Issue 2

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|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
l
FRESH CONTENT, HONEST OpiNiON iSSUE:2
SHOWS
Bingley
MINI Thunder
London Parade
& more...
DIY TECH
Replace
water pump
Change
steering
wheel inserts


Mayfair comparison
NIAIS Paceman launch
Rocketman concept
Hillclimb guide
WRC MINI info
HRCR Round-up
Countryman first drive
W
i
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M
O
S
S

V
O
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C
H
ER
S
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
Minis get
dirrrty!!!
N
E
W
!
Full Dakar Report
Longbridge’s secret
workforce
Mighty Mini Champion
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
2
|0teract|ve
You can now interact directly with the
magazine, clicking on links to topics of
interest and enabling you to contribute at
the click of a button. Once we figure out
how to use more of this cool stuff, we will!
SUBMiT
Mini
Memories
FEATURE
M
y C
lub
a000t |0ve.m|0| a000t |0ve.m|0|
|0ve.m|0| is your free community-based digital
magazine with a fresh take on the Mini scene.
Loaded with honest, independent opinion and
reviews, in-depth reporting and social interaction,
hot news from the scene and original Mini-related
content, we can be anything you help us to be.
a0y M|0| feat0red
°
|0de0e0de0t 00|0|00
|0f0 & adv|ce
M|N| fr|e0d|y
0r|g|0a| c00te0t
made 0y readers






y00r magaz|0e
To be able to create |0ve.m|0| we rely on Mini
enthusiasts from around the globe to send us
reports and pictures of what is happening in
their local area. We are always looking for more
people to help contribute by sending us pictures
and stories. You can contribute, and in so many
different ways, so get in touch and get involved!
ed|t0r@|0ve-m|0|.c0.0k
SUBMiT
Mini
Memories
FEATURE
M
y C
lub
|0teract|ve
You can now interact directly with
the magazine by clicking on links,
email addresses and video screenshots,
enabling you to broaden your experience
at the click of a button.
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
J
a000t |0ve.m|0| a000t |0ve.m|0|
60t a0 |dea!
Have you thought of a cool
idea for a feature you’d like to
read about? If so, others would
probably like to read about it too.
We have contacts and authority
all around the Mini industry and
if you have a good idea for an
article, we can try and help make
it happen for you.
Where possible, we would even
set it up for you to write the
article yourself, after benefiting
from any relevant experience that
goes with it.
50are |t
Are you’re doing something exciting
that you think others would be
interested to hear about - then share
it with the wider community?
We are all about encouraging
people to share their knowledge and
get more involved in the scene.
As a digital magazine we can be
very dynamic in size and style, to
accomodate any type of article.
From home-made mods
and stunning photos to club
announcements and heated opinions,
we have room for them all. Just get
in touch.
A|| free, t0a0ks t0 y00
Everything you see in |0ve.
m|0| has been contributed free
of charge. All contributors have
voluntarily given up their time
to write, photograph, or send
stuff to us.
We may not be able to pay for
your contributions, but we’re
all about you - the enthusiasts,
and the cars - and not the
shareholders.
There can be some perks
- such as free show tickets,
or interviewing a Mini legend
- but the limit is only limited by
your imagination.
love:mini love:mini 32
T
he day started as a
beautiful summer day
at North Pine Dam until
the westerly wind came and
blew a lot of our registration
paperwork into the water.
The registration papers
had everything to do with
this day of days which was
beautifully orchestrated
by Mini Cooper Register
Australia stalwarts, Tony and
Kath Formosa, to undertake
a Poker Hand Run Day which
involved the purchasing of
varying numbers of cards (up
to five) at various locations
on a navigation run in to the
Queensland Hinterland.
The Mini Cooper Register
graciously invited the Mini
Owners Club of Queensland
and Tony and Kath set about
making this a wonderful
sponsored day to raise funds
for research for the Crohns
and Colitis Association of
Australia.
With lots of helpers and
donations - particularly cash
and beautiful Darling Downs
meat from club member Bob
Hooper of - the BBQ breakfast
was finished in record time.
Soon everyone started their
engines and departed with
their navigation questions
and first poker cards for a
scenic drive to the first stop at
Woodford, meandering via the
picturesque Mt. Mee Range
with lots of Mini bends, to
and collect their next poker
card from Judy and Ray
Retchless.
Unfortunately, Brian Heys’
little beast had a clutch
problem and couldn’t make
the trip. It was tucked up safe
and sound at the Formosa’s
Shady Rest Motel and was
Mini run
DATE
August 30,
2009
Location
Brisbane,
Australia
Website
www.mini
cooper.org/
australia/
love:mini love:mini 32
Poker Day Run
Celebrating 50 years with the
Mini Cooper Register Australia
Words and photos Brett Nosse.
love:mini love:mini 10
Time:warp
T
he recent snowy weather
got me thinking back to
the really bad winter &
snow of 1963 which started
on Boxing Day 1962 and
lasted until March ‘63 in
many places... back then we
still had to go to school each
day, staying home and playing
out in the snow would have
been considered skiving. For a
youngster, of course, snow is an
adventure and I can remember
walking through the deep snow
to school in Wellington boots
and climbing to the top of
tall snow piles at the sides of
the roads and driveways that
had been cleared. The school
playground quickly became
an ice palace with one slide
stretching almost the length
of the playground. The bigger
boys would run up and launch
themselves on it, hurtling along
at high speed and unable to
stop for anyone in the way. It
would give today’s health &
safety conscious school staff a
heart attack!
Today it seems many schools
stop children going out to play
in the snow even if they opened
— much too dangerous…
Many boys used to wear dark
woollen SAS-style balaclavas
knitted by their mums to
keep out the cold, but I also
remember we still had to wear
short trousers despite the cold
weather!
FeW luxurIeS
At home few had central
heating, very often there would
be ice on the inside of my
bedroom window when you
woke up on a freezing cold
morning! There were only two
warm rooms in our house; the
kitchen, due to heat from the
cooker and the coal-fred boiler
for heating the water, which
had to be lit each morning with
a dangerous-looking gas poker
by my mum. One of my pocket
money
jobs
was to
fetch the
buckets
of coal
needed
from the coal bunker out in the
back garden. The other warm
room was the living room where
we mainly watched TV and
which had a gas fre. However,
if any of us left the door to
this room open and let all the
expensive heat out into the cold
hallway we were in big trouble
love:mini love:mini 10
Born not long before the Mini was launched,
Martin Bell recalls his memories of growing up in the world alongside the Mini.
1963
and would perhaps be sent to
our bedroom, where there was
of course no TV or heating
apart from maybe a hot water
bottle at bedtime! If it got
really cold then there was
an extra paraffn heater
for the hallway which
ran on esso Blue or Pink
Paraffn which were always
advertised with a catchy
tune on TV in the winter
months.
1963 is also about when my
own early memories of the Mini
begin. At this time the Mini
was just about the only front
wheel drive car available, so
even though my dad didn’t like
them much, to my delight he
borrowed one
from his garage
and car sales
business to get
to work in the
snow a little
easier — as
Minis, with the engine weight
over the front driven wheels,
had much better traction in
the snow than most of the rear
wheel drive cars of the time,
unless a heavy weight was
placed in the boot and snow
chains ftted to their wheels.
The only 4x4 vehicles then were
The Mini had much better
traction in the snow than
most cars of the time
M
anchester Minis is in
it’s 11th year and still
going strong, with new
members joining every month.
We have over 100 active members and these spread from Cornwall to Leeds, not just Manchester.
We are more than just a Mini
club that meets once a month, we are more of a social club, and we meet every week on a Wednesday at the Cheshire Line Tavern,
Cheadle. Most discussions are
not Mini-related, but of course
we do have the usual Mini chats, but just about anything passes as conversation. And we have quite a few technically and mechanically- minded people, so that helps with any Mini or non-Mini related
problems.
We have
an
online forum that anyone can join and there are sections on there for mechanical help, as well as all the all important upcoming events,
and a general chit chat section.
At the Cheshire Line Tavern
where we meet, I often organise
quiz and raffle nights for everyone (I’m the Events Organiser, so
everyone kind of looks to me for
things to do, but occasionally we
get some nice fellows who arrange their own entertainment so I get
to just join in and take a step
back). All the proceeds go to the
club funds which buys things like flyers, gazebos, banners, website
renewals etc. We also do autotest nights once a year at
the
Social life
Manchester Minis
A social club for Mini enthusiasts, with weekly meets and fun for everyone. Submitted by Marie James
Club Profile:
love:mini love:mini 24
UK
love:mini love:mini 24
|0ve.m|0| is thie first magazine to
bring together coverage of classic
Minis and MINIs, and through
this we hope to build stronger
bridges between the two Mini
communities.
We also want to promote the
fun side of Mini-ing - with
comprehensive motorsport reports,
driving articles and challenges.
We enjoy spirited driving and
discourage reckless driving.
As an independent publication,
we are not restricted by ridiculous
company policies, nor do we need
to be nice about everything just to
arse-lick advertisers. We can show
you the real way enthusiasts work
on their cars, give an honest review
and opinion on topics and events,
and, with an army of enthusiasts
at the end of the mouse, we can do
almost anything you’d like to see.
love:mini love:mini 62
UK MINI CHALLENGE
Motorsport
Rally:Circuit:Hillclimb:Autograss:Sprint
Words Peter Scherer
Photos www.minichallenge.co.uk
R
eigning Mini Challenge
champion just fell short of
a hat-trick of wins in the
opening rounds at Rockingham,
when Chris Panayiotou clinched
his maiden victory in the final
race of the weekend. Only 0.769s secs covered the top three after
qualifying, with Caudle’s new John Cooper Works Class car taking pole from ex-Formula Vee and Formula Ford racer, Jason Mills, with
Panayiotou in third. Lee Allen just had the edge over Steve Liquorish for S Class pole and debutant David Ogden topped the Club Class.
Caudle led the initial charge
through Turn One from Panayiotou and Mills. But Allen made a
sensational start and charged past Mills into the Deene Hairpin. As the lead duo began to escape Mills recovered third as Allen had the
JCW’s of Jason Richardson and
Chris Knox in formation behind.
Knox made it into fourth through Turn One for the third time and
Richardson followed into Deene.
Mills was next to fall as Knox
charged by into Deene a lap later. Up at the front though, Caudle
had everything under control and cruised to a comfortable victory. “I was a bit worried at the start, but I think we all made a few mistakes,” he said.
Panayiotou was a comfortable
second, but although Knox retained third from lap four, he had
Richardson on his tail at the flag. Mills ended his race in the gravel at the Esses after an earlier power loss gave way to brake failure. “I had started to lose power from the third lap but when the brakes failed I managed to angle into the gravel. But after I got out it caught alight under the bonnet,” he explained.
Former Sport Maxx Cup racer
Chris Oakman rounded off the top
five after an almighty scrap with the determined Allen. “Loved it. I knew I would pick up a few places at the start, they had the edge over me at the Esses though every time,” said Allen.
Chris Smith’s R56 was seventh and former MG Champion Lee
Sullivan secured second in the S class leaving Steve Liquorish to fend off Dean Raymond for third in class. Kevin O’Connor took the Club Class spoils by a whisker from debutant David Ogden, having led all the
way.
Race Two
Knox got the jump on Caudle at the start of race two, but the Champion shot down the inside into Deene
to take charge again. Panayiotou grabbed third with Allen fourth
after another demon start.
Into Tarzan for the second time
ROUND 1
Champion starts new
campaign in winning form
Rockingham
Fresh faces and fresh cars with fresh liveries rock up at Rockingham.
ed|t0r@|0ve-m|0|.c0.0k
love:mini love:mini 118
The se
cond refresh to the MINI’s
appearance has been
revealed, along with an
announcement of two new
diesel models for 2011.
From September 2010, all
MINI saloon, Clubman and
Cabrio models will be subject
to the update, although we
expect newer models to
feature elements of the new
look. The subtle changes
follow on from 2006’s refresh,
which again moved the MINI
away from it’s child-like look
to something more serious.
Overall, the cars have been
touched up inside and out
and there is also a new set
of colours and a new range
wheels to tie-in with the
restyling.
Starting at the front you
can see the most noticeable
change in appearance is in the
lower bumpers, front and rear,
which have been extended
downwards to conform to
those new pedestrian safety
regs and prevent knee injury
in the event of a collision. This
in turn has given the MINI a
MINI 2011
Facelift
Overhauling the MINI’s
look and two new models.
more aggressive stance, which
may be to the liking of most
male drivers.
For Cooper S owners - who
have been crying out for brake
cooling vents - their prayers
have been answered negating
the need to remove the front
foglights for a similar effect.
Optional xenon headlights
can be ordered with either
black reflectors or adaptive
lighting which turns the
headlights as you turn the
steering wheel - essentially
enabling you to see round
corners better.
From the side the indicator
repeaters have been visually
enhanced, looking less
plasticky and featuring a glass
cover with concentric circles.
S owners are again treated to
something a little more flashy.
At the rear all MINI models
now feature dynamic LED
rear lights that shine brighter
the harder you brake. Under
particularly hard braking
they will even flash to warn
following cars that you are
braking sharply. Additionally
the reversing light has moved
position from the light cluster
to join the foglight on the
lower rear bumper.
The Clubman has had its
own tweaks with the rear
light cluster confoming more
to other models with a chrome
surround, while the Cooper
S model has a wide opening
between the two exhaust
pipes which replicates the
form of an air outlet and is
bordered by chrome edging.
Inside the central facia
has been darkened from the
contrasting light grey to black,
and a new LED display sits
within the basic speedo. The
optional premium speedo now
comes with a colour screen
which can be used to watch
videos via an external device.
More chrome has also
been added to the interior
surrounding airvents and
on the steering wheel. Trim
colours have been revamped
and claim to be made from
better materials than before.
Optional ambient lighting is
now also available, covering
756 shades of colours, and the
interior and exterior mirrors
are available with auto-
dimming.
makeover
love:mini love:mini 134 love:mini love:mini 134
The lock-up
Showing us your Mini stuff
Hello love:mini, my name
is Bruno Cottanceau. I’m 54,
single and I live in France.
Here is a picture of my
MINI Cooper S, which I have
nicknamed UK GIRL!
She is a 2004 Cooper S
model, and has been treated
to a few luxuries, such as
a reprogramed ECU, JCW
brakes, new WebSpoke wheels,
JCW injectors and airbox, all
of which has pushed the bhp
output up to about 200bhp.
I hope you all like my
beautiful UK Girl as much as
I do.
Bruno Cottanceau
Hello love:mini, Im Sam
Renton, 20 and currently have
my own media production
company based in Stafford. I
am a very keen photographer
and have restored my mini
with my dad for the past 2
years. We bought it completely
standard
Sam Renton from its previous owner in
newark, the front was the
worst but we were amazed
with the condition of the doors
and rear. We replaced the
whole front and had it fully
resprayed. I replaced the rear
subframe and sprayed it a
funky green. i have also given
it a retro mk1 look, to set it
apart from other minis. i hope
to spray the front subframe
and engine in the
near future
as well
FEATURE
My Mini
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
4
sticker supplier |0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0| Official
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
5
The
miniest MINI
is finally here.
p.58
IS
S
U
E
2
SPRING
2011
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
W
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www.love-mini.co.uk
Copyright blurb
Copyright 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.
!H|5 |55U£ WA5 MA0£ W|!H H£Lº FHDM.
John Baker, Jan Fialkowski, Tony Haslam, Thomas Wuerzi, Matt Price, Mark Lim, Matt Parkinson,
Norman Nelson, George Marsh, Mick Yates, Robin Hood Mini Club, Stuart Watson, John and Lynne
Kornbrekke, David Young, Ger Roberts, Snowdon Minis, Mel Toombs, Ruth Williams, Brian Thomas,
rallysportmedia.com, James Beckett, Ben Hamer, Mark Cowan, Louise Inch, Andy Yeomans, Chris
Ordon, Charlie Johnson, Dave Overfield Allan Faulkner, Josh Kelly, Mohammad J. Al-Harbi, Chris
Fawcett, Tanya Medcroft, Adam Nierzad, Greig Allan, Anton Gihan, James Beckett.
fter a great response
following the launch
of the first issue of |0ve.m|0|
we are delighted to present to
you the second issue.
We’ve struggled to cut
down the number of pages,
as there is just soooo much to
share with you. And sorry for
the long wait.
This time around the
magazine is choc-a-block full
of rallying and motorsport
information to keep you
hooked for hours.
As part of our brand
expansion we’ve also
recently agreed to sponsor
the Bristol Mini Day on June
5, (see the Events page) and
will be branching out further
throughout the year.
A
Editor
[email protected]
Craig McBeth
Four-seater (ish) Rocketman
lights our fuse.
Double-hinged doors.
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
www.love-mini.co.uk
6
das0.00ard
8 Timewarp
How things were
back in 1959.
14 memory
Lane
Your classic Mini
photos pre-2000.
16 SToryTime
Getting even closer
to your loved one.
18 CLub profiLe
Meeting the crew from
Surrey Hills.
22 evenT
reporTS
Mini fun from all
around the world.
42 moTorSporT
The Dakar Rally, the
HRCR Mini Cup, Mini
Masters Series.
50 hiLLCLimb
guide
How to get started in
hillclimbing a Mini.
56 LouiSe inCh
A day with the BBC.
M
a
y
f
a
i
r

C
o
m
p
a
r
e


7
6
Uº !D 5º££0
58 on The puLSe
In-depth news on the biggest
issues.
72 ShouT/ranT
Your comments and gripes.
74 The LoCk-up
Your Minis.
love:mini love:mini
50
S
o what is hillclimbing
and sprinting?
Hillclimbing and
sprinting are basically the
same discipline and are
referred to as speed events.
And let’s clear one thing up,
hillclimbing is NOT driving
a car up a muddy hill, that is
Trials. Speed events are timed
laps of a circuit or a run up a
hill. It is about the oldest form
of motorsport and originated
from toffs racing their cars
up their driveways, well
something like that anyway.
Cars are run one at a time
so it is very safe, with only
yourself to blame for an
accident. Events are all run
on solid surfaces, tarmac
or concrete, and involve a
standing start and a flying
finish. You will learn more
about the format of events
later in this article.
Speed events are a great
way into motorsport, but many
get hooked and never move
on. If you want to drive fast
in a competitive environment
and a friendly atmosphere
then this is what speed events
are all about. There is one
more thing worth mentioning
at this point and that is that
two drivers can drive one car
at any event. This is great
as it can halve a car budget
and even if your car is not
competitive in a class you will
always be racing someone
with the same equipment, so
no excuses.
So where do Minis
fit into speed events?
Well, Minis have been used in
speed events since they were
first built and are still a very
competitive proposition in
A quick guide to starting
hillclimbing and sprinting
Hillclimbing and sprints are an easy and cheap way to
start having more fun in your roadgoing Mini.
by Ben Hamer
H
illclimb
& Sprint
several classes today. There are
some very fast full race Minis
out there still breaking national
records and equally there are
some near standard Minis out
there just having fun.
Whatever you have there is
almost certainly a class to suit
you and your car. Speed events
allow a large variety of cars to
compete, ranging from production
cars (with varying levels of
modifications) and all types of
kit cars through to single seaters
(which can range from Formula
Fords and motorbike-engined
types to £100,000+ 600bhp single
seaters). Few types of cars are
excluded from speed events,
WRC cars and karts are some
that spring to mind. In a Mini
these days you will be competing
directly with cars like Novas,
Fiestas, some Japanese small
cars and even the Mini’s old rival
the Hillman imp.
love:mini love:mini 58
I’m a pocket
rocketman
Classic Mini sized MINI the answer to our prayers?
It’s
been rumoured for
a while, but finally
MINI’s small MINI concept has arrived - and in
what style!
The Rocketman concept
is a homage to everything
the classic Mini stands for
- maximum space in the
smallest size, and forward
thinking ideas, and it is packed
full of ideas.
Immediately the style of the
car stands out with its flecks of carbon on display, but in actual fact the whole car is created
on a carbonfibre spaceframe
making it ultralight. So
ultralight, that MINI is quoting
jaw-dropping economy figures
of 94mpg.
The pictures don’t do it
justice, but the Rocketman
is just 11-feet 3-inches long,
adding about 13 inches to the
classic’s famous length. In
today’s modern world of safety,
getting it down to this size
was a tough job, especially
when looking to keep MINI’s
famous front end and not have
CONCEPT
to resort to a squashed, raised
car like the Toyota iQ.
Further features include
double-hinged doors, either
side of the A-panel to make
access easier. The rear lights
aresomething special too, with
‘handles’ of light projecting
stop and indicator lights onto
the body of the car.
Look closely at the wheels
and you will see they are
trimmed with a carbonfibre
hubcap - this is another fuel-
saving mechanism, making the
wheels more aerodynamic.
At the rear the hatchback
boot is pivoted right in the
centre of the wholly glassy roof. The boot also has a second
storage section in the shape of
a drawer that pulls out.
On top there is nod to the
British heritage of the Mini
with a union jack glass roof.
The design is actually created
using the car’s structural
beams along the horizontal and
FEATURES
at a glance
Carbon-fibre
space frame
double-hinged
doors
Unique
projected
rear lights
3+1 seating
Twin-opening
rear with
drawer
Aerodynamic
wheels
94mpg
onthePULSE
diagonal lines. Very smart.
Again like the classic Mini,
visibility all around is another
feature here. The classic was
lauded for its all-around visibility and with hardly any obstructions on the Rocketman (including the glass roof), it’s going to be like
Our View
Wow. Where to begin. It looks
fantastic, but you’ve got to ask
how much of this would likely
make it onto a production model. A full carbon-fibre spaceframe
for starters sounds droolworthy
enough, but what about the cost?
The rear lights are a bit silly,
but aside from that, what is there not to like? You can get four in,
just, but let’s be honest, it’s not a family car is it? Even the classic Mini isn’t the family car it once was - it’s a plaything, exactly like this will be.
The all-round visibility and
glass element is also a top detail for us. We like, a lot.
love:mini love:mini 22
DATE
November 19,
2010
LocATioN
Kuala Lumpur
to Penang,
Malaysia
Bringing together Minis from all over the nation.
Words and photos Mark Lim
o
n the weekend of
November 19, a group of
Mini lovers organised a
road trip to Penang from Kuala
Lumpur. calling themselves
‘Unique Nation Minis’, 22
Minis, of various types,
travelled down the North
South expressway for the
group’s inaugural road trip.
comprising of Mkis, iis, iiis,
two Mokes, and one 1275 GT,
the Unique Nation Minis came
together to share and promote
a love of original design
Minis.
organizer and founder,
Gig, said that the group
was formed to promote the
social side of owning a Mini,
to share knowledge and
resources, and bring together
the various Mini groups in
Malaysia for group runs and
social gatherings.
The group assembled at the
Jalan Duta toll early on the
19th. Forming into a long line,
the Minis, accompanied by
three support vehicles, went
down the expressway towards
their first fuel stop at Tapah.
After their second stop at
Gunung Semanggol, the Minis
arrived at the Ferry Terminal
in Butterworth at 4:00p.m.
Provided with an escort by
the Royal Malaysian Traffic
Police, the group checked in
the 1926 Heritage Hotel in
Mini run
Unique
nation Minis’
Malaysian
road trip
malaysia
love:mini love:mini 42 love:mini love:mini
Photos X-Raid/Dakar
Dakar Rally
Raid 2011
The MINI Countryman gets
its first real test with a foray
through South America.
Motorsport
Rally:Circuit:Hillclimb:Autograss:Sprint
T
he Dakar Rally is steeped in
history and has a fascinating
story to tell. It all started back
in 1977 when Frenchman Thierry
Sabine lost on in the Libyan desert
during the Abidjan to Nice Rally.
So overwhelemed was he by the
challenging terrain and landscape that
he founded the Paris to Dakar Rally
which quickly found popularity and
now over 30 years later it is considered
one of the most gruelling rallies in the
world. This was the rally the MINI had
chosed to put its new Countryman,
and WRC representative, through its
paces.
German rally experts X-Raid
were tasked with getting the new
MINI Countryman up to scratch for
the enduring rally and set about
reinforcing the bodywork, adding a
rollcage, sumpguard and dumping in
a new 3-litre, 315bhp engine from the
BMW X3CC rally car. The final result
isn’t the prettiest of MINIs, but it sure
does look tough.
Experience driver Guerlain Chicherit
and co-driver Michel Périn were
brought on board to pilot the new
MINI and find and push its boundaries
to the limit.
This year’s rally was based in South
America, following the new formula of
moving the rally since terrorist attacks
in Mauritania forced the cancellation
in 2008. Starting in Buenos Aires in
Argentina, the rally would cut across
the country heading for northern Chile
before turning south and following the
coast and then cutting across country
again and over the border back in
to Argentina and finishing at Bueno
love:mini love:mini
16
Sleeping in style
by Thomas Wuerzi
T
he Mini has never been
the most comfortable
car to sleep in, but some
of us probably have at some
point - whether it was because
we’d broken down and had
to wait a few hours for the
AA, or because the tent and
sleeping bag had become too
cold and wet that the bare
metal cabin cell of the car
was a better choice, it’s not
something one would opt to
do.
However, one classic
enthusiast, who also happens
to work for MINI in Munich,
did just that when he found
a hotel with a classic Mini as
the bed. Thomas ‘Wuerzi’ is
quite a character in the halls
of MINI HQ, and is known for
his ‘funny little accent’ and
representing a typical classic
owner, so it was no surprise
to his colleagues when he told
them what he had discovered
and what he was about to do.
Pleasant surprise
“Friday afternoon, 4:30 p.m.
The weekend is finally here
– and lots of rain is expected.
What could be nicer than
to pick up a small but fine
selection of reading material
from the filling station to
enjoy during my two free
days? Back at home I make
myself comfortable, turn the
coffee machine on and flip
through the magazines I just
bought.
I could barely believe my
eyes, there is actually a hotel
Sharing your tales, new and old.
Storytime
that has a Mini room! You
read that correctly: Mini room.
They actually put a Mini in
their hotel room. I have to go
there, no, we have to go there.
I was not yet aware that this
decision would lead to a long
and drawn out marital quarrel.
But one thing at a time.
After reserving the room,
the day of days, no, the night
of nights got closer and was
suddenly upon us. When the
door to our room opened, the
lit up eyes of our night-time
bed companion gleamed at us
- a likeable Mini British Open
Classic in chic black.
We let our eyes sweep
through the room and were
absolutely thrilled. Union Jack
floor lamp, Mini racing seats,
a starry sky over the opened
convertible top and, believe it
or not, a Union Jack toilet seat
in the bathroom. But we were
starting to get hungry, so first
we went to get a bite to eat.
Looking forward to our night
in the Mini, we returned to
our room later that evening.
Even with the seats out it’s
going to be a tight squeeze!
Sleeping under the stars.
love:mini love:mini
90
Bits and pieces for your Mini ^
new
caMber adjusTable fronT ToP MounTs
bonneT scooP insulaTion
www.minimania.com
$37.50
If you drive your Cooper S at high speed a lot
(well, that’s what they’re for isn’t it?) then there
has been reported cases of the bonnet scoop
partially melting due to excessive heat. If your
S isn’t fitted with this insulation, then it might
be worth considering
it. Suitable for 2007+
S Hatchs, 2008+ S
Clubmans and 2009 S
Convertibles.
door Mirror caPs
http://mybeautifulmini.com
www.minimania.com
From £55 / $225
Add your own individual flair to your
MINI with a set of genuine door mirror
caps. Available with or without power-
fold you can choose from Union Jack, Checkered, Chrome
and Black Jack styles. If you’re feeling really flush you might
even want to consider the very cool JCW carbon-fibre covers
but at $695 a pair you might have to skip making a mortgage
payment.
www.raceperformancemodified.com
£195
Want to set up your MINI for the perfect ride without having to
get all dirty? Well these camber adjustable top mounts from Race
Performance Modified are just the trick.
The mounts have been tested both on the road and track and
can be easily adjusted from within the engine bay, making
adjusting and testing the geometry at the track a doddle.
Made from aircraft quality billet aluminium with self lubricating
Teflon race bearings the adjustable top mount set is an excellent
choice for the more serious driver.
alTa accessPorT
www.altaperformance.com
$895
Got the urge to play around with
your MINI’s tuning settings? The
ALTA AccessPORT is a simple plug-
and-play device that hooks up to
your diagnostics port and allows
you into the ECU. This device also
claims to be able to unlock an
additional 20-40bhp at the wheels
within minutes of being connected.
In-house maps are included with
the ability to upgrade as you
change parts for your car. Currently
this device only works for North
American models, but there are
plans for a European and Asian
compatible model soon.
mmm JCW
goodies
LDDM|N6 6ACM
76 mayfair
Lady
A look at the new
and classic versions
of the Mayfair.
80 CounTry
drive
A reader’s first
opinions on the
MINI Countryman.
82 SiLenT poLiCe
AC Schnitzer give
the MINI-E a
police and power
makeover.
F£A!UH£5
love:mini love:mini
90
Move over
Mobility Scooter
...electric power just got serious
love:mini love:mini 83
Mobility Scooter
Y
our first thoughts on this MINI? Pretty cool, huh? What about if I
was to say that this concept vehicle from AC Schnitzer is actually
electric-powered - still cool? Not as much?
Well, whatever your views on electric vehicles, their popularity
is growing, and with oil and fuel prices rocketing, it’s easy to see why
manufacturers (and customers) are looking for cheaper-to-run alternatives.
For us petrol-heads though, the sound of the crank and pistons working
hard coupled with a sweet exhaust note add to the real ambiance of driving
a combustion-engined car. However, before you start spitting in the direction
of the nearest G-Wiz or Prius just think to the future in 10
or 20 years time when most vehicles are likely to be
powered by alternative means to fossil fuels.
And although, many of us don’t really want to
think about electric vehicles, if we are going to
have to eventually drive them, then they had
better make them to be pretty special, and this Police MINI is giant step in the right direction.
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
7
112 afTer hourS
Mini in a game,
aren’t we lucky!
114 noTiCeboard
Announcements,
stolen Minis, and
general stuff that
doesn’t fit elsewhere.
116 digimini
Weird and cool Mini
stuff on the internet.
118 fuTure
evenTS
Upcoming events for
the season.
M
a
y
f
a
i
r

