Paul Lawrence

ROUND 2: Mid Wales

irish pride for Ray cunninghamBumper crowds defy the dreary weather to support the classic rally teams in Wales.

www.racrallychamp.org

Irishman Ray Cunningham made it two wins from two starts in the Aldon

Automotive Mini and Imp Cup, which runs within the West Wales Rally Spares R.A.C. Rally Championship, during the Mid Wales Stages (Sunday 2 March).

Once again, Cunningham and Gary McElhinney (Mini Cooper) were the stars of Category 1 as they saw off a very strong field to take the spoils and maximum points in the Aldon Automotive Mini and Imp Cup. Their pace beat off a gaggle of Porsche 911s, Lotus Cortinas and Volvos.

With 75 registered contenders starting the rally, the Newtown-based event set a new record for the R.A.C. Rally Championship and fans packed the stages to watch the action despite poor weather. The classic Welsh forest stages were made slippery and extremely challenging by steady rain.

The higher than usual entry fee for this event had an effect on the Mini entries and four crews elected not to

contest the rally. That left Ray and his brother Frank Cunningham and Clive King to do battle over 52 miles of forest roads in the area between Llanidloes and Aberystwyth.

Once again, one of the drives of the rally came from Ray Cunningham who had a perfect day in his Mini Cooper S to finish the rally with three

Motorsport

aldon automotive mini and imp cup


minutes in hand over Clive King and Russell Joseph. “Absolutely brilliant,” said the Galway driver. “The

Pikes Peak stage was something else, particularly on the second run when we came down the side of the mountain: I loved it!”

However, things did not end so well for Frank Cunningham and Arron Forde after they slid off the road in the Hafren stage. Until that point, Frank had loved the experience of driving the Mini on gravel.

For Clive King, just seeing the finish of the rally was good news after his retirement from the Red Kite Stages. He’d pulled together a replacement engine and, though a bit smokey to begin with, it got him round for second in the Mini Cup. “It was lovely to get some miles in,” said King. “We took the air filters off for the last stage and that made it run cleaner.”


Irishman Ray Cunningham maintained his lead in the Aldon Automotive Mini

and Imp Cup, which runs within the West Wales Rally Spares R.A.C. Rally Championship, during round three, the Tour of Hamsterley (Saturday 26 April).

With 65 registered contenders starting the rally, the Shildon-based event was another strong event for the WWRS R.A.C. Rally Championship and also marked the opening round of the championship’s Northern Challenge.

However, this time around Cunningham and Gary McElhinney (Mini Cooper) were denied a hat-trick of Category 1 wins with an early off followed by a driveshaft coming out

on the startline of Raby Castle. The off-track excursion came at a notorious bend in Hamsterley, but willing hands had the Mini back on track just as Graham Waite’s Volvo Amazon arrived a minute later. Then, on the startline at Raby Castle, the driveshaft pulled out and Ray had to jump out and do a quick repair before starting the stage. Unfortunately, the clock was ticking and he lost more time.

“We’ve had a disaster,” said Ray at the main service halt. “I managed to push the driveshaft back in and we carried on. I could probably have got back the minute we lost when we went off, but not the time we lost with the driveshaft problem.”

Instead, team mates Ross and Arron Forde duly took maximum points in the Aldon Automotive Mini and Imp Cup for the Galway Mini Centre, using the car regularly driven by Frank Cunningham. The only scare for the Forde brothers came when the car got beached on the penultimate stage and they dropped 25s while willing spectators manhandled the Mini back onto the track.

The third Mini home was the car of Paul Kendrick and Anton Bird, who were just pleased to make the finish with a steady run avoiding the worst of the pot holes that developed on the second run through Hamsterley.

Motorsport

aldon automotive mini and imp cup

WORDS & PHOTOS: Paul Lawrence

ROUND 3: Tour of Hamsterley

cunningham shafted by mini failureGalway’s second Mini takes the points after Cunningham’s car spits out its driveshaft. www.racrallychamp.org

ROUND 1: Mid Wales

King on form for HRcR opener

www.hrcr.co.uk

In Cat 1 a topsy-turvy day saw Graham Waite and Gill Cotton lead

the way with a resounding win over BHRC regulars Dessie Nutt/Geraldine McBride and Clive King/Bob Ward, although the result does not quite tell the full story of a dramatic day’s rallying.

It was actually Rikki Proffitt who led the way for the early stages despite a misfire and a puncture. He

however would retire with a blown head gasket, paving the way for Nutt to take over. However Nutt was also in dire straits reporting, “The whole rear left suspension had given up on us.” Nutt soldiered on, but the ever-consistent Volvo pair of Waite/Cotton were quick to capitalize, stretching out a commanding lead over the final three stages. Waite’s day was not without trouble though, “The car developed a

misfire about halfway through stage three, we thought we’d be having yet more bad luck, but then it seemed to cure itself!” Clive King and Bob Ward scored another podium position with an impressive job in their Mini. Running what King had called an “engine made with bits of this and that” didn’t hamper the reigning Mini Cup winner on his way to yet another solid performance.

mintex msa British Historic Rally championship


Motorsport


Leo Voyazides/Simon Hadfield stamped their mark on the

Catalan Classic Festival by securing a third category win, this time in the opening Masters Pre-66 Touring Car Championship race of the weekend.

Minis made up the bulk of the Masters Pre-66 Touring Car Championship field but sadly the field lost Greg Thornton's Ford Mustang on Friday when its engine detonated in testing.

Despite the popularity of the Mini, there was no substitute for power as the

Ford Falcons of Mike Gardiner and Leo Voyazides argued over the lead. Gardiner led early on until Voyazides powered past him, Leo relaying Simon Hadfield for the second stint who managed to fend off Phil Keen in Gardiner's Falcon.

Behind the Yank Tanks, the Lotus Cortina of Graham Wilson/Andy Wolfe bagged third ahead of the similar Cortinas of Andrew Beaumont and Nigel Greensall, while Ron Maydon's Mini, hustled along by Rob Hall, secured sixth place and a class win.