C
o
m
p
a
r
e


7
6
82
5DC|AL 5C£N£
MNDWL£06£6A5£
|0ve.m|0|
S
c
h
n
i
t
z
e
r

M
I
N
I
The weird and wonderful from the web
love:mini love:mini
116
DIGIMINI
acebook
pages
#2AROnline
Celebrating 10 years on the
web, AROnline, which stands
for Austin-Rover, has become
essential bookmarking for any-
one whose love of British cars
extends further than the humble
little Mini.
There is tons of useful and
unique material on the site and
it is designed and maintained
by motoring writer Keith Adams.
MAgneTized Mini
www.facebook.com/
MagnetizedMini
BRiTish Mini CluB
www.facebook.com/
britishminiclub
Mini MOTORsPORT
www.facebook.com/
Mini.Motorsport
This snowy picture is a
beautiful juxtaposition
of love and hate. love
is the desire to decorate
one’s Mini with a
preferential sticker of
one’s personal opinion,
while hate appears in
the acronym and the
wording which offers
a derogatory term to
anyone who reads the
sticker whilst driving an
suV. Beautiful.
Snapped Showing you how it is really done.
WORKSHOP
love:mini love:mini 102
Objective
Remove the faulty
water pump and fit a new one.
tOOls
2x 7/16” spanners.
7/16” and 1/2”
sockets
Flathead
screwdriver
Possibly 10mm
socket/spanner
Gasket paste
time
60 minutes
Difficulty
4/10
cOst
Around £22 for water pump and gasket





1.
To get access to the
water pump you’re going to need to remove the grille, alternator and radiator.
First remove your
Mini’s grille, either
by unscrewing it from
the front panel, or by
undoing the grille
buttons.
2.
Make sure the
engine is cool. If
you have been running the Mini in the last
hour, go away and
come back in half an
hour. You really don’t
want hot water from the radiator pissing out all
over you.
3.
In theory it’s
probably best
Alternator off and radiator out.
DIY TECH I
Submit your articles
by Craig McBeth
Replacing the classic
Mini’s water pump
Considering your Mini’s engine is powered by lots of little explosions (or burns for the technically- correct), you’ll want to be make sure the cooling system is working properly.
In my case I noticed a water leak and the need to top up the radiator every few days. So, following the
rusty/brown water trail, I traced it back to the water pump. This was confirmed with the engine running and water leaking from it. A lack of water in the cooling system will cause the engine to overheat and terminally kill your Mini’s block and likely the head too. So make sure it’s all working.
Yeah, yeah,
don’t mention
the state of the
engine bay.
love:mini love:mini 58
I’m a pocket
rocketman
Classic Mini sized MINI the answer to our prayers?
It’s
been rumoured for
a while, but finally
MINI’s small MINI concept has arrived - and in
what style!
The Rocketman concept
is a homage to everything
the classic Mini stands for
- maximum space in the
smallest size, and forward
thinking ideas, and it is packed
full of ideas.
Immediately the style of the
car stands out with its flecks of carbon on display, but in actual fact the whole car is created
on a carbonfibre spaceframe
making it ultralight. So
ultralight, that MINI is quoting
jaw-dropping economy figures
of 94mpg.
The pictures don’t do it
justice, but the Rocketman
is just 11-feet 3-inches long,
adding about 13 inches to the
classic’s famous length. In
today’s modern world of safety,
getting it down to this size
was a tough job, especially
when looking to keep MINI’s
famous front end and not have
CONCEPT
to resort to a squashed, raised
car like the Toyota iQ.
Further features include
double-hinged doors, either
side of the A-panel to make
access easier. The rear lights
aresomething special too, with
‘handles’ of light projecting
stop and indicator lights onto
the body of the car.
Look closely at the wheels
and you will see they are
trimmed with a carbonfibre
hubcap - this is another fuel-
saving mechanism, making the
wheels more aerodynamic.
At the rear the hatchback
boot is pivoted right in the
centre of the wholly glassy roof. The boot also has a second
storage section in the shape of
a drawer that pulls out.
On top there is nod to the
British heritage of the Mini
with a union jack glass roof.
The design is actually created
using the car’s structural
beams along the horizontal and
FEATURES
at a glance
Carbon-fibre
space frame
double-hinged
doors
Unique
projected
rear lights
3+1 seating
Twin-opening
rear with
drawer
Aerodynamic
wheels
94mpg
onthePULSE
diagonal lines. Very smart.
Again like the classic Mini,
visibility all around is another
feature here. The classic was
lauded for its all-around visibility and with hardly any obstructions on the Rocketman (including the glass roof), it’s going to be like
Our View
Wow. Where to begin. It looks
fantastic, but you’ve got to ask
how much of this would likely
make it onto a production model. A full carbon-fibre spaceframe
for starters sounds droolworthy
enough, but what about the cost?
The rear lights are a bit silly,
but aside from that, what is there not to like? You can get four in,
just, but let’s be honest, it’s not a family car is it? Even the classic Mini isn’t the family car it once was - it’s a plaything, exactly like this will be.
The all-round visibility and
glass element is also a top detail for us. We like, a lot.
86 The buSineSS
Finding out about
Blakehill Body Centre.
88 gear
Bits to buy for
your Mini.
94 under
ConSTruCTion
A detailed long-term
project diary.
102 diy TeCh i
Replacing a classic
Mini water pump.
106 diy TeCh ii
Change your MINI’s
steering wheel inserts.
108 diarieS
What people have been
up to with their Minis.
love:mini love:mini
90
Bits and pieces for your Mini ^
new
caMber adjusTable fronT ToP MounTs
bonneT scooP insulaTion
www.minimania.com
$37.50
If you drive your Cooper S at high speed a lot
(well, that’s what they’re for isn’t it?) then there
has been reported cases of the bonnet scoop
partially melting due to excessive heat. If your
S isn’t fitted with this insulation, then it might
be worth considering
it. Suitable for 2007+
S Hatchs, 2008+ S
Clubmans and 2009 S
Convertibles.
door Mirror caPs
http://mybeautifulmini.com
www.minimania.com
From £55 / $225
Add your own individual flair to your
MINI with a set of genuine door mirror
caps. Available with or without power-
fold you can choose from Union Jack, Checkered, Chrome
and Black Jack styles. If you’re feeling really flush you might
even want to consider the very cool JCW carbon-fibre covers
but at $695 a pair you might have to skip making a mortgage
payment.
www.raceperformancemodified.com
£195
Want to set up your MINI for the perfect ride without having to
get all dirty? Well these camber adjustable top mounts from Race
Performance Modified are just the trick.
The mounts have been tested both on the road and track and
can be easily adjusted from within the engine bay, making
adjusting and testing the geometry at the track a doddle.
Made from aircraft quality billet aluminium with self lubricating
Teflon race bearings the adjustable top mount set is an excellent
choice for the more serious driver.
alTa accessPorT
www.altaperformance.com
$895
Got the urge to play around with
your MINI’s tuning settings? The
ALTA AccessPORT is a simple plug-
and-play device that hooks up to
your diagnostics port and allows
you into the ECU. This device also
claims to be able to unlock an
additional 20-40bhp at the wheels
within minutes of being connected.
In-house maps are included with
the ability to upgrade as you
change parts for your car. Currently
this device only works for North
American models, but there are
plans for a European and Asian
compatible model soon.
mmm JCW
goodies
s000s0rs
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
8
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
8
Reliving the life of the Mini
Time:warp
Time:warp
A sketch of a potential future city car.
The original Mini design demonstrates
how its compact design can still offer
lots of space.
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
9
1959
F
ollowing a wave of
new model releases
from MINI, as well as
the departure of long-
term Head of MINI
Design - Gert Hildebrand
- we thought it would
be worth looking at the
original Mini design.
Issigonis’ concept was
for maximum space in
the smallest package
- something we would
all agree the MINI
failed on. But with news
suggesting that the Third
Generation of MINIs
could be redesigned from
scratch under the new
leadership of Anders
Warming, there is some
hope of a more mini
package. Along with the
development of carbon
monocoques and three
and two cylinder engines,
this mini car could be
closer than you think...
SEE NEWS pAGES
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
9
Reliving the life of the Mini
Development on BMW’s carbonfibre monococque
begins in earnest.
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
l0
Time:warp
T
he history of the Mini,
its founding fathers
and its birthplace spans
further back than just the
lifetime of the Mini. By the
time the Mini was launched in
1959 the Longbridge factory in
Birmingham had already been
standing for 54 years. Bought
as a derelict tin printing works
in 1905 by Herbert Austin, it
developed to become the home
of the very successful Austin
Motor Company, and later
the less-successful BMC/BL/
Rover.
With the outbreak of the
First World War in 1914, the
factory was required to stop
car manufacturing to produce
munitions for the Allied
Forces. Such was the demand
for all types of equipment that
the factory quickly expanded.
Austin was concerned that
because of the massive increase
in the workforce that was
needed to fuel the War Effort
he had to fnd dormitory
accommodation. To give some
idea of the sudden increase
in numbers of employees, in
1914 the company employed
just 2500 people but by 1918
The fast expansion of the Longbridge factory
during World War I, led to a quickly built village
to house the growing number of workers.
Austin Village
it had grown to 22,000 who
were mainly women. Transport
was limited in wartime so
he needed accommodation
locally, this was a problem
as the factory was built in
a very rural setting. So on
November 16, 1916 he decided
to buy 120 acres of farm land
in Hawkesley Mill Lane from
Thomas Middlemore for £7750.
Because the development need
to be constructed quickly in
December 1916 he purchased
200 Canadian cedar wood
bungalows from the Aladdin
Company, Bay City, Michigan,
USA, at a cost of $115,000.
The Company took out a
mortgage in 1917 with the
Secretary of State for War and
the Minister of Munitions,
which allowed it to have access
to a maximum of £75,000 to
develop the estate. Interest on
the loan would be at 5.5% per
annum.
WoRDs &
copyRight
John Baker.
photos
John Baker and
British Motor
industry heritage
trust.
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
ll
To construct a new estate
involved a lot of planning,
also all the main services such
as sewers & drains, and the
supply of gas and electricity
had to laid on. As this was a
green feld site, an agreement
was made with Morland &
Impey Ltd that access to the
development could be made by
using a private roadway from
Hawkesley Mill Farm.
The estate was laid out in
the shape of a horseshoe by
J W Wilson. The main road
through the estate was apply
called Central Avenue which
at one end divided into a dual
carriageway which is rumored
to be the frst dual carriageway
in the City of Birmingham.
Because of the possible
fre risk twenty-fve pairs of
conventional brick houses
were built to act as a fre
break (one brick pair of semi
to every six bungalows), A
temporary licence on
the 26th April 1917
was granted for
the erection of the
bungalows, because
the council was still
concerned about the
possible fre risk. It
was agreed between the
Company and the Birmingham
Corporation that 37 Central
Avenue would be used as a
Police Station, it appears that
in the end this did not happen.
Now that permission had
now been granted, work
started immediately and after
11 months the last one was
completed and occupied. As
the license was only for 15
years, the City of Birmingham
Council continued to renew the
so called ‘temporary’ licenses
for the wooden bungalows,
but in the 1960s accepted that
after nearly 40 years they were
in-fact permanent structures.
Austin Village
The bungalows had
the following living room
measuring 20ft by 10ft which
you entered from an enclosed
porch. With a kitchen dining
room 10ft by 10ft which
included a gas cooker, gas
washing boiler, sink and
cupboard space. Three bedrooms
each 10ft square, you will see
that the accommodation was
not too crowded. At the back
was a large garden where
vegetables could be grown and
probably a long washing line.
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
l2
Rent on a bungalow including
rates was 14s 6d (£0.73).
As each house or bungalow
was used as a dormitory, the
accommodation was seven
people to a bungalow and 12
people to a house, so that the
estate was able to house about
2,000 people.
After the War in the 1920s,
when the company had a
very reduced workforce, the
houses were sold to families
of Austin employees at £250
leasehold and £300 freehold.
It is interesting that the deeds
to the properties laid out for
a specifc schedule of house
painting etc. which would
ensured that the village would
be well maintained even
though ownership had passed
to the individual residents.
What the deeds did allow was
that the timber bungalows
could be replaced with brick
structures on the same plots,
interestingly not one owner
took up this option.
The Company sold the
remainder of the land to
Birmingham Council and
Hawkesley Farm which had
been empty since 1936 was
demolished in 1947. This part
of the land was purchased
by Mitchells & Butlers Ltd,
who built a Pub called the
Woodpecker. Work on the
building did not start till 1960,
and opened for business on the
8th December 1961.
The remaining land had been
developed by the Council for
housing in the 1950s. A new
Church of England church
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
lJ
was built at the corner of Longbridge Lane and
Turves Green. Longbridge Baptist Church in
Hawkesley Crescent moved into a new church
in Turves Green in 1954. The original wooden
church was taken down and moved to the new
site to become the hall. Two semi-detached
houses were built on the vacant land opposite
Central Avenue.
In 1990 a small group of dedicated residents
held a meeting to discuss the possibility of
forming a local association with the aim of
preserving this unique estate. So the Austin
Village Preservation Society was born and in
1997 achieved conservation status.
Longbridge Factory
Austin Village
FURTHER INFORMATION
www.austinmemories.com
www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
l4
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
l4
Your classic Mini memories from 1959-2000
Memory Lane
Hello |0ve.m|0|,
May I submit a few pics of
our treasured 1972 Minivan
850cc. We travelled the length
and breadth of the UK in this
little car, and spent many a
night in it with a young family
when off camping.
Oh happy days.. My dear
wife Cher (in pics) died
of breast cancer in 2009.
She loved this wee Mini.
She bought a Mini Cooper
Sportspack in 1997, now kept
as new, in her memory...
I know you don’t want
recent images, but I MUST
send one of Cher sitting in
her pride and joy (MiniCoo) ...
as she was dying of cancer..
She died six months after this
photo was taken.
With best regards
Jan Fialkowski
Jan FIaLkoWskI
xxx
1975
2008
IN lovINg memory
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
l5
Hi |0ve.m|0|, here are
some of my old Mini
pictures for you to
share with the Mini
community.
Pic 1 (below) is my
van outside my mate’s
house in Chester 1968.
Pic 2 is of my wife Jill
on a trip out North
Wales 1967, just before
we met. Pic 3 was
in North Wales on
holiday in 1973 when
we first got together.
Pic 4 is North Wales
again, on holiday in
1974 just after we
got married. The last
picture is of my sister
Jen with a Blue 1000
Wendens Ambo, Essex
for cousins wedding in
1974.
Tony HasLam
1974
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
l5
my lIfe of mINIs
Memory Lane
SUBMiT
M
ini
M
em
ories
1974
1968
1973
1967
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
l6
Sleeping in style
by thomas Wuerzi
T
he Mini has never been
the most comfortable
car to sleep in, but some
of us probably have at some
point - whether it was because
we’d broken down and had
to wait a few hours for the
AA, or because the tent and
sleeping bag had become too
cold and wet that the bare
metal cabin cell of the car
was a better choice, it’s not
something one would opt to
do.
However, one classic
enthusiast, who also happens
to work for MINI in Munich,
did just that when he found
a hotel with a classic Mini as
the bed. Thomas ‘Wuerzi’ is
quite a character in the halls
of MINI HQ, and is known for
his ‘funny little accent’ and
representing a typical classic
owner, so it was no surprise
to his colleagues when he told
them what he had discovered
and what he was about to do.
Pleasant surprise
“Friday afternoon, 4:30 p.m.
The weekend is finally here
– and lots of rain is expected.
What could be nicer than
to pick up a small but fine
selection of reading material
from the filling station to
enjoy during my two free
days? Back at home I make
myself comfortable, turn the
coffee machine on and flip
through the magazines I just
bought.
I could barely believe my
eyes, there is actually a hotel
Sharing your tales, new and old.
Storytime
that has a Mini room! You
read that correctly: Mini room.
They actually put a Mini in
their hotel room. I have to go
there, no, we have to go there.
I was not yet aware that this
decision would lead to a long
and drawn out marital quarrel.
But one thing at a time.
After reserving the room,
the day of days, no, the night
of nights got closer and was
suddenly upon us. When the
door to our room opened, the
lit up eyes of our night-time
bed companion gleamed at us
- a likeable Mini British Open
Classic in chic black.
We let our eyes sweep
through the room and were
absolutely thrilled. Union Jack
floor lamp, Mini racing seats,
a starry sky over the opened
convertible top and, believe it
or not, a Union Jack toilet seat
in the bathroom. But we were
starting to get hungry, so first
we went to get a bite to eat.
Looking forward to our night
in the Mini, we returned to
our room later that evening.
Even with the seats out it’s
going to be a tight squeeze!
sleeping under the stars.
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SUBMiT
M
ini
S
tory
But then: surprise. Only one of
us fit in the Mini, the mattress
is just too narrow for two, at
least when I’m one of them!
Who gets to sleep inside it
and who draws the short
straw and has to sleep in the
normal bed? This is where
we get to the quarrel. For my
wife it was self-evident that
she would sleep in the Mini,
but not for me! So we rolled
a dice. OK, I won, but the
evening was not over yet. Life
is not a picnic! Despite a dirty
look I cuddled myself under
the blanket and counted little
Minis until I peacefully fell
asleep.
Food for thought
After a delicious
“reconciliation breakfast” we
had the luck of being able to
ask the “architects” of the
Mini room a couple of probing
questions. The answer that
explained everything: “As a
passionate aficionado of the
Mini, I wanted to give like-
minded people something
back in the form of a theme
room.” It wasn’t a problem
for Dirk Boll to sacrifice his
own black Mini British Open
Classic.”
Landhotel Beverland
Schlichtenfelde 21
48346 Ostbevern
Tel. +49 02532-95680
[email protected]
www.hotel-beverland.de
on her Majesty’s service.
50c|a| ||fe
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F
irst launched in
August 2005, SHMG
was originally called
Surrey Hills Motor Group,
with the aim of reaching
out to Mini and other
classic car owners from the
Surrey Hills area.
During late 2008 our
regular meeting place
closed down and so January
2009 saw the launch of the
re-named and re-branded
SHMG (now called Surrey
Hills Mini Group), moving
to our new location: the
Worplesdon Place Hotel
and now expanding our
catchment areas to aim
at Mini owners across
the whole of Surrey,
North Hampshire and all
surrounding areas.
These days we are now
one of the larger clubs
in the area with over
65 members with more
members people joining all
the time!
We have all types of
classic Minis from early
MkIs to late Coopers, and
guildford-based club likes to keep active.
Club Profile:
surrey hills Mini group
lots of varieties throughout
the years of production.
As the Minis don’t like
the wet weather, we also
have many social events
including off-roading, BBQs
and trips out, and so there
are activities all year round,
not to mention
UK
submitted by Matt price
50c|a| ||fe
FEATURE
M
y C
lub
l9
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the pub meets!
We meet up on
the second Sunday
of every month at
the Beefeater in the
Worplesdon Place
Hotel, GU3 3RY, from
about 7.30pm. Just
five minutes from
Guildford town centre
on the A322.
Membership is £15
for a single application
or £25 for a joint
application and for
that you get:
• Regular club news
and info
• Discount at
various Mini
shops and
motorfactors
• Free or discounted
entry to shows,
including club
stand places
• Free t-shirt and
car sticker (per
member)
• Free and friendly
advice
• Plus much more!
Our social events include off-
roading, BBQs and trips out
WEBSITE
www.shmg.co.uk
S
R
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
0
1
2
3
4
5
69
50c|a| ||fe
why ShouLd peopLe join
your CLub?
Friendly people and a great social
scene!
memberShip fee
Membership is £15 for a single
application or £25 for a joint
application.
CarS of inTereST
Lots! – including several
magazine featured cars
projeCT CarS
Several members have projects!
whaT iS The moST
expenSive/rareST Car
owned by a CLub member?
Expensive: probably Matt’s MK1
and Ian’s MK2 Cooper S
Rarest: two scamps, a woody
traveller and a genuine police
van and a Moke
whiCh iS The moST deSired
CLub member’S Car by
oTher CLub memberS?
You’d have to ask them!
whiCh iS The faSTeST Car/
LargeST bhp?
Matt’s MK1 – 138bhp normally
aspirated A series.
Paddy – when he finally gets his
1380 turbo finished!
whiCh iS The moST
popuLar painT CoLour (of
memberS CarS)?
Red, Blue and Green are the
most popular colours!
any moTorSporT
CompeTiTorS?
None
who’S in a band?
None
who ownS The moST?
Ian (4) along with Matt &
Hayley (4)
who ownS The oLdeST?
Paddy (1962)
FEATURE
M
y
C
lub
20
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Club FactFIle
surrey hills Mini group
www.shmg.co.uk
formed 2005
meeTing pLaCe
Worplesdon Place Hotel,
Guildford, GU3 3RY
ConTaCT deTaiLS
Club President
Matt Price

Secretary
Hayley Nind
areaS Covered
Surrey and all surrounding
areas.
memberS
Mini owners/fans of all
ages! Currently over 65
members!
aCTiviTieS
As the Minis don’t like the
wet weather, we also have
many social events includ-
ing off-roading, BBQs and
trips out, and so there are
activities all year round, not
to mention the Pub Meets!
20
2l
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2l
Who’s the Chief?
Matt & Hayley
Who’s the teChie?
Ian & Matt.
Who’s the Computer boffin?
Dan P
Who’s the AnorAk?
Matt
Who’s the boy rACer?
Vinny & Ian
Who’s the Wise oWl?
Ian & Matt
Who breAks doWn the most?
Leyland Job.
Who is the one Who AlWAys runs on
empty?
Martin
Who is the prettiest?
Pippa the Dog!
Who is the oldest?
Dave Vincent
Who is the most musiCAl?
Matt
Who is the Cheekiest?
Dan T
Who is the most likely to hAve roAd rAge?
Hayley
Who is the most likely CArry lots of
spAres?
Ian
Who is the blondest?
Tina!
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22
DATE
November 19,
2010
LOCATION
Kuala Lumpur
to Penang,
Malaysia
Bringing together Minis from all over the nation.
WoRDs AnD photos Mark Lim
O
n the weekend of
November 19, a group of
Mini lovers organised a
road trip to Penang from Kuala
Lumpur. Calling themselves
‘Unique Nation Minis’, 22
Minis, of various types,
travelled down the North
South expressway for the
group’s inaugural road trip.
Comprising of MkIs, IIs, IIIs,
two Mokes, and one 1275 GT,
the Unique Nation Minis came
together to share and promote
a love of original design
Minis.
Organizer and founder,
Gig, said that the group
was formed to promote the
social side of owning a Mini,
to share knowledge and
resources, and bring together
the various Mini groups in
Malaysia for group runs and
social gatherings.
The group assembled at the
Jalan Duta toll early on the
19th. Forming into a long line,
the Minis, accompanied by
three support vehicles, went
down the expressway towards
their first fuel stop at Tapah.
After their second stop at
Gunung Semanggol, the Minis
arrived at the Ferry Terminal
in Butterworth at 4:00p.m.
Provided with an escort by
the Royal Malaysian Traffic
Police, the group checked in
the 1926 Heritage Hotel in
M|0| r00
Unique
nation Minis’
Malaysian
Road trip
malaysia
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2J
Burmah Road for their three-day stay
in Pulau Pinang.
A round island trip followed the
next day, with the Minis cruising
round the streets of Georgetown
and grabbing attention wherever
they went. After a free afternoon,
a seafood dinner was laid on, with
many tales of Mini ownership being
swapped.
The Unique Nation Minis headed
back to Kuala Lumpur after lunch on
Sunday, with new friends made and
old friendships renewed.
stunning views along the coast.
the customary wave to
camera on the ferry.
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24
A
new year is a fresh
start for many and
the Mini scene is
no different, with the show
season kicking off at the
British Mini Club’s Mini Fair.
After the lull brought about by
winter, hordes of enthusiasts
descended on Bingley Hall in
search of bargains, cars for
sale – or maybe that elusive
bonnet badge you’d been
promising yourself?
As with previous events,
the autojumble was a hit
with showgoers, many
of whom could be
seen rummaging
through
boxes
filled
with
parts
of all
shapes and sizes, to suit Minis
of all shapes and sizes.
In the main hall, MINIs
were to be seen parked
alongside classics for the
very first time at Bingley
Hall, whilst a host of traders
were able to offer enthusiasts
replacement parts and
tempting tuning options for
those looking for a little more
‘oomph’ for their pride and
joy. The British Mini Club
also attempted to coerce
enthusiasts to their stand with
another of their popular ‘Win
a Mini for a pound’ raffles.
This year, Stuart Pike
would be handed the keys
to a British Racing Green
Sportspack Mini Cooper
after he was announced
as the winner, securing an
unexpected drive home.
The concours cars on display
at this show normally give
a fantastic sneak-peek at
what we can expect from
the Mini scene over the
course of the year and the
cars on show certainly didn’t
disappoint. Dessie Moore, who
Fighting the crowds to find those elusive parts
as enthusiasts prepare for show season.
DATE
January 30, 2011
LOCATION
Bingley Hall,
Staffordshire
WEBSITE
www.
britishminiclub.
co.uk
UK
500wt|me
Mini Fair 2011
WoRDs AnD photos Matt parkinson
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25
had travelled from Omagh,
Northern Ireland to show off
his newly completed Mini
Sprint. His trip paid off, as the
Sprint claimed top honours in
the 1960s category.
Steve Moore’s MINI GP
was also receiving plenty
of admiring glances, with
plenty from the judges too,
as it claimed the award for
best MINI, ahead of Linda
Bennett’s Cooper, which came
a close second.
The balcony in the main hall
was occupied by the clubs
once again, who were followed
a simple theme drawn up by
the British Mini Club this
year: “Famous Coopers.” This
allowed the clubs plenty of
freedom to use the Cooper
name as they wished. Some
used the Cooper name for a
SUPER
COOPERS
C
lubs were
competing for the
best club stand and a
nice little cheque for
their efforts.
This year’s theme
was a different take
on the Cooper, and
with that many clubs
immediately thought
of fez-totting comedian
Tommy Cooper. So it
was with great delight
that so many had made
the effort to pay tribute to
such a legendary comic.
Regular attendees
Birmingham Mini Owners’
Club, Crewe’s Missiles,
Hilltop Minis, The Elf &
Hornet Register, The MINI
Clubman Register and
others returned once again,
while some new clubs made
their first appearance, such
as MINIs Unleashed (www.
minisunleashed.com).
Birmingham MOC made
the most of their stand
space by creating a boxing
ring depicting Henry
Cooper fighting a Mini
Cooper, while another club
thought back to the iconic
denim of Cooper jeans to
stand out from the crowd.
club cars of all shapes, sizes
and generations were getting
inolved in the show theme.
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26
500wt|me
rallying theme, whilst others
drew inspiration from Tommy
Cooper, Alice Cooper and
boxing legend, Henry Cooper.
It was Potts About Minis
who stole the show with their
stand. Their stand allowed
show-goers to race each other
using remote control Minis,
or by racing each other on
the PlayStation that had been
brought along by one member.
And so, with the prizes
handed out and a new owner
found for the ‘Mini for a
pound’, the British Mini Fair
came to an end. However,
with the impressive quality of
the cars at this year’s show,
who knows what we’ll see this
time next year?
See you in 2012.
M
iniworld Magazine’s latest
addition to its nest is Bogus 2
- which follows on from the tragic
loss of the original KAD twin-cam
Bogus in 1995 when he was stolen
Created by Mini Sport the 130bhp
1380cc Mini is powered by Mini
Sport’s own 7-port X-flow head.
Mini
Magazine’s cover
car was one of the
stars of the show.
new
coupe from
Derek’s
Minis.
Woah, that’s
totally bogus
man...
HEINZ
HORNET
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27
W
IN
N
ER
S
BEST ’60s MINI
Desmond Moore (Mini Sprint)
BEST ’70s MINI
Paul Sutherland
(1275GT) AUR 791N
BEST ’80s MINI
Ruth Lowe (Designer) F902 SNH
BEST ’90s MINI
Paul Taylor
(Cooper Sport) K15 POO
BEST NEW MINI
Steve Moore
(MINI GP) H4 YGP
BEST MINI PICK-UP
ADO 959T
BEST ELF / HORNET
TYN 823F
MINI OF THE SHOW
ABM 187L
(Rally Mini Clubman)
BEST CLUB STAND
Potts About Minis
A
n ultra-rare Heinz Hornet made
an appearance at the show on
the Elf & Hornet Register stand.
Loaded with all its luxurious
trimmings and official certificate,
it was definately one for the photo
album with just 57 ‘varieties’ of this
converted classic created and many
less still in existence.
This Mini Sprint,
with its chopped bodyline
and roof, won the award for
Best 60s Mini and was a real
winner with the crowds too.
Its sublime finish with deep
red interior and matching twin
body stripes, harnessed with
the racy engine is bound to
keep owner Desmond Moore
smiling for many miles to
come!
this happy man
won this Mini for
just a quid!!
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28
J
ust two days before
MINI Thunder II, a snow
storm hit the west coast,
including Washington, Oregon,
and California. With over 100
entries coming and many
having to drive through the
mountain passes of Oregon
and California all eyes were
glued to the weather channels
on television. The storm
dumped several feet of snow
and many felt they would not
be able to dig out in time to
get to Thunderhill.
But with a little luck and
clearing skies the roads
were cleared and the Mini
migration began. Some with
New MINIs, some with
classics, some even trailered.
It rained and snowed all
the way up to Friday night
Rumbling track offerings in the ultimate
West coast driving experience.
Mini thunder ii
WoRDs norman nelson
photos george Marsh
DATE
February 19-20,
2011
LOCATION
Thunderhill
Raceway, CA
WEBSITE
www.mini
thunderhill.com
500wt|me
USA
as these determined “track
junkies” made the trek.
Most entrants stayed in
local hotels in town near
Thunderhill and checked in
before driving the 7 miles to
the track.
On Saturday night we had
yeah right!
Mini nutters cram
out the cafeteria.
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29
pre-registration, dinner
and a casino gambling
night. A local gaming
company brought in the
tables, dealers, and chips.
After dinner, while
many gambled like it
was a real casino, they
all were looking for
the sponsor’s prizes to
be paid for with their
winnings. Cheers would
ring out as the ball would
drop on the Roulette
table, hitting that magic
number as the lucky
winner would jump up
and throw his hands in
the air. One would have
thought he had just won
$10,000. Others would
sit quietly at the poker
tables, staring at their
opponents and wondering
when to bluff or when to
call.
All went back to their
hotels winners and eager
to come back the next
day to drive.
As dawn arrived, the
temperature had dropped
below freezing and frost
had coated all the Minis.
With a little assistance
with the choke, we fired
off our Minis and let
them run to heat up the
car and defrost the
windshields.
It took the use
of scrappers to
get the frost
off, but soon
we were all
heading for
It’s an HPDE (High
Performance Driving Event)
for MINI/Minis only.
This is a driving school
taught by experienced and
qualified instructors and
coaches. All ‘Beginners’
are required to have a
coach ride with them. As
they progress they get
moved up to ‘Intermediate’
and then they can drive
on their own but with
other participants of equal
experience and skills. The
‘Advanced’ group are the
more experienced and are
given much more freedom
(such as open passing in
designated areas). Then
there is the ‘Race Prepared’
group where they are
pretty much open. It is
not a race, but as you can
imagine there is a lot of
individual battles going on.
Smiles and bragging rights
are the trophies.
Each participant
gets five - 20
minute track
sessions,
followed by
20 minute
classroom
session where
instructors would
go over the course,
critique drivers, show
videos and use chalk
boards to illustrate the
proper lines, braking
points, shifting points,
etc.
We have eight instructors
(classroom) and 30
coaches (on-track). We
also provide demo rides
by the advanced and race
prepared drivers.
Participants and guests
are required to wear
helmets and sign waivers,
then get seatbelted into the
cars and take ‘hot laps’ as
passengers. We have some
interesting cars for demo
rides, including a Ferrari
430, a NASCAR, several
exotic Porsches, Corvettes,
and even a Lamborgini.
The track is 3-miles long
with 15 turns and some
great elevation changes.
In a MINI most can get
to 100+mph on three of
the straights. Lap times
ranged from as low as 2:02
seconds to about 2:45.
The Revolution MINI is
a 400 HP GP MINI. It can
achieve speed of about
140 mph down the main
straight.
There are sponsors and
dealers in the paddock.
Vinyl wrapping by Vinyl
Styles, Mini Mania and
Seven Enterprises all with
their goods and services.
Revolution Mini Works is
also doing Dyno-Tunes.
Valley Motorwerks and O2
Motorsports are there as
sponsors and are helping
and assisting participants
with any problems with
their Minis.
Mini Thunder - what is it?
so cal Mini Maniacs
en-route to the venue.
place your chips!
Mini nutters cram
out the cafeteria.
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J0
the road to Thunderhill. The sun
rose and lit up the powder white
snow on the surrounding mountain
peaks and the lush green hillsides
made quite the contrast.
Each entered the front gate after
signing the waivers and headed
to a spot in the paddock. Then
quickly over to registration to check
in and get their group sticker and
car number. As they entered the
clubhouse to register the aroma of
fresh hot coffee caught everyone’s
attention and the coffee pot became
“the place to be”.
Soon everyone had registered
and had out “All-Hands” drivers
meeting and those famous words
were spoken “Ladies & Gentlemen
- Start Your Engines”
Actually the 100+ entries
were
broken up into four groups;
Beginners, Intermediates, Advanced,
Race Prepared. They all met in
groups and the first Minis were on
track at 8:00AM.
While the participants were
motoring around the 3 mile - 15
turn road course, guests and
visitors were roaming the pit &
paddock area visiting with vendors.
Jan Brueggeman of Revolution Mini
Works was performing Dyno-Tunes
for those that want to get every
extra HP out of their little “speed-
racers”. There were Demo rides
available to guests and spectators,
some of the cars included a Ferrari
430, a NASCAR, several exotic
Porsches, Corvettes, and lots of
other high performance vehicles.
The 400 HP GP MINI of
Revolution Mini Works was brought
out to the track to provide to
promo and awe for the crowds.
Ian Stewart was flown out across
country from Florida to drive this
beauty. Many other notable drivers
were there to coach and give Demo
rides such as Doug Peterson, 7-time
SCCA National champion, 24 hour
of Dayton winner and builder of
Juan Montoya’s Indy 500 winning
engine. The participants and guests
enjoyed taking rides, at speed, with
many of the experienced coaches
and celebrity drivers. I understand
that Ian Stewart in the Revolution
Mini achieved speeds of 140 MPH
down the front straight with
passengers.
Touring the pit & paddock was
an adventure as there were many
highly modified Minis and even
some owners dressed in the 1960’s
English “Hippie”
Clockwise from
top left:
Pre-track clean
to remove dirt
and grit from
the road.
A change of
tyres or wheel
pressure for
extra grip.
Prep talk prior
to track action.
Minis as far as
the eye can see
in the pits.
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Jl
attire. Something to see for
everyone.
The day closed with no
accidents, no injuries..
But plenty of smiles and
loads of “High-5’s” and talk
of returning next year for
another day at Thunderhill.
Stay tuned for MINI Thunder
III in 2012.
Keep the Rubber Side Down.
the Minis get ready to roll
out on to the track.
the classic Mini scene didn’t
let the side down with some
awesome examples turning up
to rival the big boys.
400 bhp!!
the scMM crew - thanks for
the great photos!
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J2
I
t was a typical cold wet
windy Sunday in February
but that did not stop 25
Minis joining the Robin Hood
Mini Club run to Tan Hill
Inn near Reeth & Richmond,
North Yorkshire - the Highest
Pub in the UK.
At 1732 feet above sea level
Tan Hill Inn is the Highest
Pub in Great Britain and was
made famous in the 1970s by
an advert for Everest Double
Glazing featuring Ted Moult
and his feather.
The feather and a photo of
Ted Moult are still to this day
next to the window featured
in the advert.
Starting at Ollerton in
Nottinghamshire there
were three meeting points
on the run with the last
being the services at Scotch
Corner where over 50 Mini
enthusiasts enjoyed the
complimentary tea coffee &
cakes provided by the club.
After the much-needed
refreshment stop the convoy
snaked its way along the
narrow deserted twisty roads
(great fun in a Mini) towards
Tan Hill with Mick Yates the
event organiser leading the
way.
As the Minis got closer it
became obvious how high
the Pub was as there was
an ever-increasing amount
of snow on the surrounding
hills, but fortunately the roads
were clear.
All the cars arrived safely
at Tan Hill for lunch and
most people headed for the
sanctuary of the pub but a
few of the group were straight
under the bonnet of their
Minis to carry out the usual
minor running repairs that go
hand in hand with owning a
classic.
After the food, there was
a few awards and a free
DATE
February 20,
2011
LOCATION
Yorkshire
LENGTH
100 miles
WEBSITE
www.facebook.com/
home.php?sk=group_
162202223817852
WoRDs Mick yates photos Robin hood Mini club & stuart Watson
M|0| r00
1732ft asl Run to
tan hill inn
UK
Driving to the
highest pub in the
UK is thirsty work
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
JJ
raffle for prizes donated by Tracy
the landlady at Tan Hill. Doug Cardy
won a Tan Hill t-shirt and Amy
Hibbert won a baseball cap. The
Akram family won the award for the
furthest travelled Mini, travelling from
Blackpool in a lovely convertible with
a cool “WOW” numberplate.
12-year-old Sam Sleeman was
awarded a certificate from Alan
Tideswell, the founder member of the
club, for being the 100th member to
join the Robin Hood Mini Club.
A well-deserved drink for
the drivers and rest for
the Minis.
this family travelled all
the way from Blackpool,
so they must be used
to the cold.
Amy hibbert wins a
baseball cap in the raffle.
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
J4
W
ow, what a brilliant show,
as most of the cars (and
bikes) on show were from
the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s I felt
young again! I grew up admiring
these cars.
The cars on show were all
immaculately turned out and had
people in attendance who loved their
cars and more importantly, loved to
talk about them. The Mini Cooper
Register stand (pictured) was
however a bit of a disappointment
after last year’s show with just TWO
Mini Cooper Ss on display. Not sure
if any new members were signed up
but at least they were there!
The Monte Carlo Rally stand had
Rauno Altonean/Henry Liddon’s
Morris Cooper `S’ ORX 7F, (1968
Monte Number 18) Class Winner
and third overall, on show, I have
not seen that car around for a long
time, the chairman will probably
inform me of where it is kept!
The SU stand was a real treat,
they had genuine spares on sale
for H2s H4s HS2s HS4s, and even
earlier carburettors, all displayed in
a 60s period style. Swiftune had a
great stand with all the “nice” bits
on show, with Nick Swift on hand
for any advice.
Of course the highlight for me
was the live rally stage; this was
run on both Saturday and Sunday,
once in the morning and once in the
afternoon. Very wet and slippery,
lots of spins but no real damage.
Star drivers that were in action
included Will Sparrow (my hero
of Motoring News rallying days),
Russell Brookes and Jimmy McRae.
Unfortunately no Minis were driven
round the stage. The stage itself
was more like one of the Mickey
Mouse stages of the 70s RAC rally. I
had a press pass and was fortunate
enough to stand next to the track!
It would be great, for next year, if
the Register could persuade one of
the members to drive a Historic S
around - just to hear the straight
cut gears whining away would be
awesome. Maybe BFX 404B or L333
EJB could be persuaded!
A great show, well worth the visit
and I will certainly go again.
All things historically race-
like to make you misty-eyed.
Race Retro
DATE
February 25-27,
2011
LOCATION
Stoneleigh Park,
Warks, UK
WEBSITE
www.raceretro.
com
UK
500wt|me
WoRDs AnD photos David young
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J5
C
elebrations on the
Sunshine Coast followed
our familiar pattern for
Australia Day 2011. An
early start for the BBQ Breakfast at
Russell and Sally’s on Buderim Hill
saw another beautiful day with only
a few clouds in the sky and plenty
of blue – a welcome sight after the
recent wet weather we had all been
experiencing.
Russell and Sally, with assistance
from Deb n Ayre, have the sausages
and bacon sizzling when we roll up
with plenty of juice, coffee and tea
ready to go. The rest of the gang
roll in and enjoy a hearty breakfast
before it’s time to head up the hill
to marshal up for the parade.
The parade is again the shortened
version trialled last year and we
marshal up in the car park of the
Buderim Tavern. Here we have an
opportunity to have a relaxed chat
after decorating the cars and a look
at the other groups that are also
marshalling up in our area.
Lead car for this year is ‘King
James’ a 1959 Morris Minor that
has been imported from New
Zealand and restored by Russell for
his owner Janeta Grady. Once again
the reception that the group gets
from the spectators is tremendous.
Mums and dads have the special
smile that makes you wonder just
what the sight of our special little
car has reminded them of. The kids
(no matter what their age) seem to
all recognise the Mini – especially
Mr Bean – and Morris the Labrador
(riding in Russell’s Moke) seems to
be enjoying the attention as much
as the crowd enjoy seeing him in
the Moke.
Food, glorious food
Unfortunately the recent rains
mean that the fete that is usually
held in the school grounds has had
to be cancelled and we therefore
head back to Russell and Sally’s
for morning tea. Upon our arrival
we are pleased to see that Tom has
finished the dishes and has the
makings for cuppas all ready for
us. The girls have once again been
active in the kitchen and there is a
plentiful supply of slices and such
for our morning tea. (I think there
was some fruity stuff too).
Around 11-ish we organise the
group photo and thank our hosts
and then head off for the next part
of our day. This year we head out
to Kenilworth where the local pub
is hosting a car show. Is there
a better way to get free parking
close to the dinner venue in a busy
tourist town? Upon
our arrival (after a
spirited drive down Tom’s favourite
Mini road) we are ushered into our
reserved parking and have a look at
the other cars before heading to our
reserved table to organise lunch. It
is a busy day but the food is out in
short time and well worth the wait.
With lunch out of the way some
of us take a walk and end up at the
cheese factory where we partake of
an ice-Cream (only ordered a small
one as they are plenty BIG enough).
The others stay at the pub and
have another chat. Upon our return
we are entertained by the V8 boys
leaving, mostly loudly and often
with tyre smoke following them
(voted by the Auricht boys as the
VERY BEST part of the day).
Our group leaves in dribs and
drabs – our Brisbane visitors head
home up over the range through
Montville whilst the Sunshine Coast
group head back the way we came.
Once again a great day out and
about in our favourite little car.
A great day made possible by the
generosity of Russell and Sally and
the assistance of lots of folk but
in particular Deb n Ayre and Tom.
Thanks to all and Happy Australia
Day.
Despite recent floods, Aussies
still find time for a barbie
Australia Day
WoRDs & photos
John and Lynne
Kornbrekke
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J6
H
aving had such a great time at last
year’s show I decided to attend on the
Friday Trade day. It was less crowded
with room to move and time to study the cars
on show.
The displays were, as usual, full of young
ladies who were not wearing much in the
way of clothing! If that is your scene then you
would have been delighted. I went for the cars.
McLaren had a superb display as did
Porsche. Ginetta had their new cars on show
as well as the G40s and G50s, (and some near
naked girls).
From a Mini-lover’s point of view there was
not much of interest. Though at 10.30 Dave
Richards of ProDrive was on the stage talking
about the new MINI 4WD ‘Works’ Countryman
and how well they are selling. Apparently
they were showing the car ‘down the road’
to journalists so they did not have one for
the show! Dave Richards was sounding very
positive and was looking forward to having a
competitive MINI available to the public.
Forge Motorsport were also showing their
version of the Countryman. It looked well put
together and fit for the road, but I am certainly
no expert, so we will have to wait and see how
successful it becomes.
From a racing point of view there was a
Super Mighty Mini of Paul Chater on show,
looking great and sure to please classic
Mini owners. I bumped into Mr & Mrs Peter
Baldwin walking around the show but alas
there were no Miglias or Se7ens to be seen.
There was one R53 Cooper S on show from
1320 Mini, used on the time attack series. I
traders and punters take in the latest
offerings from the motorsport world.
Autosport international
WoRDs AnD photos David young
DATE
January 15-16,
2011
LOCATION
Birmingham
NEC, UK
WEBSITE
www.autosport-
international.com
UK
500wt|me
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J7
was disappointed that Dunlop did not appear
at the show, letting down both the BTCC and
the MINI Challenge series, a surprise since
last year they had a great stand and regular
speakers along with Colin Turkington’s WSR
BMW and the new MINI Challenge R56 car.
What was great is that I met up with loads
of people who I had photographed during the
year; I even bumped into Mr Clayson while
listening to Dave Richards.
I will probably go again next year as this
show does mark the start of the racing year.
But I will not lose any sleep if I can’t make it!
Welsh winter run in
the snow and sun.
snowdon Jaunt
WoRDs ger Roberts
photos snowdon Minis
S
nowdon Minis’ Geoff Owen
had some withdrawal symtoms
from the summer Mini events
and runs so in November we set
off following him along with F.A.B.
Minis’ Neil, Reuben and Wes.
Starting from Porthmadog we
used the B-road up to Beddgelert
to Pen-y-Pass for a photoshoot
with Snowdon in the background.
The roads were well gritted over
the past few days so no risk was
involved. From there we
drove along the Conway
Valley to Llandudno.
It’s such a great
pleasure to drive the
roads we have on our
doorstep in all weathers
and if anybody fancies a
tour please join us on the
Snowdon Minis Tour of
Wales in August 2011.
www.snowdonminis.co.uk
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J8
M
y first Mini adventure
of 2011 started a few
months ago when
my club, London and Surrey
MOC, were asking for people
to take part in the parade that
happens in central London on
New Year’s Day. Having lived
in North West London my
whole life and never having
visited the parade I thought
‘why not?’.
So as the last day of 2010
rolled around the van had
decided to behave itself and
actually work for a change so
I set about getting it ready for
its parade debut.
When I got it home I set
about making the van look
festive. The theme for this
year was silver, as the parade
was celebrating it’s 25th year.
By this time it was dark, more
than a little cold and I was
rapidly running out of time.
I was due out with friends
that night to
celebrate the
changing of the
years.
Getting the
van ready
is much like
getting myself
ready for a
night out, so I
gave the van a
wash and set
about putting
a few sparkly
snowflake
stickers all over the outside.
I then loaded all the balloons
and other silver decorations
I’d purchased earlier that day
and put the van to bed with
its cover on, now I just had to
get myself ready for that night.
Given the time that I had
to get up on New Year’s Day
and like most people I’m very
grumpy when suffering with
a hangover, I decided not to
drink and be my friends’ taxi
for the night.
The night was going well,
my group were getting
drunker and being sober
I was going to be able to
remind them what they got
up to, which would cause me
no end of amusement in the
days to come. Midnight came
and went and we carried on
partying ’til about 2am. We
made it home about 3am via
DATE
January 1, 2011
LOCATION
London, UK
LENGTH
3 miles
WEBSITE
www.
londonparade.
co.uk
WoRDs AnD photos Mel toombs
M|0| r00
new year’s Day
London parade
UK
starting the new year as
you mean to go on...
terry and his bad
weather shorty.
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J9
the local kebab shop, by 3.30am I’d made my excuses
and gone to bed. The alarm was set for 7.30am, who
says you need eight hours sleep?!
As I dragged myself out of bed a few hours later I
thought to myself ‘why oh why did I volunteer myself
for this?’. We were meeting somewhere south of the
Thames on the Old Kent Road at about 10am so I was
on my way by about 8.30 and had to stop about 300
yards later as the ice had reformed on the inside of the
windscreen as well as the outside this time.
On my way again I was soon travelling through
central London with next to no traffic. The sensible
people were still tucked up in nice warm beds sleeping
through the early stages of their hangovers.
I love to drive my little van through
London when the roads are empty
as it takes it back to its heyday when
many of the well-known shops used
them for deliveries and things.
Bad weather omen
For once I made it to the meeting
point early, so early that I was the
first one there. As I sat and waited
for the others to arrive I started
to think about the day ahead. I
was hoping for dry weather so
that it was a good day for both
the spectators and participants.
That hope was shattered when
an orange Mini pulled up beside
me. It was Terry with his gorgeous
Clubman shorty that many of you would of seen at
shows with the Palmer Brothers Minis. As much as
I love this car I hate to see it at a show or run as it
almost always guarantees that it will rain.
Breakfast was consumed and once everyone had
arrived we set off for the start point of the parade.
We arrived at Hyde Park Corner around 11am and we
parked up ready for the start of the parade at 11.45am.
I set about attaching the rest of the silver
decorations I’d brought with me - tinsel and
huge foil 25 balloons. With that all done it
was time to sit and wait. It then started to
rain, this I blame entirely on Terry, hahaha!
As midday and 1pm came we still hadn’t
moved, it was only a three-mile route and
I’m sure I could have walked it by now. Not
knowing how much longer we had to wait
and the fact that I was freezing and really
starting to feel the lack of sleep from the
night before I decided to have a little sleep in
the van.
Next thing I know its 2.30pm and we are
finally about to move, the Jags and Lotus
Elise’s were ahead of us and we only had the
Honda Gold Wing Owners’ Club behind us so
they had saved the best for almost last.
As we drove past the Ritz and the wrong way down
Haymarket we made as much noise as the little Minis
could. There were thousands of people lining the route
and in amongst it all I saw some of my friends’ parents,
I briefly stopped to say hi and then we were off again.
I wasn’t sure how my van would handle sitting in
the stop-start queue as I’d only finished building her in
May 2010 and she hadn’t really been tested like this too
much.
But as we made our way past Trafalgar Square and
down Whitehall, Big Ben came in to sight and I knew
we were nearing the end. The rain was still falling, the
crowds were still huge, but the little van was doing
brilliantly.
As we passed the cameras and
dignitaries we came out in to Parliament
Square and it was all over. We were
handed a medal commemorating that
fact that we had taken part in the
biggest event in London on New Year’s
Day so all that was left for me to do was
head home and put the van to bed.
It was a very long day but despite the
good old British weather trying to ruin it,
I had a truly wonderful Mini adventure to
start my year!
terry and his bad
weather shorty.
the crowds were out in
force despite the weather.
Approaching
trafalgar square.
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40
WoRDs AnD photos
Ruth Williams
checking out the newest Mini
specialist in naples, Florida
Mintech grand opening
D
uring the afternoon and
on into the evening of
December 11, Mini Cooper
flags flew proudly in front of the
large white party tent backing
Taylor Road, 300 yards North
of Pine Ridge signaling the
location of MinTech, Naples
only independent exclusive Mini
Cooper repair, maintenance and
modification facility.
MinTech, in celebrating its
grand opening, pulled off more
than a party - it hosted a Mini car
show. Despite the cool weather 70
Minis parading onto MinTech’s
grounds.
Each Mini demonstrated its
individuality from the newer
MINIs to some classics, including
a 1973 Austin Mini 1000 owned
by Lee and Jean Dunlop named
Molly, and the highly modified
hand-built cars by Ireson
Motorsports of Fort Myers. Paul
Ireson, of Ireson Motorsports
displayed
his two
show
Minis - a VTEC Mini and a twin-
engined Mini which has 1100bhp
in a 1800lb car. The impressive
audio and video systems installed
in these cars were provided by JL
and installed by Craig Rehard of
Audio Connection.
Alan Williams, MinTech’s
owner/operator and his wife Ruth
hosted the event. Alan’s abilities
to assist his clients, comes from
over 30 years of automotive
experience and shop ownership.
Many of his current clients enjoy
talking with him about the many
variations of the Mini.
Keith Nickols, MinTech’s lead
technician, a factory trained MINI
Specialist, opened the shop doors
for tours and answered questions
about the MINI, literally from
the bottom up, as a car was on
50c|a| ||fe
MINTECH
5567 Taylor Road #1
Naples
FL 34109-1897
239-431-7088
[email protected]
www.mintechnaples.com
yum!
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
4l
display on one of the two service lifts. Many
clients had never seen the underside of a Mini
before. In true MINI fashion the under carriage
is as meticulously designed as the rest of the
vehicle.
Party time
The festivities continued throughout the
evening with libations, great food and give-
aways. Southern fair of pulled pork, chicken
black-eyed peas, local greens, corn bread and
peach cobbler headlined the food table. Naples
local restaurants; Fernandez the Bull, Food &
Thought, and Sunburst Café furnished this
fine fair in abundance; the balance of which
was received by St. Matthew’s House after the
event. Theresa and Jerome Tocio the owner/
operators of Sunburst Café and long time
friends of Ruth and Alan, provided serving
support alongside Mintech’s staff.
As raffle tickets were distributed by Ruth,
she posed the question, or “pick up line” as Ruth was
calling it; “Would you like to jump out of an airplane?”.
One of the evening’s ‘great prizes’ coined in the party
invitation was a free tandem skydive sponsored by
Skydive Southwest Florida. When ticket number 328
was called out, jubilation rang from the crowd as
Michelle Augustyn; 27 year old 2010 Mini owner/lover
elatedly expressed her bliss over the gift. She calmed
down just long enough to proclaim “I’m so excited
I have to call my husband and let him know”. That
was the first prize raffled off which notched up the
level of the groups’ enthusiasm. The Louis’s owners of
the 2008 Mini Cooper S called “Sifter” won two give-
aways in a row which met competitive groans from
the crowd. People sent out chants when numbers were
called “higher, higher
or lower, lower”
depending what
number they held.
The
majority of the winning tickets were drawn by seven-
year-old Daniela Garcia and her 12 year old sister
Carolyne. The local Naples girls attended the party
with their father a 2006 Mini owner Tom. Less-is-more
didn’t apply to the give-aways raffled off, as there
were plenty to go around. The Grand Prize of FREE Oil
Changes for the life of your Mini - MinTech’s Client
Rewards Program - was won by Sasha Solomon and
her 2006 Mini Cooper S.
As a Mini generally takes on
the character of its motorer, so
did MinTech’s grand opening
take on the persona of its
clients and their Minis. Over
150 residents came together
with one common interest.
The majority of people did
not know each other prior
to the event but this did not
deter the lively conversations.
As the event ended people
were saying, “We had such a
good time and met the nicest
people”. It was not hard to
see that everyone enjoyed this
blow-out, roll-out event.
checking out the Mini
from all angles.
Extreme machine from
paul ireson.
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42
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photos X-Raid/Dakar
Dakar Rally
Raid 2011
The MINI Countryman gets
its first real test with a foray
through South America.
M0t0rs00rt
Rally:Circuit:Hillclimb:Autograss:Sprint
T
he Dakar Rally is steeped in
history and has a fascinating
story to tell. It all started back
in 1977 when Frenchman Thierry
Sabine lost on in the Libyan desert
during the Abidjan to Nice Rally.
So overwhelemed was he by the
challenging terrain and landscape that
he founded the Paris to Dakar Rally
which quickly found popularity and
now over 30 years later it is considered
one of the most gruelling rallies in the
world. This was the rally the MINI had
chosed to put its new Countryman,
and WRC representative, through its
paces.
German rally experts X-Raid
were tasked with getting the new
MINI Countryman up to scratch for
the enduring rally and set about
reinforcing the bodywork, adding a
rollcage, sumpguard and dumping in
a new 3-litre, 315bhp engine from the
BMW X3CC rally car. The final result
isn’t the prettiest of MINIs, but it sure
does look tough.
Experience driver Guerlain Chicherit
and co-driver Michel Périn were
brought on board to pilot the new
MINI and find and push its boundaries
to the limit.
This year’s rally was based in South
America, following the new formula of
moving the rally since terrorist attacks
in Mauritania forced the cancellation
in 2008. Starting in Buenos Aires in
Argentina, the rally would cut across
the country heading for northern Chile
before turning south and following the
coast and then cutting across country
again and over the border back in
to Argentina and finishing at Bueno
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4J
DRIVER PROFILE
Guerlain Chicherit
Date of birth: 20.05.1978
Place of birth: Paris, France
Place of residence: Tignes, France