ROUND 1: Barcelona

minis miss out in Masters first roundwww.themastersseries.com

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WORDS & PHOTOS: Masters Historic Racing


PRE-RACE

After the engine failed on the first round last month I have been

busy putting an engine together for this weekends Mid Wales Rally.

The 8-port engine had broken three pistons, which must have been caused by detonation, so it`s back to the drawing board for this engine.

I had an old 1293cc engine that I had started to replace the valve guides, so this was finished and built onto the gearbox from the 8-port unit. I have fitted twin H4 1.5 SU carbs on a special long manifold to try and improve the mid-range power of the engine, this seems to work on the road, time will tell when we get to the stages if it is any better than the twin 1.75 SUs.

I am competing with Russell again for this rally as his normal driver was unable to compete, and we did not complete many miles on the last rally, so I’m looking forward to getting back into the car together.

POST-RACEWe had entered the second round of the championship the Mid Wales Rally, this was not only a round of the RAC championship but also the British Historic Championship (BHRC). With both these championships having their own TV coverage I registered for the BHRC after attracting Ashmoors Press Brake tools to help with the registration fee. This would give us extra TV coverage.

The first stage was Pikes Peak which is a fast uphill stage and as we started the stage, the replacement engine felt poor, with an oil trail following us. At the end of the stage, as the car ticked

over, the oil pressure dropped to 5psi. This was worrying but I needed a finish so choose to continue.

Russell was getting the pace notes spot on, we continued over the next two stages pushing but keeping a eye on the oil pressure.

We went into service and checked the oil which was right at the bottom of the dipstick, nothing for it but to push on to the finish.

The rest of the stages went well but I was desperately short of power which the stages showed up as they were muddy, and seemed to sap the power even more. At the finish we had won

our Class and were 3rd overall in the BHRC, but lost out to Ray Cunningham to finish 2nd in Class in the RAC championship.

I need to spend some money on a new engine but cannot afford it yet. What I’ve done over the last few years is recycled the bits that I had, but I need to find some

performance from somewhere. I still had last year’s engine and

’box. The ’box needed rebuilding which was the first job when I got home. The engine is only a standard bottom end with a race cam fitted, topped off with an eBay fast road head. This always felt lethargic, so I decided to fit a new cam and was offered a Piper 300, I fitted this and mated it onto the gearbox.

Everyone was telling me that I needed to change from the SU carbs and on to a Weber/Dellorto. With this in mind I purchased a 45 Dellorto complete with manifold - the only trouble was I needed to cut the bulkhead to fit it.

John Brooks who rallies a quick Mini, offered me the loan of his split Webers

to try, as he had completed some testing with a super short manifold for a single 45 Weber, and currently had that fitted on his car. This set up had shown the same horsepower with both setups.

I fitted the splits and fired the engine up and took it for a run. The new cam had nothing under 3000rpm, I couldn’t drive it on the road without dropping the clutch at over 4000rpm. When on the cam the car flew, but was undrivable.

Back home I fitted the SUs back on to see if there was any improvement, sadly not, but after changing the dizzy I felt I could cope with it on a rally, just.

I had entered the second round of the BHRC the Rally North Wales which was due to run at the beginning of April which would had been a good test for the engine, but sadly was cancelled. The next round for both championships are both on the Scottish borders and I was not planning to compete on these.

I need to sort the car first and have ordered a single 45 manifold, hopefully I will test all the different setups to find the best.

CLivE KingRally PRo

c o L um n

Clive is a long-time Mini owner and veteran of the rally stages, bagging an impressive haul of trophies he is considered one of the best Mini rally drivers around.

www.mini7.co.uk

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Howard’s Day welcomed the Mini7 Club to Castle Combe for Rounds 1 and 2 of the 2014 Dunlop Mini 7 Championship supported by Mini Sport.

ROUND 1: Castle Combe


Reigning champ Deviny still top

Andrew Deviny took the first win in a 17-car grid, with

Spencer Wanstall and Matthew Gleave joining the grid for the first time and Jabez Dyer returning to the Se7ens after a two year break.

Gareth Hunt took pole with a 0.172 second lead from Andrew Deviny and Ashley Davies 0.634 seconds behind that.

A speedy start from Hunt saw Deviny brake late into Quarry in hot pursuit. Darren Thomas makes an impressive five place jump to take second, with Hunt pulling off after his engine ‘grenades itself’ allowing Deviny to take the lead at the end of lap one. The race is an impressive four car train with lots of swapping of places.

Darren Thomas makes inroads on Deviny who puts himself on the grass at Camp allowing Thomas to take the lead and pull away at Bobbies. Deviny then finds himself under pressure from Ashley Davies and Graeme Davis but a

lap later Deviny catches up and retakes the lead from Thomas into Camp. Thomas remains determined and stays right with Deviny. Elsewhere, Jabez Dyer, Shaun Tarlton and Malcolm Keat all pull off, while Ian Deviny and Ross Billison battle over fifth with Kieren McDonald getting involved too.

Lap seven sees Darren Thomas take the lead out of Quarry, Deviny looks for a way back through but out brakes himself at Tower allowing Thomas to increase his lead. Deviny hammers the Mini and is quicker up Avon Rise and slips up to, and past, Darren to retake the lead.

Outbraking himself at Bobbies on lap eight Darren Thomas loses two places shuffling the pack to allow Andrew Deviny to lead, with Davis and Davies following. Thomas sounds like he might have done some damage falling right back before eventually pulling off.

Thomas’ exit really allowed Ashley Davies to put the pressure on leader Deviny at Tower before going side-by-

side at Avon Rise but he couldn’t quite make it stick dropping into second and finishing 0.119-seconds behind Andrew Deviny with Graeme Davis 2.134-seconds behind for third.

Ross Billison was winning the battle for fourth ahead of Ian Deviny and Kieren McDonald.