Frenchman Guerlain Chicherit has
been driving for the BMW X-raid
team since Dakar 2006. In 2009,
the former Extreme Skiing World
Champion won the FIA Cross
Country Rally World Cup for the
first time and this marked the third
victory of its kind for the X-raid
team. Chicherit won the Abu Dhabi
Desert Challenge and Transiberico
rallies and was ninth in the 2009
Dakar Rally and fifth in 2010.
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
This was Glenn
Seaton’s reward
for Car of the
Day.
Surfers paradise?
Or just paradise?
STAGE PLACE TIME BEHIND 1ST
1 74th 03:16:17 00:57:45
2 7th 03:22:37 00:11:49
3 9th 03:55:46 00:13:26
4 7th 02:01:47 00:04:38
5 12th 05:26:12 02:26:12
6 7th 05:22:27 00:28:34
Aires again.
Stage 1’s excursion to
Cordoba didn’t get off to the
best of starts for the MINI
ALL4 team as fears over the
cooling system proved right
and the team lost almost an
hour on the lead car. With
57.45mins to make up after
stage 1, it didn’t look good as
the team sat in 74th place, but
there was still a lot of rallying
to do.
The journey from Cordoba
to San Miguel de Tucuman
was much more productive
in stage 2. With the niggling
problems supposedly sorted
Chicherit set about making up
for lost time and stormed past
the crowd to finish the stage
in 7th, 11 minutes behind the
leader.
As the team got to know
the characteristics of the
Countryman and Chicherit
got into the swing of the car,
they started to produce more
consistent results on stage 3
and 4. Stage 3’s effort to San
Salvador de Juju saw the team
come home in 9th, 13 minutes
off the leader. While on stage
4 to Calama the team placed
7th, 4.38minutes behind.
Outta luck
The previous efforts to make
up for lost time from stage 1
were hampered again on stage
5 to Iquique, when 137km in
the Countryman got stuck in
a rut which ate into the stage
time. Fellow X-Raid team-
mate, Leal Dos Santos, helped
pull the MINI out, but by the
end of the route the team were
10th and 52 minutes behind
the leader.
The final stage before a day
off saw the teams heading to
Arica. In a non-eventful run,
the MINI team finished the
stage 7th, 28 minutes behind
the leader and 9th overall,
2.45:25secs behind the leader
at the halfway stage of the
rally.
With a much needed rest
day in the offing, the team
were able to analyse the
performance and look at any
niggles the Countryman may
have developed. However,
as the team were looking
to prepare for the second
half of the rally, disaster
struck. Whilst out testing
the car Chicherit and chief
mechanic Frank Tröbs, the
MINI was flipped into the
air rolling three times and
destroying the bodywork. Both
occupants were safe, but team
director Sven Quandt took
the immediate decision not to
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
44
rebuild the car overnight and
Chicherit and the new Mini
All4 Racing were withdrawn
from the event.
“If this had happened during
the race then it would have
been more acceptable,”
said a bitterly disappointed
team director Sven Quandt.
“But this accident happened
on a roll-out test after the
car had just been completely
rebuilt. Everything was fine.
Guerlain had just confirmed
this to the mechanic who was
in the car. Guerlain decided
he wanted to do another
25km, which is normally not
necessary and then he came
over a crest and we know
what happened next.
“There was a clear
understanding between
Guerlain and us that the car
has to go to Buenos Aires, no
matter what the position. Even
if it was slow, I did not care.
He knew that and we had a
meeting again in Arica about
this.
“The car is very strong. There
is nothing integral on the body
that is damaged, but this is a
disappointing setback for what is
a very exciting project. We knew
the car was fast and reliable.”
So the first foray into
motorsport for the Countryman
may not have been as exciting
as it could have been, but the
company will now have a better
understanding of how the car
handles and responds under
pressure and this will have
been an invaluable lesson for
the whole MINI motorsport
department.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
MINI All4 Racing
Max power output 315 bhp
Torque approx. 700Nm
Displacement 3,000cc
Length/width/height (mm) 4377/1994/1996
Fuel capacity approx 420 litres
M0t0rs00rt
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45
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
MINI All4 Racing
Max power output 315 bhp
Torque approx. 700Nm
Displacement 3,000cc
Length/width/height (mm) 4377/1994/1996
Fuel capacity approx 420 litres
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
46
T
he first round of the
2011 HRCR Mini Cup
supported by Astran
Cargo Services Ltd, took
place as part of the Rallye
Sunseeker on the 26th
February in the forests around
Ringwood and Wareham.
The championship is for all
categories of Minis up to the
end of 1981 and is in its third
year following the launch in
2009 to celebrate the Mini’s
50th anniversary.
Currently there are 11
drivers registered, eight of
whom entered the Sunseeker.
Last year’s champion driver,
Clive King, was back to
defend his title in his 1965
Cooper S, however not on this
occasion with his regular
co-driver Bob Ward. Another
very experienced co-driver,
‘Polly’ took the LH seat – for
those that don’t know this
is a ‘he’ and the name on
his competition licence is
definitely ‘Polly’ (another
story).
Last year’s winners of the
Sunseeker Historique, Eric
Davis/Russell Joseph, were
seeded at 1 in their 1970 1275
GT with King/Polly at 2. John
Brooks/Phil Harvey, last year’s
HRCR Challenge winners were
at 3. Andrew O’ Hanlon with
new co-driver Debby Myers
was returning to the series
with a new car following a
serious accident on last year’s
Welsh Rally which resulted
in the car being written off.
However it is a testament to
the safety features the vehicles
and crews must have that
both driver and co-driver only
suffered severe bruising. They
were running at 4 and at 5
was Gordon Cameron/Sheila
Grimshaw, also in a Cooper
S, our oldest competing crew
with the total age of car and
crew over 200 years between
them. Next up was son and
father team of Jason/Hugh
ROUND 1
HRCR Mini Cup:
Rallye
Sunseeker
Historique
New rally season gets underway with champ Clive King battling
against last year’s stage winner Eric Davis for a perfect start.
M0t0rs00rt
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
47
RACE RESULTS
1 King/Polly
2 Davis/Joseph
3 Thompson/
Thompson
4 O Hanlon/Myers
5 Cameron/
Grimshaw
6 Dutson/Fellows
7 Lock/Davis
Thompson in a 1973 Cooper
hoping to have a better season
than last when niggling
mechanical problems ruined
most of their events. Seeded
at 7 was Alison Lock in her
1967 Cooper with a very late
change of co-driver with Eric
Davis’s son Matthew standing
in just the day before.
Rounding off the entry was
another 1275 GT, that of Nigel
Dutson also with a new co-
driver in Keith Fellows.
Ready, set, go!
The ceremonial start on the
harbour side at Poole on the
Friday evening saw all the
Minis lined together with
other historic crews and a
field of around 50 modern day
rally
vehicles, many from the
British Rally Championship.
Fame at last with some of
our crews being asked to
sign autographs and there
was much reminiscing with
members of the public, all
who seemed to have owned a
Mini at one time or another.
It was here we had the first
drama of the weekend when
the Lock/Davis car would not
tickover and there was much
pushing to get the car through
the start arch. Luckily their
mechanic found the problem
with the points and by the
start on Saturday the engine
was running sweetly.
The event was run over
eight stages, making a total
competitive mileage of the
stage 42 miles. Overnight
rain left the tracks very
slippery and a there was a fair
amount of standing water. Not
deterred by this King/Polly
set off at a pace taking nine
seconds out of Davis/Joseph
on the first 3-mile stage,
with the Thompsons just a
further two seconds adrift.
Next up were Brooks/Harvey,
O’Hanlon/Myers, Cameron/
Grimshaw, Dutson/Fellows and
Lock/Davis. This was virtually
the order at first service after
the first four stages, except
a scenic excursion on stage
three for Davis/Joseph allowed
the Thompsons to move into
second place, but only by
five seconds. Brooks/Harvey
also had an off on stage
three which caused them to
drop around four minutes in
getting going again. However
the second loop of three
stages saw the demise of
Brooks/Harvey who damaged
the clutch in extraditing
themselves on stage four. It
finally giving out on stage
five.
King/Polly stayed trouble
free and continued to
dominate. Davis/Joseph
stepped up the pace and
moved back in to second
overall by the second service
before the seven surviving
crews set out for the final
stage at the main spectator
venue at Somerly Park.
Unfortunately this stage had
been previously used in the
first loop and had cut up very
badly having had the complete
60-car entry through it, so
discretion being the better
part of valour most of the
crews settled for a safe run
through. However, this was
not without a last minute
scare for Lock/Davis when
they became bogged down in
the mud a 100 yards from the
finish, but willing spectators
helped them out and they
recorded a finish. Seven of
the eight starting recorded a
finish.
A good start to the season
with already increased
registrations this year.
The next round is at Down
Ampney for Cheltenham Motor
Club’s ‘Get it Sideways Stages’
on April 9.
W
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To follow the championship visit www.hrcr.co.uk and click on the Historic Stage Rally Challenge
M0t0rs00rt
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48
Oulton Park
WoRDs & photos
James Beckett
ROUND 1
Swift leads the
pack as Moreno
makes debut
Familiar names as the new season begins.
To follow the championship visit www.themastersseries.com
F
ormer Grand Prix racer,
Roberto Moreno, made
his Masters Historic
Racing debut at the wheel of
a Mini - what else, at the
organisation’s opening
meeting of the 2011
season at Oulton Park
on March 12th.
Tempted into
the car by the
Masters Top
Hat Event
Manager, James
Beckett, after a
chance meeting at a track
day at Goodwood, Moreno took-up
the challenge of driving a Mini,
and didn’t disappoint.
Getting to grips
with the car during
race qualifying, Moreno
quickly set the fastest time of any
Mini competitor driving the car
belonging to Masters boss, Ron
Maydon.
Moreno’s previous race start
prior to Oulton had been the
2008 Indy 500, and so the Pre
‘66 Touring Car Race start
proved no problem for the hugely-
experienced Brazilian who quickly
found his way to the front of the
Mini class and hot
on the
heels of the V8-powered
Mustangs. Sadly though, Moreno’s
dream debut did not last as a
missed gear resulted in Maydon’s
M0t0rs00rt
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49
WoRDs & photos
James Beckett
POS NUM NAME
CAR
TIME
PTS
1
6
Henry Mann
Ford Cortina MkI 1:01:47.101
9
2
53
David Hall
Ford Cortina MkI +7.156
6
3
86
Dowd/Cooke
Ford Mustang
+12.484
9
4
76
Nick Swift
Morris Cooper S 1:02:36.860
9
5
67
Christian Devereux Austin Cooper S +18.419*
6
6
16
Glyn Swift
Morris Cooper S +44.440*
4
7
58
Earnshaw/Earnshaw Austin Cooper S +1 lap
3
8
47
Scragg/Bussell
Jaguar MkII
+1 lap
4
13
72
Harrison/Jardine
Austin Cooper S +5 laps
2
* behind leading Mini
R
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LT
S
car retiring to the pits with a
bent valve.
With Moreno and Maydon out of
the equation, the battle for the Mini
class became a battle between Nick
Swift and Christian Devereux.
The two battled closely as
the forty-five minute race
progressed, but at the fall of
the flag it was Swift who
held the
advantage.
Devereux kept him
honest by chasing to the flag,
with Glyn Swift third. Mark and
Russell Earnshaw were the fourth-
placed Mini home, the only other
little car to reach the end of the
race.
At the head of the field victory
went the way of Henry Mann,
his debut victory, at the
wheel of his father’s
Lotus Cortina.
View the full
MOTORSPORT
CALENDAR
The race,
including
stunning
onboard footage from
Mini Coopers, can be
seen on Motors TV on
Friday April 8 at 6.55pm.
WATCH IT
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50
S
o what is hillclimbing
and sprinting?
Hillclimbing and
sprinting are basically the
same discipline and are
referred to as speed events.
And let’s clear one thing up,
hillclimbing is NOT driving
a car up a muddy hill, that is
Trials. Speed events are timed
laps of a circuit or a run up a
hill. It is about the oldest form
of motorsport and originated
from toffs racing their cars
up their driveways, well
something like that anyway.
Cars are run one at a time
so it is very safe, with only
yourself to blame for an
accident. Events are all run
on solid surfaces, tarmac
or concrete, and involve a
standing start and a flying
finish. You will learn more
about the format of events
later in this article.
Speed events are a great
way into motorsport, but many
get hooked and never move
on. If you want to drive fast
in a competitive environment
and a friendly atmosphere
then this is what speed events
are all about. There is one
more thing worth mentioning
at this point and that is that
two drivers can drive one car
at any event. This is great
as it can halve a car budget
and even if your car is not
competitive in a class you will
always be racing someone
with the same equipment, so
no excuses.
So where do Minis
fit into speed events?
Well, Minis have been used in
speed events since they were
first built and are still a very
competitive proposition in
A quick guide to starting
hillclimbing and sprinting
Hillclimbing and sprints are an easy and cheap way to
start having more fun in your roadgoing Mini.
by Ben hamer
H
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& Sprint
several classes today. There are
some very fast full race Minis
out there still breaking national
records and equally there are
some near standard Minis out
there just having fun.
Whatever you have there is
almost certainly a class to suit
you and your car. Speed events
allow a large variety of cars to
compete, ranging from production
cars (with varying levels of
modifications) and all types of
kit cars through to single seaters
(which can range from Formula
Fords and motorbike-engined
types to £100,000+ 600bhp single
seaters). Few types of cars are
excluded from speed events,
WRC cars and karts are some
that spring to mind. In a Mini
these days you will be competing
directly with cars like Novas,
Fiestas, some Japanese small
cars and even the Mini’s old rival
the Hillman imp.
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5l
M0t0rs00rt
Classes Minis
fall into
Minis fall into several classes
depending on what engine
you have. In general though
Minis will be in the up to
1400cc class, be that roadgoing
or non-roadgoing (modified
production).
Added to this are the classic
classes in which older minis
can also be eligible. Worth
noting is that there is a 1.4
multiplier for forced induction
engines. Therefore a 998cc
turbocharged or supercharged
engine can be used. However,
a 1275cc or higher capacity
engine that is turbo or
supercharged is not be
allowed. This is because the
Mini was never manufactured
with greater than a 1400cc
engine so can’t run in the
up to 2000cc class. This may
seem odd, but it is the rules so
you have to work within them.
Roadgoing Classes
If you want to use a roadgoing
car, be that your weekend
toy or everyday road car
- and many people do - then
you will need it to satisfy
a number of safety and
competition requirements,
these are as follows:
1. Have a sticker on the
ignition key or cut out
switch indicating which
way to turn it off
2. Have stickers indicating the
location of the extinguisher
What Car to Use
It is important to state at the
outset that the definitive guide to
rules and regulations are set out
in the Motorsports Association
(MSA) ‘Blue Book’. You will
receive a copy of this book
when you get your competition
licence. In addition, organisers
of championships and the events
publish their own supplementary
regulations, which must also be
followed before being able to
take to the track.
As a beginner with no racing
experience and a ‘B’ Class
licence (see later - how to get a
licence) you will be able to drive
all types of production and kit
cars. In a Mini you will only run
into problems if you have a non
A-Series engine or a spaceframe
car where you will be put into
sports libra where the eligibility
is more complicated.
For now we will assume that
we are all competing in original
Minis with A-Series engines!
1
4
5
get, or make, a sticker showing
which way to turn the engine off.
A number in the back
window is low cost
timing beam splitter
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52
meets the specific regulations.
The basic rules are below. This
is not an exhaustive list but the
ones I feel are most pertinent:
1. The engine, head and
gearbox must be externally
recognisable as the original
type of engine fitted to the car.
2. The interior fittings must
remain. This means all seats,
doorcards, dashboard, etc.
Worth mentioning here is that
the seat can be changed for
more racy type seats for safety
reasons, but the number of
seats must remain as original.
3. Induction is free, i.e.
carburettor, injection, forced
induction, etc.
4. Suspension must be of
the same type as original,
upgrading parts is fine.
Basically so long as the top
and bottom arms, at the front,
are mounted to the same parts
of the subframe then you are
free to change things. Rubber
springs can be changed to coil
springs or coilovers could be
fitted, etc. The rear must remain
of a radius arm type.
5. Tyres are restricted by the
MSA list. These are referred
to as List 1A and 1B tyres.
Check that any tyres you buy
are eligible for the events/
championship you are entering.
Non-Roadgoing
Classes (Modified
Production)
If you want to properly modify a
car or build a non-roadgoing car
then the regulations do get a
lot more complicated. Again the
regulations are all in the ‘Blue
Book’. These are the basic rules:
1. The engine and gearbox
must be externally recognisable
as the original type of engine
fitted to the car. The head is
free and this is why you see lots
of 16v Minis at speed events
and this is another reason why
the BMW bike head is very
popular.
2. The interior can be
completely stripped.
3. A rollcage must be fitted to
the standards specified in the
‘Blue Book’.
4. No modification to the
unitary construction can be
made between the wheel hub
centres. In practice this means
that the front wings can be
removed in front of the front
wheel hub centres. This has
been a hot topic in the past so
before you get the angle grinder
out do some research.
5. Opening panels can be
replaced with other materials,
i.e. Fibreglass boot, bonnet and
doors.
6. Induction is free, i.e.
carburettor, injection, forced
induction, etc.
7. Suspension must be of the
same type as original. For
example you can fit coilovers
to the rear, but the suspension
must still be a type of radius
arm.
8. Tyres are free, slicks are
predominantly used.
Both the lists above are just
what I think are important.
Speaking to a competitor
and reading the Blue Book is
advised before you start your
build. Make sure that what
you are building fits into the
regulations. If you just build
something and then try and
compete in it you may find it is
not eligible. One thing that will
stop you competing is the noise
of your car. Every circuit had
different noise levels that your
car must be below and if your
car fails the noise test you will
not be allowed to run. To be
honest the noise limits are quite
generous and you should have
no issues in a Mini.
If you want to buy a
car already modified for
hillclimbing then you should
ensure that any non-roadgoing
car has an MSA logbook.
Logbooks are essential for
non-roadgoing competing
cars, although they are easy
to obtain, buying a car with
one gives some security that it
toggle (if fitted) and
tow points
3. Have a yellow
battery earth cable.
Yellow tape works
wonders here.
4. Have your race
number on the sides
of the car. Magnetic door
squares are available or
stick some numbers on a
white background in the
rear windows.
5. A timing splitter. The
measurements and
location of the splitter are
defined in the ‘Blue Book’.
6. Secure seats. Particularly
worth noting this one as
most standard seats fitted
to Minis are not great.
7. Two throttle return
springs.
8. A generally good-
condition car.
9. If you are entering a
roadgoing class then the
car must have a valid
MoT, road tax disc and
insurance.
Modifications are allowed
in roadgoing classes. These
are fully detailed, in cryptic
form, within the ‘Blue Book’.
M0t0rs00rt
2
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M0t0rs00rt
What happens
at an event?
The day is split up into several
parts; Signing on, Scrutineering,
Practice, Lunch and Timed Runs.
The day will start early with
signing on and scrutineering
typically starting around 7.30 or
8.00am. To sign on you need to
take yourself, your licence and
any club and championship ID
cards to the signing-on office.
Every event seems to have a
different method for how this
works, but all are generally
explained in the joining
instructions, failing that just look
for the queue.
Then it is time for scrutineering.
Scrutineering is nothing to be
scared of. Your car and personal
safety kit will need to be
inspected by an MSA scutineer to
make sure that they are suitable
and safe. Before your first event
it is worthwhile having your
car looked at by someone with
experience to make sure that it
is ready for competition. Respect
the scrutineers opinions it is
very, very rare that cars are not
allowed to compete and if you
do have a problem you will more
than likely be fighting off help
from fellow competitors rather
than having to look for it. After
scrutineering there maybe time
to walk the course. Walking the
course is encouraged for first timers,
however, you will find that even
the most seasoned competitors will
walk the course in the morning. It
gives you chance to see the layout
of the track and talk bollocks about
the lines you plan to take, inevitably
they will be nothing like the ones
you end up driving. At many events
there will be a drivers’ briefing.
All the drivers will be called to
a meeting where the clerk of the
course will explain how the day is
to be run and what is expected of
everybody. Make sure you attend
these, especially if you are a new
driver.
After all this excitement it is
finally time to get in the car and
do your practice runs. The first
cars will start at around 9.00am.
If you are in a roadgoing Mini you
will most likely be in the first few
classes so make sure you are ready
to run when you are called. You will
probably now join a queue down
to the start line. When it is your
turn you will need to drive to the
start line where the marshals will
line your beam splitter up with the
starting beam. Then you just have
to wait for the green light and off
you go. A point of note is that the
green light does not indicate that
the timing has started, merely that
the course is clear for you to go. You
can therefore take your time and
go when you are ready, don’t take
too long though marshals can get
impatient!
Each event is different, but a
typical single day event will involve
two practice runs and two timed
runs. The practice runs are just
that, a practice. Take time to learn
the course and the conditions. You
will be given a time for the practice
runs so you can compare times to
other competitors and see how you
are improving. These time will not
count at the end of the day. The
timed runs are what count so make
sure that they do.
“A typical single day event
will involve two practice runs
and two timed runs”
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54
ConClUsion
And that is about all you need to know. I
highly recommend going along to spectate at
a local event. It is the best way to see what
the sport is all about. You will find competitors
very helpful and happy to talk about their cars
and the sport. There is an interactive map
on the HSA website that shows where all the
major speed events are located with links to
organising club websites.
personal safety
eqUipMent
The minimum you require
is a suitable fireproof helmet
some fireproof overalls and
gloves. Additionally you can
buy fireproof underwear,
balaclavas and racing boots;
these are not necessary but
it’s all added safety.
Safety equipment has to
comply with specific BS
standards. These are listed
in the ‘Blue Book’ but anyone
selling such equipment should
be able to help you out.
M0t0rs00rt
GettinG a
raCinG liCenCe
...and a Copy of the
Competitors’ Yearbook (Blue
Book)
All UK race licences are
issued by the Motorsports
Association (MSA). As a
beginner you will need a
“non-race National B” licence.
In most instances you will not
require a medical, just your
doctor’s name and address
and then a passport photo of
yourself. The license lasts for
one year from January 1 to
December 31.
Every licence is issued with
a copy of the Competitors’
Yearbook, more commonly
referred to as the ‘Blue Book’.
Once you start competing,
you can work towards getting
your licence upgraded by
getting it signed at events to
say that you competed in a
safe and satisfactory manner.
Further information
www.hillclimbandsprint.co.uk
www.gurstondown.org
www.bjautobits.co.uk/dews-speed-
series.htm
www.prescott-hillclimb.com
www.harewoodhill.com