Ian Deviny had a great race coming first in the S class race also getting fastest lap with a 1.28.242, with Kevin O’Shea coming second.

Darren Thomas can take some comfort in taking the fastest lap on lap two with a 1.26.226.

WORDS: Mark ChandlerPHOTOS: www.mbracephotography.co.uk

RaCe 1 ReSUlT – 10 laPS1 1 Andrew Deviny2 5 Ashley Davies3 22 Graeme Davis4 49 Ross Billison5 90 Ian Deviny6 88 Kieren McDonald

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Wheeler of fortune as smith breaks

RaCe 1 ReSUlT – 10 laPS1 88 Dan Wheeler2 23 Rupert Deeth3 29 Dave Drew4 69 Tony Le May5 11 Kane Astin6 37 Richard Casey

WORDS: Roy SisleyPHOTOS: www.mbracephotography.co.uk

A healthy twenty two car entry assembled for the

opening round, which included six entries in the Mini-7 Classic class, most notable of which were past champions Ian Curley and Bill Sollis. Aaron Smith captured pole with a 1.18.858 lap, despite only managing to complete four laps, before a gearbox failure prompted him to pull off and become a notable non-starter, leaving Dan Wheeler as the sole occupant of the front row in Peter Baldwin’s title-winning car.

Wheeler was quickest off the line to lead Kane Astin and Richard Casey into Folly, Niven Burge briefly held third before Casey regained the place, as Tony Le May and Dave Drew tagged themselves on to the six-car train disputing the lead. Astin went ahead of Wheeler along Farm Straight on the third lap, only for Wheeler to regain the lead yards later at Old Paddock Bend.

Ian Curley was heading the Classic class from Steve Jones, with the lone Invitation class entry Gary Warburton close behind. Burge dropped back into the grasp of Colin Peacock and Rupert Deeth prior to retiring at the end of lap three. Astin once again snatched the lead with his inside line into Tower Corner on the fifth lap, which was quickly reversed as Wheeler fought back to hold on to his advantage. Further back, Paul Simmonds had his hands full defending ninth from the pursing trio of James Coulson, Rob Howard and Phil Harvey. Drew found a way past Astin into second a lap later as the lead scrap reverted to being a sextet with the arrival of Deeth, who after only qualifying fifteenth, was charging up to a more normal race position. Le May and Casey were both demoted as Deeth rose to fourth on the seventh lap. The lead of the Classic class was still in the capable hands of Curley,

who now had Tim Stanbridge as his nearest challenger. Sam Summerhayes’ race came to an end at The Esses, prompting the use of the yellow flag to enable his car to be moved to safety. The closely bunched quartet disputing third saw their order rejigged following the passing of this section on the penultimate lap, as Deeth now held third from Le May, Astin and Casey. Deeth climbed to second on the final lap, with Wheeler’s winning margin being a slender 0.287 of a second at the chequered flag, as Deeth also claimed the fastest lap as he rose up the order.

Dan Wheeler marked his Miglia return with a hard earned victory as he fended off the racelong pressure being applied by his pursuers.

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RaCe 2 ReSUlT – 10 laPS1 4 Darren Thomas2 1 Andrew Deviny3 73 Spencer Wanstall4 22 Graeme Davis5 88 Kieren McDonald6 10 Leon Wightman

Final coRnER, Final TusslE

Three drivers were unable to take up their places on the

grid, Gareth Hunt was absent from his front row slot, along with Malcolm Keat and Matthew Gleave.

Andrew Deviny led off the line with Darren Thomas closely tracking him as they ascended Avon Rise, before racing side by side into Quarry, where Deviny’s inside line ensured that he remained in the lead. Ross Billison, Graeme Davis, Ian Deviny and Ashley Davies were right on the tail of the lead duo. Davis rose to third, as Davies and Billison went side by side into Quarry on the second lap. Ian Deviny’s attempts to remain in touch with the leading group led to him running wide exiting Tower Corner and hitting the barriers, which left his car in an exposed position, and requiring a safety car intervention.

Andrew Deviny appeared to have made a break as the race resumed, but his pursuers were quickly on his tail again. Thomas produced an outside

swoop at Bobbies to grab the lead, with Davies also slipping past Deviny, relegating him down to third on the eighth lap. Davies then used the outside line through Camp Corner a lap later to propel himself past Thomas into the lead. Deviny had his mirrors full of an advancing Davis, and Billison held a narrow advantage over the dicing duo of Spencer Wanstall and Kieren McDonald.

Following Ian Deviny’s demise, Shaun Tarlton headed the S-Class ahead of Kevin O'Shea, who was recovering from a grassy moment at Quarry on his seventh lap.

Thomas and Davies were virtually side by side as they raced down Westway towards Camp Corner on the final lap, where slight contact sent both cars sideways; Thomas kept his momentum and continued to take the chequered flag still sideways, Davies’ car had stalled in the middle of the corner, enabling Deviny to sail past and claim second.

Davis opted for the outside line

around Davies, which gave the quickly closing Wanstall the opportunity to take the clear inside line to pip him to the chequered flag and secure the final podium position. Billison’s premature retirement on the penultimate lap allowed McDonald and Leon Wightman to claim the remaining top six positions.

Davies got his car fired up to cross the line in tenth, just behind S-Class winner Tarlton. Thomas recounted those dramatic final laps on the mic, together with Andrew Deviny, whilst Wanstall was delighted to have secured his first podium finish in only his fourth race. A cracking start to what already has the makings of another thrilling season.

Another racelong dice was finally resolved at the final corner, as Darren Thomas overcame his race long pursuers Andrew Deviny and Ashley Davies. www.mini7.co.uk


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DisciPlinED KanE TaKEs cHaRgE

Aaron Smith had resolved his gearbox problems

to take his place on the front row of the grid. Bill Sollis took over from Nick Paddy in their classic Cooper S, which they were sharing. Rob Howard and Steve Jones were initially non-starters after experiencing problems in the opening round.

Aaron Smith led off the line ahead of Dan Wheeler, as the field surged into Quarry, where a coming together between Wheeler and Niven Burge on the exit of the corner led to Burge’s car spearing off into the barriers, bringing out a safety car intervention, which lasted for one lap, before the race was red flagged at the conclusion of the second lap to enable Burge’s car to be moved to safety.

Rupert Deeth and Paul Simmonds both non-started the restarted race which would be over the full ten laps.

The additional time allowed both

Howard and Jones to repair their cars and take their place on the grid. Wheeler was quickest off the line from Kane Astin, with Aaron Smith pulling off immediately after the start into retirement. Astin went ahead at Quarry on lap two before Wheeler regained the advantage at Folly a lap later, which he only managed to keep for a few hundred yards before Richard Casey slipped past at Quarry.

On the same lap Bill Sollis overtook Ian Curley to lead the Mini-7 Classic class, although he was unable to draw away, as Curley kept in close contact for the remainder of the race.

Astin returned to the head of the field at Quarry on the fourth lap, with the lead dice now consisting of seven cars involving Astin, Casey, Wheeler, Dave Drew, Tony Le May, James Coulson and Colin Peacock. Drew and Le May both made upward progress, passing Wheeler and putting pressure on Casey’s hold on second.

Astin had opened up a slim lead which he was able to maintain. Sollis was still heading the Classic class, with Gary Warburton (Invitation class) now ahead of Curley, as the three of them continued to circulate in close company.

The second place scrap became even more fraught after Wheeler and Casey touched at The Esses on the penultimate lap, enabling Le May and Drew to establish themselves to the remaining podium positions.

Astin took the chequered flag by a 1.7 second margin from Le May and Drew, with Wheeler, Coulson and Casey completing the top six finishers.

RaCe 2 ReSUlT – 10 laPS1 11 Kane Astin2 69 Tony Le May3 29 Dave Drew4 88 Dan Wheeler5 47 James Coulson6 37 Richard Casey


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Kane Astin led from the front to secure victory in a restarted second round of the challenge.

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ROUND 1: Donington Park

Donington delight as caudle and stoney shineLuke Caudle and Shane Stoney stamped their authority on the opening rounds of the Power Maxed MINI Challenge at Donington Park.

www.minichallenge.co.uk

WORDS: MINI Challenge PHOTOS: David Young

Luke Caudle ended his year-long wait for a Power Maxed MINI

Challenge victory by coming out on top of a frantic first outing at Donington Park. Shane Stoney picked up where he left off last year with a dominant victory in the Cooper Class.

Qualifying took place on a largely dry track, but an early morning shower left anywhere off the racing line treacherously greasy. That led to an interesting range of approaches for the R56 JCW field.

Perhaps happiest of the grid was returning champion Chris Knox. He’d only driven his R56 for the first time the day before the first race and was lacking mileage against the competition. He banged in a time good enough for pole on just his third

flying lap before traffic came into play. “The balance is all over the place,” said Knox. “I’m surprised I got pole as we’ve had not time to fine-tune any setup or anything. I’m actually not that confident for the race was we haven’t done a long run yet.”

MINI debutante Simon Quinn was the surprise of the session. The ex-rallycross racer thrived in the tricky conditions and lined up second in the ex-Chris Smiley title-winning car. Behind him Caudle started third. He tried a new handling balance and wasn’t happy with it and knew there was extra pace to come… and he wasn’t lying.

That extra pace arrived just as scheduled for the opening race. When the lights went out Quinn got a bad getaway, getting too much wheel spin

as he tried to power away. It opened the door for Caudle to dive behind Knox into Redgate as Lawrence Davey, who had started fourth after qualifying on a “not quite wet, not quite dry” setup, followed him through.

Knox’s predictions about his unknown race pace also came true. The Scotsman struggled to ward off Caudle and Davey and soon the top four ran as one down the Craner Curves. Knox lost boost out of the Old Hairpin on lap three, opening the door for Caudle and Davey to skip past into McLeans. “I just had no power, there’s no boost,” he said. “It would come and go intermittently. It was like the car was on it one lap and then not the next. It didn’t seem to have any go on the straights.”

Things got worse when Quinn attacked a few laps later into Redgate.


Knox saw him coming and closed the door, just as Quinn’s brake pedal went to the floor.

“I couldn’t slow the car down, there was nothing there,” said Quinn. “I tried to avoid Chris, but had nowhere to go.” The pair collided at the apex, with Knox beaching in the gravel. Quinn continued with bodywork dragging behind him.

The demise of those two put the fight for third between Hamish Brandon, Neil Newstead and Mark Steward. The three lapped within inches of each other until Newstead found a slender gap to depose Brandon. The Scot then had a run-in with a Cooper into Roberts, which put Steward all over his bumper. “I though the Cooper had seen me coming and was giving me space,” said Brandon, “so I went inside but he turned in. I feel really bad for what happened but there

was nothing I could do, and it may have cost me a podium.” Brandon held on to fourth as Newstead cruised to the final podium spot.

Ahead, Caudle was gradually easing clear from Davey, and was handed a larger gap when Davey lost boost momentarily out of Coppice. “The engine just blipped and Luke got probably half-a-second on me,” said Davey. “I’ll check the turbo pipe to see if we’re losing any pressure. It’s a shame as the car was coming on towards the end and I had more grip than ever.”

Davey managed to erode the gap down, until pushing too hard at Redgate and a grassy moment sealed the win for Caudle. “It’s been a long wait for one of these trophies,” he smiled. “The car was brilliant. We made

some changes to settle the handling down and it felt perfect all race. The front tyres were maybe struggling a bit at the end as I was pushing so hard at the start, but they stayed with me. It’s been over a year since I last won a race so this is the best possible start.”

The Cooper Class produced some stunning battles up and down the order, but nobody could get close to overall Challenge champion Stoney.