Why do
i need to join
a Car ClUb and
Why the hsa is
ideal?
To gain entry to events you
will need to be ‘invited’.
This basically means
that events are only open
to members of clubs or
specific championship
competitors. Who is invited
to an event is listed in the
supplementary regulations
issued with entry forms
by the organising club.
Obviously not all events
are open to all clubs and
championships.
The HSA as a national
club is invited to many
speed events throughout
the year and throughout the
country. The Richard Egger
HSA Speed Championship
visits many of the best
hillclimb venues in the
country and is an ideal way
to get invited to enter such
events.
hoW MUCh?
Most entries are between £80 and £130. Then
you just have to think about getting to the
venue, petrol, tyres, etc. Some events are all
weekend, where you get to practice on the
Saturday and the timed runs on Sunday.
All venues have camping facilities so even
accommodation is cheap.
Membership to a club is in the region of £40
and a championship entry can be a similar
amount. A race license is also around £40. The
biggest cost to a beginner will be the race suit
and helmet. I would say you will need around
£200 to get the basic kit from a budget brand.
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
55
how did you first get into racing
and then racing with minis?
My family raced Motorcycles and
Sidecars for in the 80’s and 90’s once
I started to earn reasonable money I
brought my first Kart which was a used
works Tony Kart with a Black Face
Rotax engine. After 2.5 full seasons I
moved to Suffolk with work and started
a family. In 2007 my best friend Mark
Smith had been racing minis for several
years and invited me alone to watch.
I decided to rent a car from Rightline
Motorsport for the last round in 2008
at Rockingham. In 2009 I brought Gary
Shipton’s car and set about building a
competitive car for 2010.
what appeals to you about racing
minis over other cars?
The best car ever made, everybody
loves mini’s FACT! Everyone has a story
about a mini adventure FACT!
The best and closest motor racing after
bikes in my opinion.
what type of character are you in
the pit?
I’m a really tech head, I need to know
everything about everything. I never
stop thinking about how I can improve
my performance. My team mate Rob
Howard likes to be the loudest person
at all times.
It’s a strange environment because you
have say 4 drivers with egos looking for
an advantage. Even signing on in the
morning becomes a competition and
I’m not joking.
with who do you have racing
rivalries and why?
Obviously my Team Mate Rob Howard
we have an ongoing bet each race
where the loser buys the curry in the
evening, so fat Rob has lost every time.
describe your best driving
experience?
Pembrey 2010 great race see here on
youtube http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=jegsmkpPdhc
and you’re scariest driving
experience?
My accident at Snetterton in 2009
www.youtube.com/
watch?v=u8iwLfJF3B0
This wrecked my cars front end.
what is your dream car?
A McLaren F1 Road Car!
who is your hero and why?
Ayrton Senna simply the best in my
opinion. His passion and love for the
sport was always there to see. He raced
the pants off his cars every lap of every
race. When he deliberately hit the pit
wall in qualifying at the French GP to
get pole this showed he was made of
the right stuff!
who would you most like to race
against?
My Brother good old sibling rivalry.
Unfortunately Paul lost the use of an
arm after a massive motorbike crash
several years ago. Now he just tells
me what I’m doing wrong and how he
would have done better.
do you have any superstitions
or rituals you do before racing?
(lucky pants?)
I have noticed some drivers have a few
minutes time out before the race. I get
nervous myself but I focus on the final
parts of my race preparation. I always
go to the toilet a few minutes before
getting into the car, just in case.

what is your road car?
We have VW People Carriers at home;
having four children makes having an
exotic German/Italian toy unpractical.
But my wife has asked for another car
for the shops so I might change my
mind.
what tips do you have for others
wishing to try racing?
Don’t do it!!! Seriously come and watch
first. Visit the paddock meet the teams
and drivers. I don’t know a single
driver in the Mini 7 Club who wouldn’t
give you advice. I would also strongly
recommend joining the Mini 7 club it’s
only £18 a year online at www.mini7.
co.uk and take your first step into
motor racing.
Set a budget and keep to it. We all
want to go faster but you have to be
realistic with your money. Our club has
races throughout the field so everybody
has fun!
in The piT
mark Cowan
Name: Mark Cowan
Age: 41
Occupation: Company Director
Racing Team: “Coward
Racing” – Vickers Race
Engines
Sponsor: Remco Graffix
Limited
www.remco-graffix.com
Current racing series: Mini
Miglia Championship
Car number 99
Car details: Blue 1300cc
Best series position: currently
8th
Racing since: 1990 – 1994 then
restarted in late 2008
Racing history: Started racing
100 National Karts in the early
’90s for the London Karting
Club in Tilbury, Essex
W
hilst in the midst of battle during
last year’s Mighty Minis season,
Louise Inch, and father Paul,
called on the local BBC News crew to
boost her profile as the sought to take the
championship title. She also invited |0ve.
m|0| along for moral support.
25-year-old Louise only
started racing in 2008,
and we
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
56
M0t0rs00rt
|0ve.m|0| joined Louise Inch for
an interview with the BBC as
she battled to become champion
of the Mighty Minis.
Mighty Mini Champion 2010
have been avidly following her
progress over the seasons.
After getting a feel for racing in
2008, and learning her trade for
consistency with team-mate and 2009
Champion, Chris Morgan. Following
Chris’ success and promotion to the
Super Mightys, 2010 was her time to
shine. We joined her and dad, Paul
Inch, at Castle Combe for filming.
Paul Inch Engine Services Ltd
Unit 1
St John’s road
Cattedown
Plymouth
Devon
PL4 0PA
01752 255563
[email protected]
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
57
Getting set for filming
and Louise and her dad
had trailered up their pink racer from
Plymouth to Castle Combe circuit, which
had allowed for on-track filming during
the lunchbreak of its scheduled events.
After getting the off-track shots of
Louise getting in and driving off and
dad doing checks, we all jumped into
the parade car whilst Louise followed
us, enabling the cameraman to get some
tracking shots.
Retreating to the parapit Louise
completed two more laps so we could
film her crossing the line,
before an interview in the
pitlane.
Whether it was the boost in
confidence, the pink livery scheme or just
good old fashioned hard work, it paid off,
and Louise managed to keep her results
consistent and finish the series as leader
and champion. For Paul Inch Engine
Services, that is two years running they
have produced Championship-winning
cars. Here’s to 2011, all the best Louise.
WATCH THE FiNAL ViDEO
Louise was going full
pelt during filming so the
dangers were very real!
An unscripted on-camera
interview put the pressure
on like a tailgating rival.
sitting down in the back and bracing
myself to allow the cameraman to
film was a bit nervy!
smile!!
Mighty Minis info: www.mightyminis.co.uk
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58
I’m a pocket
rocketman
Classic Mini sized MINI the answer to our prayers?
It’s
been rumoured for
a while, but finally
MINI’s small MINI
concept has arrived - and in
what style!
The Rocketman concept
is a homage to everything
the classic Mini stands for
- maximum space in the
smallest size, and forward
thinking ideas, and it is packed
full of ideas.
Immediately the style of the
car stands out with its flecks of
carbon on display, but in actual
fact the whole car is created
on a carbonfibre spaceframe
making it ultralight. So
ultralight, that MINI is quoting
jaw-dropping economy figures
of 94mpg.
The pictures don’t do it
justice, but the Rocketman
is just 11-feet 3-inches long,
adding about 13 inches to the
classic’s famous length. In
today’s modern world of safety,
getting it down to this size
was a tough job, especially
when looking to keep MINI’s
famous front end and not have
CONCEPT
to resort to a squashed, raised
car like the Toyota iQ.
Further features include
double-hinged doors, either
side of the A-panel to make
access easier. The rear lights
aresomething special too, with
‘handles’ of light projecting
stop and indicator lights onto
the body of the car.
Look closely at the wheels
and you will see they are
trimmed with a carbonfibre
hubcap - this is another fuel-
saving mechanism, making the
wheels more aerodynamic.
At the rear the hatchback
boot is pivoted right in the
centre of the wholly glassy roof.
The boot also has a second
storage section in the shape of
a drawer that pulls out.
On top there is nod to the
British heritage of the Mini
with a union jack glass roof.
The design is actually created
using the car’s structural
beams along the horizontal and
FEATURES
at a glance
Carbon-fibre
space frame
double-hinged
doors
Unique
projected
rear lights
3+1 seating
Twin-opening
rear with
drawer
Aerodynamic
wheels
94mpg
onthePULSE
diagonal lines. Very smart.
Again like the classic Mini,
visibility all around is another
feature here. The classic was
lauded for its all-around visibility
and with hardly any obstructions
on the Rocketman (including the
glass roof), it’s going to be like
Our View
Wow. Where to begin. It looks
fantastic, but you’ve got to ask
how much of this would likely
make it onto a production model.
A full carbon-fibre spaceframe
for starters sounds droolworthy
enough, but what about the cost?
The rear lights are a bit silly,
but aside from that, what is there
not to like? You can get four in,
just, but let’s be honest, it’s not a
family car is it? Even the classic
Mini isn’t the family car it once
was - it’s a plaything, exactly like
this will be.
The all-round visibility and
glass element is also a top detail
for us. We like, a lot.
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59
I’m a pocket
rocketman
Classic Mini sized MINI the answer to our prayers?
driving a cabrio without
messing up your hair.
The real challenge for
the designers was inside
though. The classic seated
four, and the Rocketman
seats... four. Well, 3+1
according to the press
release. This means that if
the driver and passenger
push their seats all the
way forward, you can
get four in. The fourth
seat is a foldaway item in
‘backpack’, much like in
the iQ.
A redesigned movable
dashboard features a
removable control unit
which allows owners to
load sat-nav maps, music
and other digital content
to the car. Significantly, all
controls the centre console
are now located on the
steering wheel (except the
joystick) and a new digital
clock is situated in the
driver’s eyeline behind the
wheel.
the hatchback pivots from
the centre of the roof and a
drawer pulls out at the back.
the fourth seat will be in a backpack behind the
driver which unfolds. the front seats and dash
can move forward to give more space in the rear.
the wheels are fitted with
aerodynamic hubcaps to
get the maximum mpg.
the interior carries over
many familiar elements
while introducing new ones.
Double-hinged doors
make access easier.
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60
NaIAS premieres
MINI paceman
Seventh MINI family member confirmed.
Ah
yet another
exciting year
at the North
American International Auto
show, but what sets this year
apart from any other year is
we were introduced to the Mini
Paceman.
Although many of the
concept design features, such
as the gas tank leather tab,
aren’t likely to make their way
to production, it was a great
addition by the design crew to
really display Mini’s aesthetics.
Mini has a minimalism
approach to their design and
it’s something I always applaud
because it speaks of a niche
market that doesn’t require
flash to sell its products,
although you could always add
as much flash as you want.
As has been described
before, the Paceman is like a
three door Golf, of sorts, but
already looks to set itself apart
from that category with better
design and potentially better
power.
The Paceman concept sat
CONCEPT
beautifully on a turntable
displaying its mesmerizing
green colour and copper
accents all the way around.
Starting with the grille, the
lines just add a swoop design
that angles everything back,
over the hood and to a sloped
roof. Next to the driving lights
sit sleek intake nostrils for the
air system. The front fenders
have a wonderful splash of
brushed copper accents leading
to the five-spoke wheels that
have the inner rim painted
with the same copper accent.
During his launch speech,
Sales and Marketing Director,
Ian Robertson, said: “This
car captures the typical MINI
characteristics – unique
design, clever functionality and
signature driving fun – with a
new level of agility. It combines
an athletic, masculine
coupé appearance with the
dimensions of the MINI
Countryman. It has more of
onthePULSE
a horizontal orientation than the
MINI Countryman – which gives
it a very dynamic expression.”
And it doesn’t stop there, “And
with the 1.6-litre John Cooper
Works twin-scroll turbo engine
under the hood, there’s real power
in this car. As it’s based on the
Our View
It’s a smaller Countryman and
perhaps the future of the MINI
brand? We’re still undecided. It
moves further away from the small
car concept with its larger platform,
and it’s not as friendly or cute to
look at as Minis should be. Is it
going to appeal to women drivers?
We all know the love MINIs.
There’s no doubt the
functionality and technology will
be great, but we’re not so sure
about the blacked out windows
and limited visibility with the
slanted bodyline cutting out a lot
of vision. And the headlights are
too Countryman-like and should
be rounder.
WoRDs Andy yeomans
photos chris ordon
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6l
NaIAS premieres
MINI paceman
MINI Countryman, this car
can also have MINIALL4,
which is MINI’s all-
wheel drive.”
Just to top it off,
Robertson confirmed
that the Paceman will
make it into production
dubbing it the first
Crossover Coupé in
the premium small
car segment.
“I’m thrilled to tell
you now, for the very
first time, that there
will be a seventh
member of the MINI
family – and we will
base it on this concept!”
the paceman could
become the basis for
the next generation
of Minis.
the raked bodyline gives a more aggressive
look but also compromises visibilty.
WoRDs Andy yeomans
photos chris ordon
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62
Scooter
Surprise
The urban commute will never be the same again.
Ever
imagined
the day
when
scooters would be cool again?
Perhaps the day is sooner than
you think, after MINI showed
off its latest concept at the
Paris Motor Show, this October.
Three electric scooters have
been on show, with funky,
luxurious and retro looks.
An electric motor is
housed in the rear wheel
with a lithium-ion battery. A
retractable cable, like the ones
on vacuum cleaners, can be
plugged in to a conventional
socket to recharge it.
On the handlebars is the
familiar circular binnacle
which includes the on/off
switch. Cleverly the console
can also incorporate a
smartphone which can be
used for music, navigation or
telephone calls - and no doubt
much more once the apps
developers get cracking.
The style of the scooters
has all the hallmarks of the
MINI brand; from the funky
bold, contrasting colours, to
CONCEPT
the retro-styling, additional
spotlights, large MINI badge,
chrome and MINI-style
headlight - it’s unmistakably
MINI.
There are two different
versions (in three styles), the
two-seater and the solo-rider.
The single-seater has been
given a more luxious fitting
with a comfort-shaped seat
with leather upholstery and a
British Racing Green livery, in
a nod to its British heritage.
Both versions also make use
of another design feature, from
the Countryman. The inside
of the front of the scooter has
a centre rail running from the
handlebars to the heelboard.
This is just like the one in
the Countryman, meaning
accessories can be switched
between the two vehicles.
Funnily enough, Smart also
unveiled an electric scooter,
smartphone enabled concept at
the Paris Motor Show.
Our View
The idea surprised many,
including ourselves, after what is
such a clear deviation from what
the classic Mini was.
But looker harder at what the
Mini was, and what MINI is,
and you begin to see it is about
innovation, being cool and having
fun. No one can deny that is
what the classic Mini was. MINI
has taken that philosophy and is
basically applying it to various
markets.
Scooters, generally, are not
very cool - unless you have a
mod-style Lambretta or Vespa,
but look at these, they’re fresh,
funky, stylish, modern and killer
feature - eco-friendly electric,
(well, as far as the government
are concerned).
Who can’t imagine a city of
metropolitan urbanites in their
stylish gear and scarfves quitely
zooming around the streets.
As far as business goes, MINI
has hit this one right on the head.
smart’s idea
of an electric
scooter.
it looks a bit
sinclair 5-ish
to us.
onthePULSE
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6J
onthePULSE
Recharging the lithium-ion battery is easy with a retractable
power cable that fits domestic plug sockets
the contrasting colours and bold Mini-style
headlight and indicators make this scooter
unmistakably Mini.
the centre binnacle enables the rider to use their
smartphone to interact with the scooter. With the addition
of a bluetooth helmet, integration is complete.
you want us to sit
where? But it’s
just a one-seater
- you tease.
plug your
smartphone in.
British Racing green and a comfortable ‘worn
leather’ seat are reserved for the ‘sporty’ scooter.
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64
MINI returns to rallying 40 years on.
It’s been a
long 40-year absence from
the rally scene since the last
official Works Minis competed,
if you discount Rover’s aborted
attempt in the late 1990s that
is, but all of that is about to
change as MINI announced its
entry into the 2011 World Rally
Championship.
Using the new Countryman
model, which has been given
the ‘works’ by Banbury-based
rally experts ProDrive, the
team will enter a limited
number of events (6/13) in
2011 to get a feel for the
competition and make any
tweaks in preparation for a full
assault on the title in 2012.
British driver, Kris Meeke,
has been recruited to pilot
the official WRC MINI, while
ProDrive will also be making
rALLY
customer versions of the car
available for independent
teams to use if they are
interested.
Powering the championship-
chasing AWD car will be
the BMW-developed 1.6 litre,
four-cylinder Di turbocharged
engine, shifting through an
Xtrac 6-speed sequential
gearbox.
www.wrc.com
KRIS MEEKE
The man chosen to lead the
MINI into battle is British-born
Kris Meeke. Aged 31, he is the
2009 Intercontinental Rally
Challenge champion.
Meeke started as a designer
for rally-prep team M-Sport,
before trying his hand at
competitive driving in 2000.
Mentored by Colin McRae,
Meeke had a couple of seasons
in JWRC racing Corsas, and a
few races in the WRC, before
moving to Peugeot for full
seasons in the IRC for 2008-10.
Our View
Although there is criticism about the lack
of competition in the WRC at the moment,
we think it’s a positive step to get the MINI
back into official motorsport. And with the
experienced hands of ProDrive at the helm,
success should be a real possibility.
B
A
C
K
in
t
h
e
g
a
m
e
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65
onthePULSE
MINI WRC 2011
ENTRY DATES
5-8 May Rally Italy
28-31 July
Rally Finland
18-21 August
Rally Germany
8-11 September
Rally Australia
29 Sept-2 Oct
Rally France
20-23 October
Rally Spain
10-13 November
Rally GB
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66
Paris.
After studying
accountancy,
David Richards became a
professional rally co-driver,
finishing his competitive
career by winning the World
Rally Championship title
with Ari Vatanen (FI) in 1981.
Following the 1981 season, he
devoted his time to developing
his business interests, which
led to the formation of his own
rally team and the creation of
Prodrive in 1984.
In this interview, the
chairman and chief executive
of the Prodrive Group talks
about the development of
the MINI WRC and MINI’s
contribution to this process.
Mr Richards, what does
working together with MINI
mean to you?
David Richards: “I have
been involved in the World
Rally Championship for
more than 30 years, firstly
co-driving Ari Vatanen and
then subsequently managing
several teams. I can honestly
say that in all this time, I
have personally never been
so excited or seen so much
interest in a new entrant,
as we are seeing today
with MINI. In the 1960s
the original little red and
white MINI captured the
imagination of the world and
won what was then the most
challenging motor race in
the world, the Monte Carlo
rally. More than 40 years on
and people still talk about
this achievement with great
fondness.”
Is it possible to add a further
chapter to MINI’ success story
in rallying?
Richards: “I firmly believe
the new MINI WRC car will
capture the imagination of
today’s generation of rally
fans just as it did then and,
as in 1964, this interest will
spread well beyond the world
of motorsport. I have had so
many people coming up to me
and say that they had read
about the new programme
and would be cheering us on.
I’m therefore sure that MINI’s
participation will lead to a
rejuvenation of interest in the
World Rally Championship and
bring a whole new audience to
this spectacle.”
When did you start to develop
the MINI WRC?
Richards: “While we are only
now unveiling the new MINI
WRC, Prodrive has been
working on its development
since the beginning of 2009. It
is the most well prepared and
best engineered rally car we
have ever built, and in its first
tests, it is already exceeding
the targets we set ourselves
for the project. I have to be
honest and say that when we
started on this road towards
designing a rally car to the
new 2011 WRC regulations, we
never thought we would be
working with MINI. Right at
the beginning of this journey,
we established a small but
focussed team of engineers
with the task of developing
a new car with complete
freedom to design the ideal
rally car to meet the new
2011 rules. For the first three
months we did nothing but
analysis. We mathematically
modelled every aspect
of a rally car.”
Why was the MINI
Countryman such a good
basis for a WRC version?
Richards: “This initial
work threw up some very
interesting findings and
fundamentally changed the
way we approached the
design of the MINI WRC car
and also where we focussed
our engineering resources.
We analysed more than a
dozen cars from various
manufacturers, measuring
key elements like wheel base,
centre of gravity, weight, track
etc. It was only then that one
of my team mentioned he
had heard about a new MINI.
Having run race and rally
Q&A:
David Richards
Chairman & CEO Prodrive Group
At the launch of the WRC MINI at the Paris Motor
Show, Prodive head-honcho David Richards talks about
the new car and its chances in the competition.
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67
programmes with BMW in the
1980s and 1990s I was still
in touch with many people in
the company and they were
able to confirm that this was
indeed the case. A few quick
measurements of the new car
and we soon realised that it
would be a great base for a
World Rally Car.
How does MINI contribute to
the development process?
Richards: “By the end of last
year our focus was totally
on the Countryman. MINI
shared all its technical and
engineering data on the car
and we began applying our
generic rally car design to
the Countryman. I have to
say that the support from
both the engineering and
commercial teams in Munich
is extraordinary. At the
early stage there was only
a gentlemen’s agreement in
place, but since then there
has been commitment to the
project from all levels within
the company.”
On which areas of the car did
you put particular focus on?
Richards: “One of the key
tasks we set the engineering
team was to make the car
practical and economical to
use for private teams without
in any way compromising
its performance. The car will
be produced in reasonable
volumes, in motorsport terms
of 25 to 30 per year, and thus
it has to be easily maintained
in remote locations across
the world. As a result, if you
look at the new MINI WRC,
its design is very clean and
simple and, in engineering
terms, that has taken a lot
more time and effort. For
instance, all four uprights
are interchangeable as are
the anti-roll bars, so our
customers don’t need so
many spare parts to run their
cars. There are also many
innovative features around
the rest of the car including
the roll-cage design which
will make the MINI extremely
safe.”
Are you happy with the
results of your team’s work?
Richards: “I am very proud of
what our team of engineers
has been able to achieve
and the early testing results
are extremely promising. By
combining the experience
of David Lapworth our
technical director, who has
been with Prodrive since
the very beginning, with
the inspiration and new
ideas from a team of young
engineers we have been
able to produce a radically
new car. However, let’s not
underestimate the challenge
that faces us as I’m sure
our competitors are working
equally hard on their new
cars for 2011, but if you are
going to be a new entrant to
any championship, there is no
better time to join than when
there’s a new set of technical
regulations and a new tyre
supplier.”
Words courtesy of MINI
Photos courtesy of Prodrive
Q&A: David Richards
prodrive’s premises
in Banbury (main) and
Warwick (below).
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68
MINI United Cancelled
2011’s big event is no-goer after
problems at final approval.
business
Back soon, but
not as soon as
expected.
T
hames Valley Mini
Club has announced
it is withdrawing its bid
for IMM2014 following a
breakdown in talks with its
preferred venue, Goodwood.
A shortened version of the
club’s press release reads:
“It is with much regret and
disappointment that Thames
Valley Mini Club announces
the withdrawal of their
aspirations and much vaunted
bid for the 2014 International
Mini Meet at Goodwood Motor
Circuit.
This announcement comes
following advanced stage talks
revealed a significant disparity
in a key area between the
IMM 2014? requirements
and Goodwood’s own vision
of the event. Both TVMC
and Goodwood have worked
to overcome the issue but
ultimately have found little
room for the negotiation of a
suitable solution.
Thames Valley Mini Club
has investigated a number
of alternative venues and
possibilities but has not found
a site that sufficiently meets
the criteria for an anniversary
event. The Club has therefore
decided to withdrawal its bid
rather than present a lesser,
alternative option to that
previously advertised.”
Goodwood talks
breakdown.
EVENTS
Minis will not be returning
to goodwood in 2014.
The
second driver to
be announced
to join the official MINI
JCW WRC team is WRC
experienced Spaniard Daniel
‘Dani’ Sordo.
“There has been a
great deal of excitement
surrounding MINI’s return
to the WRC, so to be part of
this new team is a fantastic
opportunity for me,” says the
27-year-old Sordo. “I’m sure
MINI has a big future in the
sport. I’m looking forward to
working with Kris Meeke.”
Dani Sordo joins WRC team
Spanish driver follows Meeke to MINI.
motorsport
TVMOC quits
IMM2014 bid
Top
news of the
season is
that MINI has cancelled
2011’s plans for MINI
United. The firm says
they wanted to make the
event bigger and better
than the 2009’s 50th
anniversary celebrations
at Silverstone and that
they need more time to
be able to do this. So
MINI United will return
in 2012.
No further details
behind the reasoning
have been revealed, but
we can speculate that is
must have been a pretty
big issue considering
only in February MINI
had released the date
and regional location of
the get-together.
Naturally there are
many disappointed fans,
but that disappointment
runs into the MINI team
too. Having spoken
to MINI, they too are
desperately sad that the
event will not be going
ahead this year, so try
not to hold it against
them too much. There
must have been a pretty
good reason for the late
announcement.
The statement reads:
“In 2009 you rocked
50 Years of MINI in
Silverstone – it was
awesome – and really
raised the bar. We are
preparing MINI United
at a whole new level,
and need more prep
time to go BIG. Thanks
for your understanding!
Stay United. It all goes
down in France, 2012.”
Following comments
on its Facebook Page,
MINI United replied:
“The MINI United
Team is listening to
your every word and
completely understands
the distress about MINI
United’s move to 2012.
We live MINI, drive
MINI and are passionate
fans just like you. We
were as excited as you
to have it all go down
in 2011 and share your
disappointment with
the fact that the MINI
Challenge and MINI
United program will be
postponed to the first
half of 2012.
Big events go through
numerous approval
stages. We wanted this
BIG MINI United festival
for you, but we failed to
deliver and for that we
are deeply sorry.
Stay United,
Your Heavy-Hearted
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69
The
Clubman Estate Register
(CER) has taken the
difficult decision to cancel this year’s
Thong Run. In a statement, club
chairperson, Liz Rogers said
“The Clubman Estate Register have
held a charity Thong Run annually
since 2005, and over this time have
raised over £6K for charity and had a
great time in the process.
However, a number of factors
have led to a decision to put the
event on hold for 2011. Although
the event has a small group of
regular (and devoted!) attendees,
falling attendance has gone hand-
in-hand with a general reduction
in involvement from existing CER
members, of whom there are circa
600. The Thong Run team would like
to thank all those who have attended
since 2005 and it is hoped that the
event will return in a different form
in the future, with the full support of
the CER membership.
http://clubmanestateregister.yuku.com
Thong run 2011 cancelled
Dwindling numbers force a rethink.
EVENTS
An
advert appeared
earlier this year
claiming to be selling the
oldest unrestored Mini in the
world. At £11,500, it might
seem a bit steep for some
rusty metal, and what is
the new owner likely to do
with it? Restore it? Making
it just like any other restored
Mini. So what would you do,
keep it as original, rusty and
unusable, just so you can
have the kudos of having an
original, unrestored Mini?
Or would you restore it?
Either way, £11k, plus the
restoration cost is likely to
set you back the best part
of another £40k if you get it
done by a professional. Deep
pockets at the ready then.
The advert states:
“The 1959 Mini sports
chassis number A/AS27-108,
the 8th Austin Seven Mini
built. Known history states
it was built on May 15, 1959
known as the first pre-launch
hand built car made that day,
and dispatched to Car Mart
in Colchester on July 31. A
Farina Grey DeLuxe, 108 has
had two owners from new and
been in its current ownership
since 1986. Off the road since
1985 it is in very original
unmolested condition but will
require a full restoration. The
front subframe and engine
all matching numbers, were
removed in 1986 to gain
access to the inner wings
and do remain with the
car. A replacement driver’s
door aside 108 appears very
complete with only a few small
items having been replaced
over the years. Only two earlier
Austins are so far known
to exist, HUE 627 and KEG
77 are both in Japan so 108
could be the earliest Austin in
Europe. Comes with original
registration number and a host
of paperwork including the
Heritage certificate.”
Amazingly it did sell, and
more amazingly to Autoblog
UK writer, Richard Bremner.
He is currently undecided
what to do with it.
Oldest unrestored MINI
Buy a rusty undrivable car for just £11k!
LAUNCh
MINI
France launched the MINI
Mat in January, a Limited
Edition run of 250 units of Matte wrap for
hatchback models.
The custom wrap covers the bodywork, with
mirrors and antennas in contrasting chequers.
Side vents, key fob and key insert slot will
also receive special numbering to highlight
the LE factor.
Underneath the wrap is standard paint
meaning that the MINI can be restored
to a factory look once the two-year wrap
guarantee comes to an end.
And the cost for the Mat package, a mere
€2800. For UK fans, it might be worth
hopping over the Channel to sweet-talk a
dealer into doing one for you.
And that
,
s a wrap
French owners treated to LE.
history
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70
marketing
Countryman introduces
itself to America.
Let it Snow
Outside
of Macy’s in
New York’s
Herald Square is not a bad place to
draw attention to yourself, so that’s
exactly where MINI USA placed
a giant snowglobe with a MINI
Countryman inside.
It was one of many marketing
stunts employed to signal the arrival
of the Countryman in the US in
January, emphasising its all-weather,
all-terrain capabilities. Times Square
was also plastered with MINI ads.
business
BMW chief warns on MINI size.
keep the mini mini
Klaus
Draeger, BMW’s
development chief,
has warned that the
MINI brand should not
build too many large
cars, because it could
damage the brand,
according to Autocar.
The magazine says
some of BMW’s senior
management are
‘cautious about the
likely success of the
Countryman’.
However, early sales
for the Countryman
are good, and overall
sales for MINI saw
their highest ever sales
figure in 2010.
personnel
Hildebrand moves on after 10 years in charge.
Warming in as head of
design leaves 10 years on
Bidding
a fond
farewell after 10 years in
charge of the MINI Design
studio, Gert Hildebrand, 57,
has passed on the mantle to
Danish designer and head
of Exterior Design at BMW
Anders Warming, 38.
Hildebrand took control
of the MINI’s design and
development during the
2000s after the original
designer, Frank Stephenson,
left the company.
During his time Hildebrand
saw the MINI family expand
to include the Clubman,
Cabrio, Countryman,
Roadster and Coupe models.
Warming began his career
at BMW Designworks USA
in 1997 before moving to
Munich in 2005. In 2007 he
took over as head of Exterior
Design, at BMW. Under his
leadership, the Z4 and new
BMW 5 Series were created.
Anders
Warming
replaces gert
hildebrand
who leaves
after 10 years.
hillclimb
DEWS
dates
17 APRIL
Bournemouth MC
Clay Pigeon Sprint
14 MAY
Torbay MC
Wiscombe Hillclimb
21 MAY
Woolbridge
Wiscombe Hillclimb
22 MAY
Woolbridge
Wiscombe Hillclimb
25 JUNE
Torbay MC
Mamhead Hillclimb
26 JUNE
Torbay MC
Mamhead Hillclimb
20 AUG
Torbay MC
Mamhead Hillclimb