Gideon Cresswell starred in qualifying. He’s had a new car built after struggling with mechanical issues with his 2013 steed, and made the most of it to secure pole. Stoney was second, but felt his best laps were hindered by traffic. The weekend didn’t start so smoothly for Josh Gollin. A brake issue into Roberts meant he clipped the sausage kerb before bouncing into the wall. The resulting damage left him starting fourth.

When the lights went out Stoney got the better launch and ran around the outside of Cresswell into Redgate. “I saw Shane coming and gave him room, but it probably was a mistake as it compromised my exit,” said Cresswell, who could only watch the Coastal car tow clear as Stoney got better traction.

Stoney pushed hard, forging a five-second gap while Cresswell concentrated on an intense fight with Gollin. A brake fluid change fixed his earlier issue and he was on all-out attack. He and Cresswell traded second place repeatedly all race. Twice they ran side-by-side into the Roberts chicane, once when Gollin was forced to bounce over the kerb again to avoid clipping the ExcelR8 car. On the final lap Cresswell drafted up to Gollin’s bumper and dived inside, but went in too hot, allowing Gollin to drag ahead to the line by just 0.050s.

“What a race that was, it was such hard work,” said Gollin. “I was lacking some straight-line speed as my engine is a bit tired in this car. The fight with Gideon was intense and it was heart-in-mouth stuff into the chicane for the final time.”

A terrific four-car fight for fourth place was settled in the favour of Mark Wakefield after he emerged from a scrap with Simon Walton, Adrian Norman and Grace Williams. Series debutante Matt Hammond had impressed by qualifying third but was forced to retire with a smoking car and oil sump problem.


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Davey duels with caudle for the winStoney outclasses the pack for a second Cooper Class triumph. www.minichallenge.co.uk


Caudle and Stoney both doubled up in round two at

Donington, but both were made to work extremely hard in a race decided by fractions of a second.

Caudle’s victory in race one handed him pole for the second outing, with rival Davey alongside. And if the fans were denied an epic fight by Davey’s engine blip earlier, the pair’s scrap for honours more than made up for it this time around.

Caudle got a good start to head Davey into Redgate for the rolling start as Newstead held off early pressure from Brandon and Mark Steward. Caudle

tried desperately to pull an early gap but Davey wouldn’t give him more than a few inches and repeatedly latched onto the leader’s bumper after grabbing a tow down the pit straight. Caudle was given a brief reprieve by a mid-race safety car called to clear the beached cars of Chris Stoney at the Old Hairpin and Martin Poole at Roberts.

Caudle got a good restart to forge a gap but things again got close when the pair hit traffic. “There are so many extra Coopers now that it make handling the traffic a big difficulty in the races,” said Caudle, who managed to keep a hold of his lead as he picked off the lapped cars. But one small delay

into McLeans put Davey right back on his tail with just seconds to go. Davey bided his time and made a dive inside Caudle at McLeans on what he thought was the last lap, but he led across the start line with just three-seconds remaining.

“I was ticking the laps off in my head and thought I’d wait until the last as I was faster than Luke in the tow,” he said. “Turns out I went a few seconds too early…”

Davey led over the line but Caudle’s strong exit from Roberts put him inches behind and he made a dive inside at Redgate as Davey tried to defend. “I was two wheels on the white line on


the inside, hardly the best racing line for that corner but I knew I had to make it stick,” said Caudle after scraping back ahead and taking his second win of the weekend. “It was such a tight race and credit to Lawrence he was incredibly fast. That was one of the best and cleanest races I’ve had for ages.”

Newstead was a lonely third after battles raged behind him. Brandon’s early pressure faded when he mysteriously began to lose power down the straights. “The engine was getting pretty hot so whether it’s temperature related we’ll have to look at it,” he said.

That made him a sitting duck for both Quinn and Knox. Knox’s engineers

changed some settings for race two but he still complained of a lack of grunt in a straight line and was forced to settle for fifth behind race one rival Quinn. The Irishman was having his own adapting to do: “We changed to a different spec of brake calliper after race one and these ones use a different pressure,” he said. “I was stamping on the old brakes to get the car slowed but if you do that with these they tend to snatch. I was learning every lap.” Brandon was sixth ahead of Steward, Henry Duprey, Chris Russell and Steve Cocker.

Two strange incidents settled a much tighter Cooper Class race in the favour

of Shane Stoney.Gollin led the chase from the

start and was never more than a second away from the leading Coastal Racing car, until a strange engine issue cropped up. “The car started fine and I was faster than Shane on the straights, then he began inching away from me every lap,” he said. “I noticed the engine temperature rising so I switched on the fan and it went down. Then it crept up again and eventually died completely on the start-finish straight. I switched it off and on again and it re-fired, but by that time everyone had passed me.”

Gollin wound up sixth at the flag. Gideon Cresswell should have inherited the runner’s up spot, but for his own odd moment after the safety car restart. “I thought I’d kept enough heat in my tyres but clearly not as I lost it when I booted the throttle into Roberts for the restart,” said Cresswell after spinning to the back of the pack. “The car had no grip for almost a lap, but came back to me after that.”

With Stoney out on his own, Ricky Page produced a stunning drive to finish second. Page didn’t drive in race one. Originally he was ruled out with an Achilles injury but got doctors’ permission to take part for race two – albeit with a plastic cast on his left foot. “It’s a bit cumbersome but I’m not in any pain when I’m on the clutch,” he said. “I arrived at 1am last night after watching live timing at home on Saturday. I want to win this championship so I just had to race

and the car was perfect.”Page’s run up to second place was

remarkable. Hammond recovered from his engine issue in race one to claim a maiden podium place after deposing Simon Walton late on. “It’s a dream to be on the podium in my first weekend, and especially after all the hard work the team had after the problem yesterday,” he said. Cresswell fought back to fifth behind William Phillips, who survived his own grassy moment after running wide at Roberts. Gollin was sixth ahead of Walton, Wakefield and Grace Williams, who finished the race with front-end damage after an early tangle.


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Knox managed to salvage a silver lining from

an otherwise cloudy weekend by triumphing in the final outing, but Caudle’s second place gives him a superb start to the campaign. Even better, however, was Stoney who completed his dominant Cooper Class weekend.

Knox’s team traced his lack of pace to a fuel flow sensor after race two. The squad mended the problem, but perhaps what was more beneficial for the Scotsman was the weather. The

heavens opened just before the race and soaked the circuit, which masked most of Knox’s mechanical issues.

Caudle picked ball number eight out of the bag after race two, placing Henry Duprey on pole ahead of Steward, Knox and Brandon. When the lights went out Duprey couldn’t find any traction and was demoted into third before the field got to Redgate. Steward was first through, followed by Brandon. Steward couldn’t keep pace and gradually slipped back to sixth.

Brandon fought hard to get past Steward but the leader’s defence

bunched up the grid and Knox took advantage by breezing up the inside of both into Redgate on lap two to assume the lead. Caudle was doing his best to follow him, as was Davey. The ex-Legends racer loves the slippery conditions and managed to run around the outside of McLeans to nab second. He tried it again at Coppice but contact with Knox left him skipping over the grass and dropped him to ninth.

Knox gradually pulled clear as Caudle fought his way into second by lap four. But by the time Caudle had managed to slip past Brandon, Knox had a four-


Knox steals the show in round 3Cooper Class hat-trick for Shane Stoney puts him top of the pile. www.minichallenge.co.uk



second gap and was comfortable. His win was cemented when Chris Russell, who had run a fine third early on, beached at Roberts. The safety car was called but with just four minutes to go, the race was red flagged and the result declared.

“The car handled spot on for the first time this weekend,” Knox smiled. “The wetreally helped as it masked a lot of our problems. The car isn’t quite right. The changes helped but it still feels a bit sluggish under acceleration. It’s great to get a win and we’ll see what we can do if we come back for the next

round.”“This has been an awesome

weekend,” said Caudle. “I waited a year for a single win, now I’ve got two and a second place. I couldn’t have hoped for a better start.

It’s all down to the team. We’ve worked so hard to get the car perfect and it was flying.”

Brandon managed to hold on to third place, despite a massive slide at the Old Hairpin. Davey did manage to wriggle into third briefly at the end, but the order was reversed at the red flag with results being done from a lap earlier.

“It’s amazing to get my first podium, even if Lawrence got to collect the trophy!” said Brandon. “I’m gutted to lose third on count back, but it’s still been a top weekend and we’ve shown our pace,” added Davey. “Things look good for the rest of the year.”

Newstead took fifth ahead of Steward, Kevin O’Connor, Keith Issatt and Alan Taylor. Duprey wound up tenth. Quinn was in the fight for the top five, until a big off at the Craner Curves caught him out. “I was running wet tyres on a dry setup as we only changed in the collecting area,” he said. “The car was sliding so badly but I held it every time, except that one. It was a biggie.” Quinn was forced to pit after losing half of his front bumper skipping over the grass. He finished 11th Stoney completed his clean sweep of the Cooper Class with ease, despite the testing conditions.

Stoney started eighth but was up into third by the time the pack ran into Redgate. He then chased down early leader Cresswell and Simon Walton, snatching the lead with a neat cutback into Redgate. “I got on the slippery kerb at Roberts and lost some speed,” said Cresswell, “Shane had too good a run on me, I tried to defend but he was past.”

Once he was in front, Stoney soared clear to take his third win by a clear five seconds. “It’s been a perfect weekend,” he said. “Last year we really struggled in the wet, mainly with knowledge of what to change and how to get the best of the tyres. We know that now so our big weakness is sorted.”

Cresswell was left to stave off Gollin for second, which he did by five seconds. “The race was pretty eventful, it was just about hanging on. Second is still a good result,” he said. “It’s a long season and I’ve banked some good points this weekend.”

Gollin added: “I think we ran our tyre pressures a bit high as the car was mega at the start but we really struggled toward the end when it started to dry and I was quite hard on the fronts.”

Grace Williams took a fantastic fourth place, her best ever result in the MINI Challenge. Hammond was fifth ahead of Page, who struggled more in the wet. Walton was seventh after a five-second penalty for overtaking under yellow flags.

motorsport MIGHTY & SUPER MIGHTY MINISwww.mightyminis.co.uk APRIL 5-6 Silverstone Int.MAY 10-11 Brands HatchJUNE 7-8 ZolderJULY 5 Oulton ParkAUGUST 25 Castle CombeSEPTEMBER 20 Cadwell ParkOCTOBER 18-19 Donington Park

MINI CHALLENGE www.minichallenge.co.uk APRIL 26-27 Donington ParkMAY 10-11 rands Hatch IndyJUNE 21-22 Snetterton 300JULY 12 Oulton ParkAUGUST 2 Castle CombeAUGUST 16-17 Silverstone GP

SEPTEMBER 13-14 Brands Hatch GP

MINI MIGLIA AND MINI SE7EN CHALLENGESwww.mini7.co.uk APRIL 21 Castle CombeMAY 10/11 Brands HatchMAY 31 - JUNE 1 Cadwell ParkJUNE 14/15 ThruxtonJULY 12 Oulton ParkAUGUST 23/24 Donington ParkSEPTEMBER 20/21 Croft

CLASSIC TOURING CHAMPIONSHIP www.csccgb.co.uk MARCH 22 DoningtonAPRIL 26-27 CroftMay 10-11 Snetterton 300JUNE 7-8 Silverstone Intl.JULY 26-27 Cadwell ParkSEPTEMBER 6-7 Brands HatchOCTOBER 3-5 Spa Francorchamp

BTRDA Clubmans Rallycross Championshipwww.btrda.com/RallycrossMARCH 9 Blyton CircuitJUNE 7-8 Pembrey CircuitAUGUST 17 Pembrey CircuitNOVEMBER 16 Croft CircuitNOVEMBER 30 Blyton Circuit