21 AUG
Torbay MC
Mamhead Hillclimb
2 OCT
Bournemouth MC
Clay Pigeon Sprint
www.dewsc.org.uk
A Paul Weller designed MINI has
been auctioned off for charity.
The month-long auction saw the
MINI sell for over £20,000. Charities
War Child and Nordoff Robbins
will share the proceeds.
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
7l
Hythe have
moved
Hythe Performance
Parts have moved over
the New Year period. Their
new details are:
Hythe Performance Parts Ltd
Classic Mini Parts Specialist
Unit 1, 6 Fairfields, Off Free Prae Road,
Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8EA
01932 567373
[email protected]
New MED website
Classic Mini engineering gurus, MED, have
relaunched their redesigned website. Check
it out at www.med-engineering.co.uk
W&P on Facebook
Classic coachbuilders turned restorers and
parts suppliers, Wood & Pickett, has joined
the digital world of Facebook and has moved
from its original page to www.facebook.
com/woodandpickettltd
Paceman gets
production
Dr Klaus Draeger, BMW Board member has
stated that the new Paceman concept will go
into production, and it will be alongside the
Countryman in Magna Steyr, Austria.
Tattooed todger
A man in Germany has won a brand new
$32,000 MINI Cooper after having the word
MINI tattooed on to his penis.
Andreas Muller, 39, said: “Once I’m sitting
in the car, it won’t matter anymore. Then
the pain will be gone and it’ll be alright,” he
said.
Mini
legend, Rauno
Aaltonen, has
won the Monte Carlo Rally
Historique celebrating 100
years of the rally.
Supported by MINI, the
former rally winner started
out from Marrakech in a
1969 Cooper S, covering over
1600 miles just to get to the
starting point in Monte Carlo.
However the master was of
the snow tackled whatever
the mountains could lay
down before him and the
team romped home in first
spot. A fitting win for the
anniversary of the rally.
Rauno said of the
experience: “A lot of things
look much the same as in
the 1960s,” “Then it was
all about top speed. In the
Monte Historique regularity
is the key, although the
required 50km/h is very
difficult to achieve on some
sections.”
Some regulations have
changed too, as he continued
to explain: “Up to the mid-
1960s there was no limit
on spikes,” he said, “and I
had as many as 600 spikes
on a wheel. Plus, we had
1200 tires ready and waiting
on rims for our three
competition-trim cars.”
rally
Aaltonen wins centenary rally for MINI team.
Mini wins the monte
(again)!
MINI
Hampton
introduced
MINI Yours. This uniquely
styled Clubman is a leading
example of what future MINI
owners will be able to do to
their cars as they are
built from the factory.
MINI Yours is a
new customisable
options scheme that
expands the current
customisable options
available, and allow
owners to make their
mark more individual
than ever before.
With countless combinations
of paint, interior and exterior
trim, wheels and gadgets,
MINI Yours has taken
customisation at the factory to
Clubman shows off new customisation program.
Hampton is MINI YOURS
custom mini
BrIef
NeWS
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|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
72
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
72
Up AnD RUnning
Just wanted to say hello &
congratulate y’all with this fabulous
web site!!!!!!
Just received your site info from
shirley & phil Blahak. i am a (very
inactive) loyal mamber of the AMo
club in Arizona & live in Fountain
hills, AZ (65 Fahrenheit @ this
moment today).
Just to make sure that the classic
innocenti 1300 Mini cooper won’t
be sold, i have transferred the
“title” to my oldest grandson some
time ago. But rest assured that it
stays with me until i give up driving
the “Beastie”.
cheers,
hans schmid
hi just been reading the online mag
and think its great have you got any
plans to put it in to print i for one
would be a convert from mini world
and mini mag
David gamble
Thanks to David, Hans and all
the other well-wishers who got
int ouch to wish us luck with the
magazine. The response has been
amazing and overwhelmingly
positive, so please keep your
contributions coming.
FLooD DAMAgE
the Australians and new
Zealanders haven’t been having
too much luck with mother nature
in recent months, and the usually
pristine Minis have been taking a
battering as shown in this picture
sent to us from steve Wright of
Queensland, Australia.
the floodwaters that left a lot of
Brisbane 6ft deep in the wet stuff
also managed to ravage this local
Mini garage leaving oil and liquids all
over the place, and interiors ruined
and unusable.
gEt A
gooD DEAL
heya craig
Well, everyone
is looking for the best deal and
coverage for their mini. i think i may
have found it. Lancaster insurance.
having been involved in a “crash
for cash” scam, Lancaster were
right behind me from the offset. And
today i phoned to enquire about the
cost of a stg3 head and a turbo .. i
was most delighted at it not bumping
the premium up At ALL. Every
modification is declared on MinBin
and none have added anything to
the policy.
so don’t be scared, mod and
declare! not every insurance
company will charge the earth!
Emz
Thanks for this Emz. We’re
currently in the process of
putting together a rough guide of
insurance prices for Mini/MINI
owners, so keep your eyes on our
website for when it arrives.
STAR
LETTER
Y
o
u
r

S
h
o
u
t
Got an opinion? Share it!
WIN!
Moss vouchers
www.moss-europe.co.uk
Classic British car parts restoration
specialist, Moss-Europe, is kindly
offering a £25 voucher to the best letter
sent in to us each issue.
No matter where you are in the world
you can still get your
vouchers, and then
spend them on high
quality bits for
your Mini.
To be in with
a chance, just
email us a letter!
[email protected] www.love-mini.co.uk
HOT
NOT
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|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
7J
RANT
THIS ISSUE:
DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE
What really gets our goat
The
Trend
Bitesize chunks
from the scene
MINI Rocketman
- we like a lot,
and signals from
up high suggest it
WILL be put into
production.
Rauno Aaltonen
wins the historic
Monte Carlo
rally. A great
achievement.
Early indications
from the first
events of 2011 show
crowds returning to
the scene.
Third party entries
into the WRC with
MINIs should give
the official team a
run for their money.
MINI United
cancelled. The big
party is on hold for
another year.
MINI Scooter
seems a bit too far
removed from the
brand at this stage.
Fuel prices are
rocketing to
unaffordable levels
and nothing is
being done about it.
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
7J
There
comes a
time in life
when we’ve
provided a good service and are after
others to do the same and meet our
own high standards.
This came across my mind while
discussing the outlook of our
websites with a fellow classic car
enthusiast, and what perspectives
we take and plan to do during 2011.
To say he had a lot planned over
the coming years would be quite
an understatement, whether it be
driving more classic cars or owning
some quite eccentric cars. My plans,
compared to his, are quite different,
but we do
run two very
dissimilar
websites
with different
intentions.
This brings
me onto Gran
Turismo
5, recently
released on
Playstation
3. It would
be fair to
say the hype
surrounding
the game was marking out it to be
exactly what it said on the case ‘the
ultimate driving simulator’. I’ll admit
I was late to the party on playing
the ultimate petrol head driving
game, where the anticipation was
of the highest. That wasn’t down to
me, my order was delayed. However,
before I had even had a chance to
play it, opinions about the game
had surfaced around the internet.
Was it worth the price? How does it
compare to previous Gran Turismos?
Is it better than Forza Motorsport?
I’ll agree that the sheer build-up
and news on the game did mean
that the bar looked to have been
raised from previous games, but the
comments that were appearing on a
number sites suggest people wanted
more than what they were given.
As with many driving games, the
game is flawed in some areas but
makes up for in others – in this case
the handling is far better than Forza,
while the AI graphics are poor in
places. I’m not one who goes along
with hype, so went about making
the comparisons to what I know best
rather than expecting more than I
know I’ll
get.
As an
overall
package
the new
Gran
Turismo
is a good
all-round
game
where
driving is
the focus
rather than
some of
the minor visuals, but does miss out
with the glitches online. So does the
publicity that surrounds particular
sectors of our lives cause us to think
that what we are getting is going to
better than it is? I’m not so sure, but
I can certainly see that the creators
of the Gran Turismo series have left
some previous players unpleased.
Well you can’t please everybody can
you?
submitted by charlie Johnson
Picture Rabisuke @ flickr
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
74
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
74
!0e |0ck-00
Showing us your Mini stuff
Hi love:mini, here is
my MINI. It is a 2006
2nd Gen MINI Cooper
with a Pepper pack but
it has all the features of
the Chilli pack bar the
steering wheel.
The car started off as a
learner car before I had
it from Rybrook MINI in
Worcester. The car had
a full service history
and was up for 10k. A
bargain and I had it.
Since having the car
I have only done a few
mods to it these are
including, interior-centre
arm rest, Alcantra
gear gaiter, parrot
bluetooth, checkered
dash, checkered roof,
checkered numberplate
surround, checkered
A-panels (now changed
to mimic the WRC MINI
graphics - thanks to Sign
my Ride in Worksop),
brake callipers painted
red and the petrol cap
surround painted white.
Mods I have planned
include a K&N airfilter,
an engine remap, some
new alloy wheels (now
fitted!) and a bigger back
box.
So far it’s has gone
to many shows from
Himley Hall to L2B and
MINI united with many
more to come.
Dave Overfield
Allan faulkner’s Mini Pick-up
Out of Action
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
75 75
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
T
his MK2 Riley Elf
had been sitting
in the same spot for
around nine years when I
rediscovered it.
When I was about 10,
a wrong turn on my bike
led me to find a Riley Elf
and a MkI Mini sitting in
an open-front garage. I’m
not sure how long they
had been there before
then. Back then, I wasn’t
really into photographing
neglected Minis, so went
home and forgot about it.
But last year, I decided to
try finding these two cars
again, and by luck one of
them was still there!
It is a 1964 Riley Elf
MkII, which was an
unfinished project.
Sitting on a frame was
protecting the tyres from
being damaged. The
engine was missing, as
was the grille. No other
parts were missing but
the hubcaps and other
parts were sitting inside
the car. Recently, I
decided to make a check-
up on the car, and to my
surprise it had finally
been moved, hopefully
it is on its way to being
restored! In its place
was a Mini-based beach
buggy, will be interesting
to see how long this one
stays in there!
Out of Action
Submitted by Josh Kelly
Mohammad J. Al-Harbi
MINI Cooper
Broken
but
smiling.
one
dead Mini.
gone
but not
forgotton.
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
76
Back in
1982,
a new
model of the Mini arrived
on the scene. The Mayfair
reached out as an upmarket
version of this classic and
favourite. A lot has changed
in that time but the Mini
following is still as strong as
it has ever been.
In the year of its launch, The
Falklands War saw the biggest
troop movement the UK had
seen since the Second World
War, Prince William was born
and classic movies Blade
Runner and ET hit the big
screen, plus Channel 4 was
launched.
When the original Mini
Mayfair debuted in 1982
it immediately
earned a reputation
for being one the
most luxurious
Minis money
could buy at a
price of £3630,
approximately
£13,600 in today’s
money.
On its launch, the new
luxury Mini brought about
a whole new definition of
luxury. Out went the vinyl and
brushed nylon that graced the
seats and doors and in came a
new Raschelle
fabric. This,
along with
reclining seats
with head
restraints and
a new cut pile
carpet, made
the whole
seating experience for driver
and passengers much more
comfortable than in previous
years. To enhance the driving
experience a new four spoke
steering wheel and a moulded
handbrake grip replaced the
old plastic. In came two door
storage bins and a modern
LW/MW Radio. Out went the
traditional centre speedometer
and in came the Clubman-
style Binnacle in front of the
driver.
The exterior of the car
saw some improvements,
with two door mirrors fitted
as standard, new painted
matching bumpers and grille.
Mayfair Lady
The name Mayfair just oozes high class and following MINI’s
launch of its own LE of the smae name, we compare old and new.
WoRDs & photos chris Fawcett
Drums stayed until 1984
when 8.4-inch disc
brakes came as standard
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
77
This was matched up with a
new trim stripe and Mayfair
motif, and the luxury of a
locking fuel cap. The windows
got a small upgrade with the
inclusion of new tinted glass
and to help with passenger
comforts, opening rear quarter
windows. The optional extras
list was pretty small with only
optional clear coat metallic
paint, automatic transmission
and optional Alloy wheels
from the Mini Special model.
The specifications gave the
feel of the Mayfair, being a
car for the more discerning,
a great improvement over the
City. On its launch it still ran
on drum brakes all-round,
wrapped with 10-inch steel
rims and styled road wheel
covers. The drums stayed
until 1984 when 8.4-inch disc
brakes came as standard
fitment across the entire range
and the wheels grew to 12-
inch rims. The brakes received
their final upgrade with the
fitment of a servo in 1988. The
engine started with the 998cc
and slowly evolved up to the
Mayfair 1982
Engine 998cc single SU carb
Power 40bhp @ 5000rpm
0-60: 17.5secs
Top speed: 82mph
MPG: 40
Transmission Four-speed
Length: 3054mm
Brakes Drums all round
Wheels 3.5x10-inch steel
Interior Single central speedo
dial
Price: £3363
From mid-’95
the Mayfair
interior was
fitted with
Windsor
fabric in
Stone
Beige, with
matching
doorcards.
Mayfair 1992-1996
Engine 1275cc single SU
carb (SPi from Aug ’94)
Power 50bhp @ 5000rpm
(53bhp from Aug ’94)
0-60: 13.4secs (13.1secs from
Aug ’94)
Top speed: 87mph (88mph fron
Aug ‘94)
MPG: 35
Transmission Four-speed
Brakes Front 8.4-inch discs,
rear drums
Wheels 4.5x12-inch steel
Interior Full length walnut
burr dash (from ’93)
Three-clock
binnacle, radio,
clock, Metro seats,
internal bonnet
release
the definition of
‘premium’ has changed
a lot in 30 years.
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
78
1275cc towards the end of its
life.
Modern Life
Jump forward 27 years and
lots of things have changed
in the world. Barak Obama
is inaugurated as the first
African-American President
of the USA, Michael Jackson
died and Avatar was the big
hit on the movie screens.
In 2009 as part of the 50th
anniversary, MINI released a
special edition bringing back
the Mayfair. The new car
takes is styling cues from the
classic Mini, but adds some
modern twists to bring a car
for the 21st century.
When you read that the
car was being launched in
Hot Chocolate Brown, you
think back to the old classic
Russet and Clove browns of
BL, which are now classic in
there own right, but the new
colour is a metallic which
sits nicely with its white
roof and contrasting Toffee
metallic bonnet stripes. The
colour is something other
manufacturers have started to
imitate.
The MINI 50 Mayfair has
a presence; standing on the
12-spoke 17-inch Infinity
Stream alloy wheels tying in
with the roof in classic white,
with run flat tyres giving a
firm but sound road holding.
The new mirror covers with
a striped pattern of brown
and black link the exterior
to the matching dash trim
details, and are another
unique feature to the MINI 50
models.
The interior brings back the
luxury feel with full toffee-
coloured leather seating with
white piping to contrast,
and matching detail on the
gear stick, dash rail, door
panels and steering wheel
over a black trim. This is a
big improvement over the
original plastic and soft cloth
of the classic and in keeping
with modern motoring. Air
conditioning helps keep
the comfort at a high level
especially on the sunny day
we took the photos.
The finishing details
making the car stand out
include a new Mayfair logo
on the indicator panel and
stainless steel sill protectors.
The special MINI 50 logo
badge, accompanied with
Mayfair Lady
the family resemblance
is clear to see.
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79
twin spotlights on the grille
adds to the style and brings a
piece of nostalgia.
Performance comes from the
whole range of Cooper including
the Diesel and S specifications,
giving everyone a power and
performance package to suit
their needs. Prices start at
£18,415 for the Cooper up to
£21,280 for the Cooper S.
We would like to thank Jon
Betts and Laura Hutton of
Scotthall MINI Hampshire for
the loan of the Mini 50 Mayfair
Cooper and to Karen Dawson,
chairwoman of P&SMOC for her
classic Mayfair “Rosie”.
Mayfair 2010
Engine 1598cc
Power 122bhp (Cooper)
184bhp (Cooper S)
0-62: 9.1secs (Cooper)
7.0secs (Cooper S)
Top speed: 126mph (Cooper)
142mph (Cooper S)
MPG: 40.9 (Cooper)
38.7 (Cooper S)
Transmission Six speed
Length 3699mm (Cooper)
3714mm (Cooper S)
Wheels 7Jx17-inch alloys
Price: £18,785 (Cooper)
£21,810 (Cooper S)
the family resemblance
is clear to see.
thirty years on and the new
Mayfair boasts over three
times as much power.
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80
The Country
man
may
not be everyone’s cup of tea but it
should be welcomed in the great Mini/
MINI family.
On first impressions it’s big yes. Big,
but put next to a MINI saloon and it
doesn’t look that big at all. It is ideal for
anyone who has to move up to a bigger
car from their classic Mini to new MINI
and want to stay with the scene.
The Countryman I have test driven
is the Cooper S with its sporty stance
and mean-looking front grille.
From the outside the car has a
bigger front end with a similar grille
to the hatch but again, slightly bigger.
Its ride height is up high which is good
for looking over other cars giving a
good all round view of the road.
The four doors open wide giving
easier access for people to enter
in the front of the car and for the
passengers in the rear. The bootlid
has an impressive MINI badge which
also doubles up as the boot handle,
something seen on VWs. Once open
the boot space is large and better
than the hatch and with the rear seats
dropped it turns it into a small van.
The alloy wheels that come on this
model are the 18-inchers and in black
they look mean.
The interior is the same as the
standard hatchback with its large
centre speedo, rev counter behind
the steering wheel. The seats are
comfortable and hold you in while
driving it hard around corners.
This model had the two rear seat
option which gives the rear passengers
there own seat separated by the centre
rail. This in-turn has a mobile phone
holder, two cup holders and sunglasses
holder.
Driving the Countryman really
surprised me because I thought it
would be slower and wallowy but
it was not. The acceleration was
very good with the car being able to
pull away very quickly and on the
motorway pull past others with ease.
On normal roads it handled very
well, and with its high up position you
can see clearly over the other traffic.
On country lanes the car lived up
My MINI CouNtryMaN
revIew
WoRDs & photos
Dave overfield


Compared to other SUVs it
,
s not big at all,
and not much bigger than a MINI hatch
|0ve.m|0| reader borrows his local MINI dealer’s
demo Countryman and gives us his thoughts on it.
Looking mean on the street.
M
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8l
to its name as I pushed it round the
twisty roads with ease. The only
difference was the size as I had to be
wary of other traffic due to its size.
The handling overall was good but
not as good as the hatchback.
The other good point was the fuel
economy driving the Cooper S with all
its power and size hardly touched the
fuel, driving it at high speeds on the
motorway, normal traffic and country
lanes.
Above all it is a good car to have
perfect for someone who wants a
bigger car and wants to stay in the
Mini family. Is it a MINI? No to be
honest. It is a little big but would sit
comfortably in the family range.
The car I drove was the Cooper S
Countryman All4 with Chilli pack.
Cost £30,000
The car to go for would be the
Cooper or Cooper D, The All4 costs
an extra £1200 and in my opinion is
really not needed.
Thanks to Rybrook Worcester for the
loan of the Countryman.


Compared to other SUVs it
,
s not big at all,
and not much bigger than a MINI hatch
My CouNtryMaN revIew
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Mission
control. Ready
for launch.
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M
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...electric power
just got serious
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our first thoughts on this MINI? Pretty cool, huh? What about if I
was to say that this concept vehicle from AC Schnitzer is actually
electric-powered - still cool? Not as much?
Well, whatever your views on electric vehicles, their popularity
is growing, and with oil and fuel prices rocketing, it’s easy to see why
manufacturers (and customers) are looking for cheaper-to-run alternatives.
For us petrol-heads though, the sound of the crank and pistons working
hard coupled with a sweet exhaust note add to the real ambiance of driving
a combustion-engined car. However, before you start spitting in the direction
of the nearest G-Wiz or Prius just think to the future in 10
or 20 years time when most vehicles are likely to be
powered by alternative means to fossil fuels.
And although, many of us don’t really want to
think about electric vehicles, if we are going to
have to eventually drive them, then they had
better make them to be pretty special, and
this Police MINI is giant step in the
right direction.
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
84
This is actually AC
Schnitzer’s sixth annual
concept car and as well as
putting forward food for
thought on the future, it gives
the MINI Specialist tuning
firm to show off its latest
goodies.
The principle focus for the
concept is to demonstrate
that you can have high-end
performance from an electric
vehicle - although this still
hasn’t overcome the age-old
problem of durability and
range. If this were to be
adopted in its current state by
police, we reckon they would
very quickly be given the
runaround with crims keeping
the cops on the chase until
the batteries died and the
car rolled to stop. And with
a charge time of hours, the
crooks would be long gone
before the electric MINI got
back on the road.
On the other hand, if you
suspend reality for moment,
the MINI’s silent approach
would make it ideal for
discreet approaches at night
and its reduced weight should
make it launch like a rocket
and certainly ensure it has
enough oomph to keep chase
with the outlaws.
Under the chassis is a
selection of Schnitzer’s best
bits with cool front and rear
skirts, 4-pot callipers and
adjustable racing suspension.
Shiny aluminium goodies adrn
the inside and a lovely set of
Mi2 Schnitzer wheels add real
character. Blue underbody
lighting is also a neat touch.
TECH SPEC
Base model: MINI E (R56)
Engine: Electric motor
Performance: 204 bhp (150 kW)
Max. torque: 220 Nm
Max. speed: 152 km/h (electronically limited)
0-100 km/h: 8.5 seconds
Consumption: approx. 15 kWh / 100 km
Accumulator: Lithium-Ionen, 35 kWh, aircooled
Charging time: 2.4 hours (230 V, 50 A)
3.8 hours (230 V, 32 A)
10.1 hours (230 V, 12 A)
Cruising range: 160-180 km during realistic
conditions
Suspension: AC Schnitzer racing suspension,
height adjustable, AC Schnitzer high
performance brake system, front axle
Aerodynamics: AC Schnitzer front skirt, AC Schnitzer
rear skirt, AC Schnitzer bonnet vents
Wheel/Tyre set: AC Schnitzer wheels Mi2, 7.5J x 18”
with tyres 225/35 ZR 18, HANKOOK
Ventus S1 evo tyres
Interior: AC Schnitzer aluminium handbrake
handle, AC Schnitzer aluminium
pedals, AC Schnitzer aluminium foot
rest, AC Schnitzer footmats, velour
Exterior: by FOLIATEC
Lightweight aluminium
goodies deck out the
interior, along with a
matching police Blue
colour theme.
see you in a
few hours.
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
85
TECH SPEC
Base model: MINI E (R56)
Engine: Electric motor
Performance: 204 bhp (150 kW)
Max. torque: 220 Nm
Max. speed: 152 km/h (electronically limited)
0-100 km/h: 8.5 seconds
Consumption: approx. 15 kWh / 100 km
Accumulator: Lithium-Ionen, 35 kWh, aircooled
Charging time: 2.4 hours (230 V, 50 A)
3.8 hours (230 V, 32 A)
10.1 hours (230 V, 12 A)
Cruising range: 160-180 km during realistic
conditions
Suspension: AC Schnitzer racing suspension,
height adjustable, AC Schnitzer high
performance brake system, front axle
Aerodynamics: AC Schnitzer front skirt, AC Schnitzer
rear skirt, AC Schnitzer bonnet vents
Wheel/Tyre set: AC Schnitzer wheels Mi2, 7.5J x 18”
with tyres 225/35 ZR 18, HANKOOK
Ventus S1 evo tyres
Interior: AC Schnitzer aluminium handbrake
handle, AC Schnitzer aluminium
pedals, AC Schnitzer aluminium foot
rest, AC Schnitzer footmats, velour
Exterior: by FOLIATEC
The principle focus for the
concept is to demonstrate
that you can have high-
end performance from an
electric vehicle
Underbody
lighting gives
more presence
on the road.
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
86
Blakehill Body centre
Classic Mini enthusiast starts up his own Mini
service and respray business to fuel his passion.
When you
send your Mini off to be
worked on then you want
someone who understands the
‘Mini thing’ that we all have
with our Minis. Fortunately,
despite the decline in classics,
there are still talented
enthusiasts out there starting
up businesses and offering
services for the time short
or mechanically challenged
owner.
Blakehill Body Centre owner,
Rob Medcroft, has been
involved with Minis practically
his whole life, having grown
up with them as family cars.
At the age of 12 he took up
grasstrack racing where he
was told “if you want to race,
then you must work on the
Mini” to which he jumped at
the chance - and there his
real passion for working on
Minis began.
He raced until he was 19,
during which time he was
also taking a mechanics
apprenticeship. A few years
later he also went on to do
a body repair and spraying
course, which gave him all
the skills to start his own
business.
With his wife, Tanya, they
have two daughters who
have also been brought up
alongside of Minis. When they
were small the family would
amaze people in the streets by
fitting two adults, a toddler, a
baby, a baby seat, a booster
seat, a pram and a buggy all
in the Mini.
Now the eldest daughter has
just turned 16 and already
the proud owner of a Mini.
“She cannot wait to get out
and drive it at the end of this
year,” says mum Tanya.
In 2009 Rob was working in
a well known motor factory
Services
General service
Pre-MoT check
General repairs
Welding
Resprays
Restorations
Free pick-up &
delivery within
20-miles







Business
The
Getting to know your Mini vendors
Family members
are cheap labour,
but they all love
Minis, so it’s ok.
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
87
where he was a team leader.
As news broke out that
they wanted people to take
redundancy Rob and Tanya
saw the opportunity for Rob
to fulfill his lifetime dream of
opening his own bodyshop,
where of course he would
specialise in classic Minis.
With a lot of hard work
and support from his family
his dream became true as
in April 2009 Blakehill Body
Centre was opened.
You are guaranteed a
personal service as Rob takes
charge of every step of the
job, from the quote right
through to the final polish.
Rob happy to chat about
Minis, especially if you ask
about his 1966 Cooper he is
restoring. Then next on his
list is a respray for his wife’s
Mini which I’m told is set to
be a real head turner!
contact
Blakehill Body Centre
Unit 1, Blakehill Business Park,
Chelworth rd, Cricklade, Nr
Swindon, Wilts, SN6 6RB
01793 759399
[email protected]
www.blakehillbodycentre.co.uk
BUSINESS
PROFILE
Do you run a
Mini-related
business?
Contact us for
your free DPS
profile and let
our readers
know what
you’re about,
and what
services you
offer.
editor@love-
mini.co.uk
A state of the art spraying
booth does the business.
Rob does all the
work himself
to ensure it is
to his own high
standards.
tricky headlining? no problem.
Rustproofing in all
the cavities.
prepped and ready
for a full spray.
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
88
Bits and pieces for your Mini
^
classic
AutoteeS ClASSiC Mini t-SHiRt
www.autotees.co.uk
£12.99
We know you can’t get enough of your Mini
clothing, but to avoid ending up wearing the
same stuff as your mates, why not take a look
at Autotees where there is a decent selection
of t-shirts for Mini and retro car enthusiasts.
MINI owners are also catered for with a
couple of designs featuring the Mini’s big
brother.
Available in black, red, navy blue, bottle
green, burgandy, plus ladies and youth sizes.
ligHtweigHt Steel FlywHeel
www.minispares.co.uk
£140+VAT
This lightened steel flywheel is machined to increase clamping
pressure reducing potential clutch slip and the timing reluctor ring
is machined into the flywheel to produce maximum power.
The original metal reluctor rings were liable to move and often
caused loss of power so this flywheel should give you extra power
without any other adjustments. Available for both SPi and MPi.
These flywheels MUST be used with a Valeo Pressure Plate or C-
AEG485 Mini Spares 20% uprated pressure plate or the engine will
not start because the timing slot will be out of place.
Single point injection order as C-AEG425
Multi Point injection - order as C-AEG424
StAinleSS Steel
gRille buttonS
www.smiffysbits.co.uk
£12.50 per pair
Expanding on his successful range of
shiny Mini embellishments, Smiffy has
started manufacturing these stainless
steel grille buttons. They’re a bit more
expensive than the chrome ones, but
you can bet they will last a heck of a
lot longer before rusting or becoming
unusable. Grille buttons - great for
quick access to the front of the engine.
SiliCon HoSe SetS
www.minispares.com
£127.66 (SPi); £172.60 (MPi)
Mini Spares can now offer top quality silicon coolant hoses for all
MPi and SPi Minis.
The kits contains the all the hoses need for your injection Mini in
a choice of shiny blue, red or black silicon that should last forever
and not degrade with heat, age and underbonnet environment.
These kits are ideal for both the owner who never wants a failure
or the daily driver that wants to forget about hose problems forever,
Money box
www.frost.co.uk
£15.83
Whether it’s an
addition to your
hoard of Mini
collectables or you
just think it’s a cool
gift for someone, this
silver-plated Mini money
box looks great and would be the
centrepiece of anyone’s mantelpiece.
Not only that, but you can also put some
money in it to save for your next parts.
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
89
Bits and pieces for your Mini
^
classic
AutoteeS ClASSiC Mini t-SHiRt
www.autotees.co.uk
£12.99
We know you can’t get enough of your Mini
clothing, but to avoid ending up wearing the
same stuff as your mates, why not take a look
at Autotees where there is a decent selection
of t-shirts for Mini and retro car enthusiasts.
MINI owners are also catered for with a
couple of designs featuring the Mini’s big
brother.
Available in black, red, navy blue, bottle
green, burgandy, plus ladies and youth sizes.
loCking PetRol CAP
www.minispares.com
£11.50
With petrol prices at record
levels it makes sense to
guard your fuel, and now,
thanks to Mini Spares the
classic locking petrol cap for
Minivans and early Mini
saloons is available again.
The original style vented
cap is suitable for all Mini
Pick-ups, vans, estates and
MkI/II Mini saloons. The factory changed to a
non-vented cap on the MkIII saloon.
S/S toweR bolt CoveRS
www.smiffysbits.co.uk
£17.50 per pair
If there is one bolt that stands out in the engine bay,
it’s the big-assed front subframe tower bolts. They’re
not exactly high on the priority list of things to replace
to tidy up the engine bay, and over time they will start
looking dull again. Fortunately Smiffys Bits is now
manufacturing these stainless steel tower bolt covers
to keep the engine bay
looking tip-top.
ClASSiC engine RebuilD bMC A SeRieS DvD
www.frost.co.uk
£16.24
This 40-minute DVD shows you, step-by-step, how to dismantle and
renovate an A-Series engine. Also included are guides showing how to
strip and service the carburettor and distributor and set the engine and
ignition timing. A useful addition for any budding engineer.
StAinleSS Steel ClubMAn
bonnet CAtCH
www.smiffysbits.co.uk
£19.50
Clubman owners have not been forgotton
in the shiny bits department as Smiffys
Bits has now released a stainless steel
Clubman bonnet catch. Not only will it
add some sparkle to your engine bay, it
will also last longer than standard items
for many years of smooth-action opening.
from this
to this
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90
Bits and pieces for your Mini
^
new
www.ac-schnitzer.co.uk
£1369
Looking for a new set of wheels? Well
AC Schnitzer have a superb wheel/
tyre set offer available at the moment
and you statable for all R50 and R56
MINIs whether hatchback, convertible
or Clubman.
Mi1 wHeel/tyRe PACkAge
CAMbeR ADjuStAble FRont toP MountS
bonnet SCooP inSulAtion
www.minimania.com
$37.50
If you drive your Cooper S at high speed a lot
(well, that’s what they’re for isn’t it?) then there
has been reported cases of the bonnet scoop
partially melting due to excessive heat. If your
S isn’t fitted with this insulation, then it might
be worth considering
it. Suitable for 2007+
S Hatchs, 2008+ S
Clubmans and 2009 S
Convertibles.
DooR MiRRoR CAPS
http://mybeautifulmini.com
www.minimania.com
From £55 / $225
Add your own individual flair to your
MINI with a set of genuine door mirror
caps. Available with or without power-
fold you can choose from Union Jack, Checkered, Chrome
and Black Jack styles. If you’re feeling really flush you might
even want to consider the very cool JCW carbon-fibre covers
but at $695 a pair you might have to skip making a mortgage
payment.
www.raceperformancemodified.com
£195
Want to set up your MINI for the perfect ride without having to
get all dirty? Well these camber adjustable top mounts from Race
Performance Modified are just the trick.
The mounts have been tested both on the road and track and
can be easily adjusted from within the engine bay, making
adjusting and testing the geometry at the track a doddle.
Made from aircraft quality billet aluminium with self lubricating
Teflon race bearings the adjustable top mount set is an excellent
choice for the more serious driver.
AltA ACCeSSPoRt
www.altaperformance.com
$895
Got the urge to play around with
your MINI’s tuning settings? The
ALTA AccessPORT is a simple plug-
and-play device that hooks up to
your diagnostics port and allows
you into the ECU. This device also
claims to be able to unlock an
additional 20-40bhp at the wheels
within minutes of being connected.
In-house maps are included with
the ability to upgrade as you
change parts for your car. Currently
this device only works for North
American models, but there are
plans for a European and Asian
compatible model soon.
mmm JcW
goodies
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
9l
3D bADge HolDeR
http://new.minimania.com
Mount from $27.50, outer ring
from £7.95, badges £27.50
Brighten up and personalise your
MINI’s grille with these uber-cool
3D badges. Express yourself by
selecting from a range of graphics to
fit the badge holder and add another
bit of flair to your motor.
There are currently over 20 styles
available with many more also
available in standard magnetised
and domed badges.
tow-Hook liCenCe PlAte
www.cravenspeed.com
$60
Are you one of those MINI
owners always on the look out for
something different to set your
car apart from others? Are you
always looking to start the next
new trend? Well how about a
licence plate affixed to your front
tow-hook instead of centrally
placed? We’re not sure how UK
law officials would think of it, but
in the US it seems to be a bit of a
cult trend.
Rennline AluMiniuM CoCkPit
www.mossmini.com
From $99
If you like your MINIs fast and like
them to look fast too, then you’ll do
well to find better than Rennline’s
aluminium accessories for your
MINI. More well known for its
Porsche accessories, Rennline’s dip
into the MINI market looks rather
fruitful. Whether you go for a pedal
set, track mats, pedal guard or
one of the many other lightweight
products, they will look great
individually or part of a seamless
set.
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
92
www.veloce.co.uk
£19.99
The first MINI WRC driver to
be announced, Kris Meeke, has
coincidentally had a book about him
released. As British Intercontinental Rally
Champion the book looks at his progress,
from his mentoring by Colin McRae to
his never-say-die attitude proven by a
host of fightbacks. If you want to get
a better background on the man now
representing MINI, pick this up.
bRuSHeD StAinleSS geAR knob
www.cravenspeed.com
$99
Renowned aftermarket supplier, Cravenspeed, is
finally able to offer a brushed stainless steel gear
knob. The item sits slightly lower on the stick
making shifts slightly shorter and its lightweight
design makes it a dream to use. Furthermore,
Cravenspeed have developed a new mechanism
which releases the gearknob without launching it
into the sunroof!
DRiving tHeoRy teSt APP
http://theorytestapp.co.uk
£1.79
Focus Multimedia has released two apps for smartphone users,
which allows them to practise their Theory Test, with every
question and answer from the official DSA questionbank; or a
Hazard Perception Test, which provides a driving simulation
where users must identify hazards as they appear.
ReAR wiPeR Delete kit
www.minimania.com
$27.50
Looking for a clean look to
the rear of your MINI? This
kit will remove the rear wiper
and replace it with a tidy,
inconspicuous grommet.
Installation takes just 20
minutes and is completely
reversable should you want to
refit the wiper.
ReAR MuDFlAPS
www.minimania.com
From $53
Hot off the production line
in North America are these
aftermarket mudflaps for the
newly-launched Countryman.
These items will ensure that
your spangly new MINI’s
underbody stays protected
while you’re kicking up the
dirt and also give you a
styling variation over other
new Countryman owners.
kRiS Meeke inteRContinentAl
RAlly CHAllenge CHAMPion
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TOOLBOX
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e
r
y
elbow
gReASe
Givin’ it
some hard graft
ReAR wiPeR Delete kit
Alldrive Go’thru Socket Set
£46.95
www.lasertools.co.uk
How cool is this? A ratchet that you
can put an extension bar through
or over deep nuts and bolts to
get to the fixing. This innovative
idea comes from Laser Tools and
combines with their patented
Alldrive system that works on
Metric/AF and many other fittings.
It’s an incredibly
clever design and one
that should relieve
lots of stress for
those lucky
owners.
Parts washer
£11.95
www.lasertools.co.uk
Every classic Mini owners needs one of
these - a parts washer. Trust me, when you
get the grubby bits off to put a replacement
part back on, you’ll want to clean all the
reusable nuts, bolts and other parts. It’s
made from rustproof stainless steel with
and special coating to prevent scratches.
All you need is some solvent cleaners and
you’ll soon be the proud owner of some
shiny nuts again.
Engine cleaning gun
£40.95
www.lasertools.co.uk
If you like to drive your Minis hard then
it is inevitable that you will get a nasty
build-up of dirt and grime in your engine
bay over time. This handy cleaning gun
delivers a high blast spray of water (up
to 120psi) to blast away the crud in your
engine bay. It’s got a 0.75-litre tank with
a long nozzle and trigger spray action,
making it easy to use. AUTOGLYM PERFECT PALM
£7.66
www.moss-europe.co.uk
Car polish experts Autoglym are
offering this comfortable palm
pad as the best way for cleaning
and polishing your pride and joy.
PRIMA CAR CARE
www.cleanyourcar.co.uk
From £12.99
Prima Car Care is a unique
family of auto detailing products
ranging from complete paint
protection systems to interior
dressings and protectants.
The products have been
designed and formulated
with the most demanding
auto aficionado in mind. Each
product complements another.
Whether it be the silky
concourse finish of our Nero
Plastics/Vinyl protectant and
the soft natural leather look of
Nourish Leather Conditioner,
or the depth and gloss from
our Epic paint sealant topped
with Hydro spray and wax.
The end result is a range of
car care products that were
made to exceed the highest of
expectations.
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94
O
ver two years ago Adam Nierzad, or
Deathrow to TMFers, started work on his
Mini - Elliot.
Having used it for an everyday car and a
runaround, it had got to the stage when it needed
a serious overhaul, in all areas.
After years of Mini ownership, Adam felt he
had the confidence to tackle whatever challenges
were to come his way, and with the help of
other TMFers, he knew he had a helpful and
knowledgeable group of enthusiasts who were
always willing to offer advice and opinion.
With this in mind, in autumn 2008, Adam
started what was to be a mammoth rebuild.
What makes this tale even better is that he is not
using simple replacement panels, and in many
cases is dealing with each problem as it arises.
Obviously if money allowed, then we would
all like to use Heritage panels, but the reality is,
this is how many owners repair their Minis. And
as long as it is done to a good standard, there is
nothing wrong with that.
The epic challenge is still ongoing for Adam,
over two years later, but is coming into its final
stages. We are picking up the build from the
very beginning to entice you in and want to find
out more. You can see where he is today and to
make a comment, by visiting the build thread by
clicking the project picture in the top right of
this page.
o
n

d
e
a
t
H
r
o
W
Courtesy of Adam Nierzad
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
95
courtesy Adam ‘Deathrow’ nierzad
A
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96
START CONDiTiON
AREAS OF ATTACk
SEPT 1, 2008
Doors.
oversills.
Front wing.
Flitch panel.
Rear side window.
Doorstep.
Front panel.
Doorstep.
U
N
D
E
R


C
O
N
S
T
R
U
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i
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97
CHOppiNG BiTS OFF
FEB 6, 2009
MAR 31, 2009
APR 13, 2009
At this stage Adam is
planning a flip front, Exacton
wheels and 1275 engine to
replace the Elliot’s 998 block.
photoshop mock-up
SEPT 18, 2008
oversills = bad.
DEC 23, 2008
Exacton wheels
new Rsp block.
Front mock-up
Bulkhead/flitch
patching
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98
APR 11, 2009
ENGiNE STRip
Making a flitch
‘catch’ tab for
the flip front.
APR 13, 2009
Bent
rocker
posts.
head off.
sorted.
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
99
After acquiring a
1275cc engine from
another TMFer,
Adam set about
giving it a good
clean and looking
at all the bits that
would be fitted to it.
APR 16, 2009
BLOCk CLEAN
APR 17, 2009
MAY 3, 2009
MAY 19, 2009
With the good weather now turning up now and again, Adam
began to find more time to work on Elliot, and real progress
was being made. After cleaning the new block, the gearbox
was cleaned and reassembly began. In the meantime, some
Mazda MX5 seats turned up and Adam stripped the bulkhead.
MAY 24, 2009
MX5 seats.
Bagging the loom.
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
l00
JUN 29, 2009
JUN 23, 2009
JUN 26, 2009
JUL 2, 2009
JUL 3, 2009
Adam took the time to refurb
his newly obtained centre
binnacle, cleaning up the
housing and wire brushing and
respraying the metal parts.
JULY 11, 2009
A change of Plan
“Because I need to pay for my Uni
accomodation next year, it forced me
to sit down and evaluate what I’m
spending on the Mini and where
and whether or not it’s really worth
the money, a bad idea I’m sure you’ll
agree. Fortunatly, most things, such
as the MX5 seats and other stuff
came up well and I felt that they had
been worth what they cost. Now, the
one thing that did come up as not
being worth what its costing me, is
the engine.
So now, the engine parts I’ve
collected are being sold, starting with
the biggest first but then following
on to the smaller bits I don’t need
anymore.
The new plan is to strip my 998
down, clean, paint and rebuild it so
it’s nice and pretty and then that’s
going back in. I might have a play
with some mild tuning. I have a
spare unleaded head that I might
have a play with and try out just for
a bit of fun, using Vizard’s yellow
bible.
Now that’s not the end of it,
Elliot will still be going 1275, but
only when I’ve managed to find a
complete, running low milage engine
which I can just paint up and install,
rather than have to build, tweak,
check, do a dance, check again, run
in, have set up, etc. so that’s the new
direction.”
new bits!
Bit of patching.
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
l0l
CRACkiNG ON
JUL 16, 2009
998 CLEAN
JUL 23, 2009
JUL 11, 2009
click here to follow
Adam’s progress online
Bit more
patching.
nice smooth
bores.
EnD
Showing you how it is really done.
WORKSHOP
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
l02
oBjective
Remove the faulty
water pump and fit a
new one.
tools
2x 7/16” spanners.
7/16” and 1/2”
sockets
Flathead
screwdriver
Possibly 10mm
socket/spanner
Gasket paste
tiMe
60 minutes
difficulty
4/10
cost
Around £22 for water
pump and gasket