R.A.C. RALLY CHAMPIONSHIPwww.racrallychamp.orgFEBRUARY 2 Red Kite Stages MARCH 2 Mid Wales StagesAPRIL 26 Tour of HamsterleyMAY 31 Severn Valley StagesJUNE 21 Carlisle StagesAUGUST 9 Neath Valley StagesSEPTEMBER 26-27 Trackrod Historic Cup

HSCC BY BOX HISTORIC TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIPwww.hscc.org.ukAPRIL 8 DoningtonAPRIL 19-20 ThruxtonMAY 17-18 Silverstone Intl.JUNE 7-8 SnettertonJUNE 21-22 Cadwell ParkJULY 12-13 Brands Hatch SuperprixAUGUST 2-3 CroftAUGUST 23-25 Oulton Park (GoldCup)SEPTEMBER 27-28 Brands Hatch IndyOCTOBER 18 Silverstone Finals

HRCR - MINTEX MSA BHRC CHAMPIONSHIPwww.hrcr.co.ukMARCH 2 Mid Wales Stages (Newtown)APRIL 5 Rally North Wales (Welshpool)MAY 3 Pirelli Historic Rally (Carlisle)JUNE 28 RSAC Scottish (Dumfries)JULY 27 Harry Flanders Rally (Epynt)AUGUST 15-16 Ulster Historic Rally (Enniskillen)SEPTEMBER 11-13 Rallee Classicagh (Isle of Man)OCTOBER 17-18 Rallye Sunseeker (Poole)

GURSTON DOWN HILLCLIMBwww.gurstondown.orgAPRIL 26-27MAY 24-25JUNE 21-22JULY 19-20AUGUST 23-24SEPTEMBER 7

Track action



HeLP US - HeLP OTHeRS - HeLP US - HeLP OTHeRS


WORKSHOPGot a job to do on your Mini?

Send us some photos and a step-by-step guide to help others.

All our tech articles are checked by various experienced Mini enthusiasts

Want to see a specfic article? Tell us and we’ll do our best!?

Submit your articles

WORKSHOPShowing you how it is really done.

love:minilove:mini�86

CheCkThe fuSeIn our case the 35amp

fuse for the indicators,

and also the brake

lights, had blown.

After replacing it and

activating the indicators,

it blew again. A blown

fuse once is acceptable,

but twice is a problem

that needs investigating.

Because the indicators

and brake llights use

the same fuse, when we

tested each new fuse we

activated the indicators

and brake lights as either

could have been causing

the problem.

hAzArd

WArnIng LIghTflipping this switch in

our case activated all

warning lights correctly.

This established that all

the indicator bulbs were

working. So the bulbs

were not at fault. had a

single bulb not flashed

then we would have

begun our investigation

there - checking the

wiring, socket and bulb.

hAS AnyThIng

ChAnged?recently we had roughly

fitted a stereo to the

Mini, and had obviously

been playing with some

wires. In this case it was

worth looking to see if

there were any exposed

wires or connections

that were causing a

short. We found there

were a couple of possible

culprits and duly covered

them with insulating

by Craig McBeth

Diagnostic

PROBLEM

Indicators have

stopped working

TOOLs

none

TiME TO fix

30 minutes

DifficuLTy

1/10

cOsT

£5-£6

ALTERnATivE

METhOD

use a multimeter

and follow the

current with the

indicators on until

you find the fault

The SITuATiOnThe Mini’s indicators don’t activate when the indicator stalk is switched into the

‘on’ position. here’s how we diagnosed the fault and remedied it.

Check your fuses to see if they have blown. For

my model, the top fuse had blown, which deals

with the indicators and brake lights.

Think about any wiring jobs that might

have caused a short. Use insulation

tape to cover any exposed wires.

Not working!


1991 Carb’d Mini

Indicator failure

Guideslove:mini is all about getting involved and helping others. So next time you’re out doing a job on your Mini, why not

take some pics along the way and send them in with some simple steps.And if you really want

to show off your skills and knowledge, why not offer something a little more taxing.

Diagnostichad trouble diagnosing a niggling issue? We will go through the steps of sourcing the problem and how to rectify it with you.

Fixxergot a burning question or technical issue? Send it in and we’ll answer it.

love:minilove:mini�84

WORKSHOPShowing you how it is really done.dIy TecH III

As new models get updated with improved components you might find you want your ‘old’ model spruced up with some newer bits too. here we look at replacing early style door

check straps with later ones. removal of the door panel is also required for changing door handles and front speakers.

1. you need to remove the door panel. holding the door panel to the frames are four T30 Torx screws and some clips.

2. using a small flat-head screwdriver, remove the door handle surround by prying it off where the two circles meet, or in the middle of the long side of the surround.

OBjEcTivEreplace early spec MInI door check straps with later items

WhySmoother door opening action and more attractive

TOOLsT30 Torx screwdriverSmall flat-bladed screwdriverLarde flat-bladed screwdriverdremel-type tool or drill with bits

TiME20 minutes

DifficuLTy2/10

ALTERnATivE METhODn/A

cOsTAbout £20 each side


2

by Andy Simpson

Upgrade your early specMINI door check straps

SUBMiT

Tech articles


DIY TECH i

Showing you how it is really done.

ObjectiveFit a Newton Commercial carpet to a classic Mini

tOOlsScissorsPunchSpray adhesiveBrown paper/newspaperChalk

time90 minutes

Difficulty4/10

Our moulded carpet sets are one of our top selling products. They are fairly simple

to fit because, being moulded, the mats hold their shape and quite clearly follow the floor-pan. The front and rear mats therefore will fit with only minimal trimming and with a few holes needing to be made, such as for the steering column or gear lever. The rest of the carpet set needs to be thoroughly glued and positioned in place as desired. Many original Minis were

never fitted with a great deal of carpet beyond a pair of mats covering the front and rear floor pans, but our set includes pattern shaped pieces to completely cover the front wheel-arches, sills and cross-member. Fitting the whole kit if done thoroughly and properly, should be planned as a leisurely and satisfying days work for one person. You will get through at least two cans of glue, so the job is best done in a well ventilated area or even outside on a good warm day. You will need a heat gun

or hair dryer, a pair of sharp scissors, a bradawl (spike), a small hammer, a circle punch of about 1 ½” diameter, some chalk for marking out, and a selection of screw drivers for replacing any fittings specific to your car such as the gaiter retainer. A small ink roller may also prove to be of advantage for pressing the glued pieces firmly into the car, and a good foam cushion/kneeling pad with a clean and hard wearing cover will save your knees!

WORKSHOP

1.

A step by step guide to fiting a classic Mini Moulded Carpet set into your classic Mini.

www.newtoncomm.co.uk

Moulded carpet fitting guideby Newton Commercial

1. Preparation and sound deadening under-felt.

Our sample car had a very nice floor pan which had been welded and then stone chipped in black, so it was all really well prepped, clean and shiny. Good practice for the long term future of the car, and it made quite an unpleasantly cramped working environment that much easier to bear. We recommend that anybody investing time and money in a new carpet set, first surveys and considers any work that should be done to the notoriously patchy Mini floor!

Sound deadening felt should be used to cover the bulkhead and fill the drain wells in the front floor pan. This smoothes out the floor and also reduces the drumming present in the car, particularly on the bulkhead just inches



1.

1.

2.

2. Fitting the flat carpet pieces into the car.

Wheel-arch, sill, bulkhead and cross-member covering carpet pieces are included in all of our kits. These all need to be trimmed to fit and glued into place, so again all you should need is a pair of sharp scissors and a quantity of spray adhesive for the majority of the work there. The trickiest piece to fit is probably the bulkhead (again depending upon how cluttered your Mini is under the dash area- no two are the same!), although the

away from the noisy little A-Series motor. Some trimming will be needed to

cut the pieces to shape depending on equipment fitted to the car (ICE cables etc.), but generally all can be applied with an appropriate spray contact adhesive such as Evo-stick. A small roller used firmly, or a light tap with a blunt hammer all over the felt pieces does help the glue do its job once in position. We made good use of our self adhesive bitumen pads (PT 4008), very easily positioned with the aid of a heat gun to soften them up first. These are ideal for insulating the front and rear floor pans against drumming.

cut outs in the felt piece are a good guide to the trimming needed for this. The wheel-arch carpets need to be arranged correctly, so be sure you have got them lined up to the right edges as it isn’t always so obvious straight from the bag. We suggest a dry-fit is trialled first, before spraying along the inside back edge of the A-panel and the straight back edge of the wheel-arch carpet, and lining up so that about an inch flange can be glued flat to the floor all around the bottom to sit under the main floor mats once these are dropped in.

The cross-member needs to be located and then weighted on one side before


DIY TECH i

Showing you how it is really done.WORKSHOP

2.

3.3. Finishing and fitting the

main mats.

Both the front and rear mat are supplied trimmed to the correct shape and with heel-mats and seat bearing plates already fixed on. The most difficult part of fitting these then is the making of holes in the right place for the gearlever and/or gaiter (depending on model) and for the floor mounted seat belt gear which can differ but will be present on the vast majority of cars. If you have the original carpets, these are ideal for making a comparison of holes and openings, but otherwise the carpets are best marked out for fitting by careful measurement and a certain amount of careful trial. Remember to make small holes first, to be confident that your location is correct- small holes can always be steadily opened up. An opening for the steering column is quite easily made with the column taken out; once the front mat fits in around the gaiter and is very nearly sitting in its finished position, feel for the base of the column and mark with

chalk on the carpet. The front corner of the mat can then be folded back, and by firmly twisting the punch into the foam carpet backing onto a piece of spare timber, the correct hole can be made. The front mats

gluing up the other- don’t attempt to glue the piece in one go as this will be very tricky to get right. The ends of the cross-member piece will need to be trimmed and slit before then gluing any flaps down onto the body. The seat bracket holes can be difficult to find- this is where a bradawl or similar spike comes in really handy. With some trial and error the threads for the bolts can be found, and then your scissors can be used to snip the openings slightly bigger. The sill pieces should be fitted last off, again trial fitting, trimming and then gluing. At all times be aware that you are working in a confined space, and be very careful not to get glue onto the face of the carpet- we used a sheet of old brown paper to mask any areas where we were spraying up.




3.

4.

4. Stand back and admire your work.

We are proud of our carpet sets; they look extremely smart when fitted correctly. Take a break with each stage and you will quite clearly see good progress which is a big help when you are working in small and uncomfortable cars! We are chuffed with the finished product every time we fit a carpet for a customer. So there you have it- none of the individual jobs can be considered rocket science but, patience in approach and attention to detail will pay dividends.

should then drop into place easily with no visible gaps all round.

The gear lever gaiter (where fitted) can be a fiddly thing to fit back on- make sure the rubber seal is sandwiched between the carpet and the body, not vice-versa. This will make for a more weather proof seal on top of the gear selectors and stop your new carpet from getting damp. The bradawl or spike will then come into play again as the holes for the self tapping screws will need to be found, although these are to a degree given by the necessary holes in the retaining steel ring.

The same punch can be used to create the right apertures for the seat belt bracket mounting to fit the rear mats- these have to be made by removing all of the belt gear from the handbrake tunnel, and then by placing the carpet into the rear of the car fitting it up tightly to the rear bulkhead and around

the rear pockets. When you are happy with the fit of the rear carpet mat, use the bradawl to work a largish hole in the carpet or mark with chalk directly in the threads for the seat belt bolts, before resorting again to the punch to

make the final hole. The seat belt bolts are normally quite large and the thread sometimes difficult to find through the thick carpet, so make sure you help yourself by making them big enough to pass the bolt through!

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