1.
To get access to the
water pump you’re
going to need to remove
the grille, alternator and
radiator.
First remove your
Mini’s grille, either
by unscrewing it from
the front panel, or by
undoing the grille
buttons.
2.
Make sure the
engine is cool. If
you have been running
the Mini in the last
hour, go away and
come back in half an
hour. You really don’t
want hot water from the
radiator pissing out all
over you.
3.
In theory it’s
probably best
Alternator off and radiator out.
DIY TECH I
Submit your articles
by craig McBeth
replacing the classic
Mini’s water pump
Considering your Mini’s engine is
powered by lots of little explosions
(or burns for the technically-
correct), you’ll want to be make
sure the cooling system is working
properly.
In my case I noticed a water leak
and the need to top up the radiator
every few days. So, following the
rusty/brown water trail, I traced it
back to the water pump. This was
confirmed with the engine running
and water leaking from it.
A lack of water in the cooling
system will cause the engine to
overheat and terminally kill your
Mini’s block and likely the head
too. So make sure it’s all working.
yeah, yeah,
don’t mention
the state of the
engine bay.
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
l0J
Submit your articles
to remove the alternator first, but we
disconnected the top radiator hose first.
Make sure the radiator cap is off, and then use a
flat-headed screwdriver to undo the jubilee clip. Don’t
completely undo it and leave it on the hose for easy
re-attachment.
4.
Disconnect the power connector on the alternator.
Then, using two 1/2 (13mm) spanners, undo the
three alternator bolts. Once undone, remove the bolts,
extract the alternator and belt from the engine bay
and set them aside in a safe/dry place.
5.
Next you need to remove the radiator. Start by
unscrewing the radiator cowling (the rubbery bit
that fits on the outside of the radiator). There are four
7/16 (11mm) bolts that hold it on. The rear ones are a
tight squeeze for access.
6.
Once done, you can undo the radiator support
brackets, one on the top, one on the bottom. The
top one is y-shaped and holds the radiator to the head,
while the bottom one connects to the engine mount.
The top bracket bolts we found to be 2x 7/16 (11mm)
and 1x 10mm. The bottom radiator bolt is 1/2 (13mm).
7.
With the bracket
bolts removed
the radiator should
lift out a fair way. Be
careful not to catch
the fan blades on the
radiator fins as this could
damage them. Whilst lifting
the radiator, you should have
better access to the bottom
radiator hose clip. Using a
flat-head screwdriver, undo
the jubilee clip and pull off
the hose. Water WILL go
everywhere so be prepared.
3
4
5
6
7
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l04
8.
Carefully remove the radiator/fan shroud and
cowling. Then to remove the fan, use a 7/16 socket
to undo the four bolts holding the fan and spacer and
pulley onto water pump. Place the fan, spacer (if fitted)
and belt to one side. The pulley can often be wedged
onto the water pump so may need some lubrication (on
the inside) and persuasion to come off.
rePLACe W
ATer PUMP
9.
Undo the jubilee clip, with a flathead screwdriver,
holding the hose to the pump. Again, there may
be some water (the clue is in the name!). Use the 7/16
(11mm) socket to undo the four bolts that attach the
water pump to the block. There should be two long
bolts (at the rear) and two shorter bolts. With these out
the pump should lift out and clear exposing the inside
of your block.
10.
Take a breather,
you’re half done.
Have a look at the old pump
and compare it to the new
one to ensure they are the
same. Our impellers were a
different style, but of the same
dimensions, so this was not
likely to cause any issues.
11.
Clean up any parts that you will be refitting to
the car. Scrub any rusty bolts with a wire brush.
You can also clean off any rust that might be forming
on the radiator or its shroud, and give it a lick of paint if
you like. Wash and dust off the fan. A clean fan is more
efficient and will provide better cooling.
12.
Now that you’ve had your break, you’ll need to
scrape away any old gasket that remains on the
block. Be careful not to let any gasket fall inside the
block.
13.
Get the new water pump and position the new
gasket correctly. If you have a gasket compound
then you can use this on both sides of the gasket, Use
a bolt or two to keep it into position while you refit it to
the block. Remember
the long bolts go at
the back.
8
10
12
13
14.
Do the bolts
up loosely in
an alternating order
before tightening,
and then torquing up
to 14-19 lb.ft.
14
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l05
15.
Refit the water pump hose and
tighten up the jubilee clip with a
flat screwdriver.
15
16.
Refit the pulley, spacer (if fitted),
belt and fan using the four 7/16
(11mm) bolts. Make sure your fan is fitted
the correct way round, otherwise it won’t
work effectively. Don’t forget the fan belt!
17.
Put the radiator cowling into position and refit the
long 1/2 (13mm) bolt that holds it in place on the
engine mount underneath.
18.
Get the radiator and hold it in
position. If you have a friend
handy, get them to hold the radiator
while you grab the bottom radiator hose
and force it back on. The hose should
have some leeway in it so it can be
pulled up higher. Once attacted, tighten
the jubilee clip with a screwdriver and
then carefully guide the bottom hose and
radiator into position.
19.
Reattach the radiator and cowling to the shroud,
again being careful of the fan blades on the
radiator. The four bolts are 7/16 or 11mm.
20.
Attach the top y-
shaped retaining
bracket and also the top
radiator hose, and tighten
the jubilee clip with a
flathead screwdriver.
21.
Refit the alternator
and connector and
ensure the belt is as tight
as possible. As a guide
the belt should not be able
to rotate by 90 degrees.
If yours can, it needs
adjusting.
22.
Fill the radiator with coolant - a mix of water
and antifreeze. Hand pump the top hose to
pump some air out and refill the radiator. Repeat as
necessary.
23.
Once complete,
refit the grille and
you are ready to go. After
running the car for the
first time, allow it to cool
and re-check the coolant
levels. A squealing noise
will mean the alternator/
fan belt needs tightening.
21
22
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
l06
Showing you how it is really done.
WORKSHOP
oBjective
Remove and replace
the MINI’s steering
wheel inserts.
tools
Flat-bladed
screwdriver
T20 torx
screwdriver
Something short
thin and pointy,
like a 3mm Allan
key
tiMe
20 minutes
difficulty
1/10
cost
Cost of the inserts.



Simple styling for your interior.
DIY TECH II
Submit your articles
by greig Allan
replacing the MINI’s
steering wheel inserts
Just like the classics the MINI is
pretty much totally customisable,
even going as far as enabling
you to change the grey inserts on
the steering wheel where all the
buttons are.
If, for example, you’re going for a
carbon-fibre look, then you wont
want those dull original inserts
ruining your theme.
Follow our simple guide to
replacing them with your own
choice of inserts, remembering to
disconnect the battery first.
1.
First of all
disconnect the
negative of the battery
before doing this routine.
You will be fiddling
around in the area of
the airbag, so you need
to ensure the power is
disconnected to prevent
accidental activation.
2.
Adjust your MINI’s
steering wheel so
it is pulled out as far as
possible. This will give
you greater access to the
areas you need.
3.
Using a T20 Torx
bit, unscrew the
two screws behind each
steering wheel spoke.
4.
Behind the bottom
steering wheel spoke
is a push button which
releases the steering
P
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c
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B
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(
M
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2
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3
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
l07
Submit your articles
wheel centre (including the airbag). Use an Allan key or
similar object to push the button and release the centre.
5.
Gently pull the centre of the steering wheel towards
you to give you access to the connectors behind it.
6.
From here you should be able to remove the
steering wheel inserts to reveal the connectors. On
the left-hand side should be just a single connector, and
a double one on the right-hand side.
7.
Disconnect the connectors to allow you to fully
remove the inserts and replace them with your new
items.
8.
Reconnecting is the reverse of disconnection. When
putting the steering centre into place, line it up first
and push firmly until the bottom spoke locks.
9.
If you have disconnected the airbag the horn won’t
go off, if not it will only be a short blast.
5
6
7
7
diary
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
l08
W
hen I first got the
shell of the Mini
it was in two
pieces. So I had to weld it
back together and build
it from the scratch. It me
took nearly three months
to finish the job and get
her running. Then recently
I found this Mainstream
Cooper engine by chance
and decided to replace the
previous 998cc engine.
The engine swap took me
about three or four days,
but I’m really happy with
the performance difference.
I have also repaced the
rubber cones with coil
springs. These were hard
springs though, I got them
for a cheap price and
fitted them, but it is a big
mistake. The conditions
of majority of Sri Lankan
roads are poor, so it is very
difficult to drive with them
and do the corners well
- so I’m going to remove
them and go back to the
old method.
Other than that I have
to fix the air conditioning,
because we had to remove
the condenser to fit the
new engine. I’m looking
forward this and hope to
finish the job this week.
The main problem we
face here in Sri Lanka is
the lack of spare parts.
Parts are very expensive.
1990 Mini
(Red Cutie)
Spec: Carburrettored
1275cc A-Series with
HIFF44 carb.
I’m Anton, a 24
year old marine
engineer. I’ve been
into Minis since I
was a kid, thanks
to my dad.
I’ve owned
my Red Cutie
for about seven
months now. It’s
a 1990 Rover,
painted in light
red colour.
Originally she
came up with a
1000cc engine.
But I recently
replaced it with a
1991 Mainstream
Cooper engine -
1275cc with HIF44
carb.
Anton gihan
sri Lanka
Do it yourself
Out in Sri Lanka, Anton Gihan has
had to build his own Mini and
salvage whatever parts he can find.
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
l09
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
ll0
diary
S
o the winter weather
hasn’t been very kind
on Bruce and there
are bubbles of rust coming
up on his rearquarters
where I haven’t resprayed
him properly. This is now
my medium to long-term
concern. Funds are tight
for everyone at the moment
and resprays aren’t cheap.
Even a home respray job
with rattle cans would cost
a fair bit with cans costing
£6.99 each. You’ve got to
think about priming, the
coats of paint and then the
lacquer, and then there’s
the time of taking him off
the road for too long.
Well that’s something
my mind will be thinking
about for a little while. In
the meantime the MoT is
coming up and there are
lots of little issues to fix.
The clutch slave cylinder
finally gave up the other
day so I had to pop to
Somerford Mini for one.
That was £35 - the same
price as the MoT.
I picked up a new wiper
box from Minisport at
Bingley Hall and me and
mechanical Mike spent the
day fiddling about with
that. I would have done a
guide on how we did it,
but I’m not sure I would
recommend that people do
it the way we did.
Getting the wiper box
back on to (or even off) the
bloody spiral cable was a
right pain and I think in
the end we had to prise
open the opening where it
attaches to make it fit.
There was a bit of
laughter while we were
replacing my handbrake
cable too. It hadn’t been
working for ages and we’d
tried tightening it and
adjusting the drum shoes
to no avail. Eventually we
figured the cable must
have stretched too much
and again I picked one up
from Somerford.
It looks like a simple job.
Rear cable goes from side
to side and the cable from
the handbrake grabs the
other cable in the middle
to hold it tight. However,
I hadn’t looked at the
quadrants that the cable
rests in and they were
caked in grime and it was
a bit of a mission prying
it out of them and through
the subframe. As it turned
1991 Rover
Mini Cooper
SPEC: Carburrettored
1275cc A-Series
with Stage 1 kit,
Falken Ze912
tyres. Standard
mechanicals.
Now named Bruce,
he has been in my
ownership since
2007 and was my
first car.
Bought for a
bargain with tax
and MoT he needed
serious welding to
get through the
next test.
Friends from
Wiltshire Avon Mini
Owners (WAMO)
helped out and the
mechanicals were
rebuilt (except the
engine) before
finally passing a
retest early 2010.
craig McBeth
Waiting for
the sun
Bruce’s bodywork needs
a little TLC before a full
respray, but the MoT is first.
www.facebook.com/
cmcbeth
www.love-mini.com
http://loveminimag.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/loveminimag
the door
check strap
has been
re-welded.
i should have
my own parking
spot i come
here so often!!
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
lll
out, the cable had actually
snapped on one side, solving
the conundrum of why it
wasn’t working. In the end
I got some cutters and cut
through the cable to get it off
more easily.
Once
off it
was
just a
case of
feeding
the new
cable
through
the
subframe and guide points
and giving a good coating
of grease wherever it made
contact. Then it all needed
adjusting and trying to get
a new tight cable on the
handbrake was an effort
too, so what we’ve done is
to attach it and stretch it,
gradually tightening it up.
We’ve put a new CV boot
on the driver’s side, and
cleaned out the CV joint of
crud, but now I’m getting a
horrible grinding noise on
occassion and I think for
some reason the joint has
now died, despite looking in
good shape on inspection and
being heavily regreased.
Oh my, back in January I
got the
steering
re-
aligned
after
fitting
some
new
track rod
ends. I’d
obviously mucked it up and it
was quite noticable, so it was
well worth the £20 to get
them realigned. The tracking
was off already so that’s why
I thought to change TREs
before getting it realigned.
My mate’s dad, who is
panelbeater and welder fixed
a couple of little bits such
as the wobbly and absent
door mirrors. The holes in
the door had become too big
and so the fixing had become
my biggest challenge
is a little bit of
wiring for the
headlamp pilot bulb
loose. I think he solved
this by using a rivnut type
device and while he was
there he fixed a broken
bit on the door strap
and rewelded where the
handbrake attaches to the
crossmember as this had
come away too.
Added to that I’ve got
some electrical demons
which keep affecting my
‘accessories’ such as the
stereo, horn, brake fluid
light etc, but it’s not the fuse
or connection and we’ve
cleaned up the earth and
fitted a new earth strap.
Nightmare eh? But my
biggest challenge left before
the MoT is a little bit of
wiring for the headlamp
pilot bulb. It’s an odd
connection for a Wipac
Quadoptic lamp and it’s
never really sat well in the
lamp, so I tried to straighten
it so it would sit better, but
it broke. And I’m not sure
where to get another one
from. Somerford say it’s
part of a later MPi section
of loom but I don’t want to
buy a whole front end loom,
so I’ll have to contact Wipac
direct.
Rusty bits
are appearing
everywhere.
this rubber
pilot light
connector will
only fit these
lamps but i
can’t find a
replacement
connector.
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
ll2
a
l
l
H
o
u
r
s
Extra curricular activities
There
aren’t many
games
coming out nowadays that
feature the classic Mini, so
when one does we want
it to be awesome and not
some cheap cash-in like
others we could mention.
Fortunately this
forthcoming appearance
is in the reknowned DiRT
series, DiRT 3 in fact,
which is out in May (if not
delayed), and judging from
the teaser shots it looks like
it is going to be awesome.
And it’s not just the Mini
that has got us excited. Ken
Block’s amazing Gymkhana
Ford Fiesta is featured as
well as some other iconic
cars including the Audi Sport
Quattro Rallye, Lancia Fulvia
HF and MINI WRC driver, Kris
Meeke’s 2009 Intercontinental
Rally Championship winning
Peugeot 207 S2000.
Developer Codemasters
has said they have worked
closer with manufacturers
and racing drivers to improve
the physics of the games
and make weight shifts more
realistic.
There is also a wider range
of cars available, double the
number of tracks and over
60% of rally content. Bring it
on we say!
let’s get dirrrty
the next big game to get
the Mini bug.
sweeeet!!
Games
O
U
T

M
A
Y
2
4
GAMER
TAGS
Hook up with other
Mini friends on your
favourite games
Liam Andrew
liam123mini
Dave Hackney
Beetle boy
Adam Banner
adamsmd
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
llJ
O
U
T

M
A
Y
2
4
WANTeD!
Global writers & photographers
Are you a budding photographer or writer?
Want to build a portfolio for future work?
Looking to hone your skills?
Want free show tickets or to interview a legend?
If you answered yes to any of these questions then
contribute to |0ve.m|0|. We can’t pay you, but can offer
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ema|| 0s.
ed|t0r@|0ve-m|0|.
c0.0k
INTERESTED?
If you’ve got a camera
or notepad and want to
try your hand...
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
ll4
Your messages and other bits and bobs.
n
o
t
i
c
e
b
o
a
r
d
S
U
B
M
iT
M
y

N
o
t
e
love
.m
i
n
i
@
g
m
x
.
c
o
m
Look closely and
you will see this
Transformer
is made from
classic Mini
parts.
T
aiwanese landscaper,
Liang Nai-yuan, has
built this four-metre tall
Transformer from discarded
building materials and scrapped
classic Minis.
The robot is based on both
Bumblebee and Optimus Prime
and has been attracting many
tourists. Nai-yuan spent over
three months creating the art
piece, dismantling two Minis
before welding the pieces back
together to create this amazing
sculpture.
Appeal
for stolen
Minis,
information
Announce
club
changes,
company
special
offers,
advertise
Mini-
related
jobs, births,
deaths and
marriages
Send
birthday,
good
luck or
anonymous
personal
messages
Club Announcements
Hilltop Minis have moved meeting
place to the New Inn at Storridge,
Malvern, WR13 5HB.
www.hilltopminis.com
A new club and forum has been
launched under the guise of Minis
Unleashed. We met them at Bingley
and they’ve got a cool logo.
www.minisunleashed.com
NI-Minis.co.uk has got a new design,
give it a try and see what you think.
There’s still loads to do to finish it,
so perhaps send your comments and
suggestions.
www.ni-minis.co.uk
S
potted on one of the Mini forums, this screengrab shows
what appears to be MINIs in the forthcoming Disney
Pixar animated movie and sequel - Cars 2.
from the picture they look to be stock cars and not a character
in the film, but we maybe pleasantly surprised. Find out this
summer.
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
ll5
STOLEN
Appeal for your stolen
Minis here!
S
U
B
M
iT
M
y

N
o
t
e
love
.m
i
n
i
@
g
m
x
.
c
o
m
W
e all know
classic Minis
are small,
but when we saw this
picture we just had to
share it. Small is not
the word for this mini
Mini. Looking like a
miniaturised version of
the Elf/Hornet, we’re
a little stumped at to
what to presume. Is it
a legitimate car driven
by a tiny person or just
conveniently left on
the road to look like a
real car? Send us your
thoughts.
M
INIUSA released this set of
universal hand signals alongside
the launch of the Countryman.
Some obvious ones are missing, but overall
it’s a good effort.
the weird and wonderful from the web
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
ll6
DIGIMINI
acebook
pages
#2

AROnline
Celebrating 10 years on the
web, AROnline, which stands
for Austin-Rover, has become
essential bookmarking for any-
one whose love of British cars
extends further than the humble
little Mini.
There is tons of useful and
unique material on the site and
it is designed and maintained
by motoring writer Keith Adams.
MAGNETIZED MINI
www.facebook.com/
MagnetizedMINI
BRITISH MINI CLUB
www.facebook.com/
britishminiclub
MINI MOTORSPORT
www.facebook.com/
MINI.Motorsport
This snowy picture is a
beautiful juxtaposition
of love and hate. Love
is the desire to decorate
one’s MINI with a
preferential sticker of
one’s personal opinion,
while Hate appears in
the acronym and the
wording which offers
a derogatory term to
anyone who reads the
sticker whilst driving an
SUV. Beautiful.
Snapped
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
ll7
Advanced driving techniques
We all love driving our
Minis, but if we could
improve our driving
skills then would
could also improve our
enjoyment too.
Fortunately another
Mini enthusiast
has mastered a few
advanced driving
techniques and has
filmed himself for others
to learn/enjoy.
s0ggyrice, as he goes
by on YouTube, has few
driving videos, showing
everything from basic
driving techniques
to clutchless shifting
and other advanced
techniques.
Even if you don’t want
to try it yourself, it’s
worth a look to see what
a Mini is capable of in a
confident set of hands.
Web Threads
Mini Kit Car, Custom,
Hot Rod, Collectors V8
Item number:
120693013660
Location: Newport,
Shropshire, UK
Most Mini owners
want our Minis to look
a little different but with
this beauty you would be
driving the world’s lowest
road legal car at just 24
inches high.
Using a 1967 Mini the
body has been stretched
to 14ft 4-inches, with a
custom rollcage and 6-
inch windscreen. It uses
Mini balljoints, hubs and
steering, Jaguar brakes,
12x5 Superl
BLOG
www.minion9.blogspot.com
Follow what a Mini restoration shop in
Malaysia does with its Minis.
Are you flashing at me?
Night-time driving and blinding headlights in classic
www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=185013
Proof Bini’s Can Look Cool!
Trying to convince some classic owners MINIs can be cool too
www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=177942
Wasted money on options?
totalMINI discusses which optional extras are worth the money
www.totalmini.com/forum/9-general-discussion/17936-wasted-
money-options.html
Snapped
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
ll8
event preview
Coming up...
T
he Bristol Mini Show
has had a topsy-turvy
history, and even
more so of late.
In the past five years
alone it has been held at
three different locations,
and two of those weren’t
even in Bristol!
However, last year
signalled the turning of a
corner as the organisers
tried out another new venue
- this time within the
Bristol boundary and with a
whole heap of pluses.
The journeyman
reputation hasn’t done
wonders for crowds either.
A fea years ago the
show was held at Bath
Racecourse, which wasn’t
a bad venue, despite being
out of Bristol, but this was
just a temporary measure.
Then there was the
soulless field in Weston
Super Mare which
seemed to be cursed with
bad weather too. The
atmosphere wasn’t great
and the area was desolate
and severely lacking in the
character that Mini shows
really need to be a success.
So it was with great
relief that 2010 was such
an amazing turnaround.
The new location at
Washingpool Farm in
Bristol is just a couple of
minutes from junction 17
of the M5, opposite Cribbs
Causeway, and is set in a
lovely little West Country
village, providing a heap
of character, and the
atmosphere was boosted
by a good venue which can
accomodate more acitivites
that the organisers have
been planning.
Last year saw the
introduction of club
games, which was a big
hit amongst the crowds,
and there was also the
opportunity for youngsters
to experience grasstracking
in a demo car on the back
field.
The Bristol Mini Show
now seems to have found
its home, and everyone
seems to like it. Somehow
the magic of it attracted
back the crowds for the
best turnout for years, and
the sun even hung around
for most of the day, which
was nice.
This year we’re hoping for
more of the same and a few
new additions to the show.
It’s gonna be great.
Bristol Mini Day, June 5
DATE June 5
LOCATION Washingpool Farm, Easter
Compton, Bristol, BS35 5RE
PRICE £??
HIGHLIGHTS Great new location
WEBSITE www.bristolminiday.co.uk
sponsored by
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
ll9
APRIL 3
SHMG Polly Run
Worpleston Place Hotel, Guildford
www.shmg.co.uk
APRIL 9-10
Florence & Mugello Mini Meet
Mugello circuit, Florence, Italy
www.miniemotomaniaci.it
APRIL 8-10
South West Mini Brakes
Combe Martin, North Devon.
swminis.forumup.co.uk
APRIL 10
Malvern Mini Show
The Malvern Showground,
Worcestershire, WR13 6NW
www.classicshows.org
APRIL 15 - 17
Minis on the Bay
Silverdale, Lancashire
www.oldhamminiclub.org.uk
APRIL 16
Pride of Longbridge Rally
Cofton Park B31 2BQ. 10am to
4pm
www.austinmemories.com
APRIL 17
Suffolk Run
www.buryminiclub.co.uk
APRIL 17
Lincoln BIG Mini Day
Held at Brayford Waterfront,
www.trentvalleymoc.co.uk
APRIL 24
H2H Run
Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire
www.hamoc.co.uk
APRIL 25
SHMG Easter Run
Worplesdon Place Hotel
www.shmg.co.uk
APRIL 25
East Coast Mini Run
www.eastcoastminiclub.co.uk
APRIL 25
NI Minis Drivetime Run
www.ni-minis.co.uk
APRIL 29-MAY 2
Mini Splash Dash
www.cumbriaminicruisers.co.uk
APRIL 29-MAY 2
Riviera Run
www.rivierarun.co.uk
APRIL 30
Back to Downton
Wick Lane, Downton SP5 3NS
www.dewsc.org.uk
MAY 1
Teddy Bears’ Picnic
Standedge Visitors’ Centre
www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/
event.php?eid=124808357582899
MAY 2
East Midlands Mini Show
www.classicshows.org
MAY 8
Himley Hall
Himley, Staffordshire, DY3 4DF
www.britishminiclub.co.uk
MAY 14-15
The Rally Show
Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire
www.therallyshow.org
MAY 15
London to Brighton
Crystal Palace, London to
Madeira Drive, Brighton
www.london-to-brighton.co.uk
MAY 20 - 22
Moorland &
Coastal Mini
Run
Rosedale
Campsite, North
York Moors
National Park
www.
northernminis.co.uk
MAY 22
Mega Mini
Meet
Lytham Hall,
Lancs
lancashireminiregister@
gmail.com
www.lancashireminiregister.co.uk
MAY 22
Surrey Mini Show
www.classicshows.org
MAY 28-30
Minis on the Prom
www.newportminiowners.co.uk
MAY 29
Norfolk Mini Day
Fakenham Racecourse,
www.drive.to/nmoc
MAY 30
Knebworth Mini & VW
Show
www.classicshows.org
JUNE 5
Bristol Mini Day
Washpool Farm, Easter Compton
Bristol
www.bristolminiday.co.uk
JUNE 5
East Lothian Classic Car day
Vogrie Country Park, near
Edinburgh
www.elmoc.co.uk
JUNE 10-12
IMM 2011 Switzerland
www.imm2011.org
JUNE 12
MCR Mini Cooper Day
Beaulieu Motor Museum,
Hampshire
www.minicooper.org
JUNE 19
Colchester Mini Show
www.colchesterminiclub.co.uk
JUNE 19
Normanby Hall Mini
Show
Normanby Hall, Scunthorpe,
Lincs
www.trentvalleymoc.co.uk
Event highlights
Comprehensive listings from around the globe
S
U
B
M
iT
E
v
e
n
t

L
is
t
in
g
s
C
h
e
C
k
t
h
e
l
o
v
e
:m
in
i
w
e
b
s
it
e
f
o
r
t
h
e

b
ig
g
e
s
t
a
n
d
b
e
s
t

m
in
i e
v
e
n
t

l
is
t
in
g
s
JANUARY 1
New Year’s Day Parade
Start the year as you mean to go on by joining in
London’s famous New Yea’s Day parade. Some of the
bigger London Mini clubs will be getting involved.
www.londonparade.co.uk
|0ve.m|0| |0ve.m|0|
l20
Get much more...
...from our resourceful website
www.|0ve-m|0|.c0.0k
n
e
w
s

B
lo
g
!
r
e
ta
ile
r

lis
tin
g
s
!
e
v
e
n
t
d
a
te
s
!
M
in
i
g
a
m
e
s
!
...and much more!
www.
facebook.com/
loveminimag
love_mini
loveminimag
editor@love-
mini.co.uk
www.love-
mini.co.uk
www.youtube.
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mag

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