Latest News on British Mini Fair 2009

Calling all ex-Austin workers.

Here at the British Mini Club we are trying to locate as many Ex-Austin Workers who help produce the Mini at Longbridge as we can. We would like to invite them to all of our events during 2009. We aim to create photographs with some early Minis from our 1959 Mini Register that will have special displays at all BMC events.

If you know of anyone that worked with the Mini please pass on details onto them. Contact the BMC HQ on 01384 897779.

Mini Talk New for 2009

Historic Mini Rally by Clive King... Clive has been rallying his Classic Mini Cooper S for many years, he is sponsored by the British Mini Club and will give a talk about his Classic Rally experiences

Early Development of the Mini by Bob Grice... This should be worth listening to. Bob Grice worked at Longbridge in the late 50's and early 60's during the development of the Mini. He will also be on hand to answer questions.

More information about British Mini Fair 2009 can be found on www.britishminiclub.co.uk

First sighting of W&P Margrave 50

The Wood & Pickett Margrave 50 has recently had its first sighting on display at the open day at Wood & Picketts new Mini Heritage Centre. This Mini is one of only 50 brand new classic Minis being produced by W&P and nobody has seen the road going version yet. Although we must say we love the red that has been used. It just looks so deep on the heritage shell

However you can see the completed version of this unique and very collectable Mini at British Mini Fair 2009.

More details at www.britishminiclub.co.uk

Mini Clubman to debut at British Mini Fair 2009

Richard Hallworth will debut his recently restored Mini Clubman at British Mini Fair 2009 at Bingley Hall in January. It really is a beautiful restoration and is sure to attract many admiring glances.

For more details and advance ticket information for British Mini Fair 2009 please visit our website at www.britishminiclub.co.uk

Wood & Picket open a new Heritage Centre

Wood & Pickett is delighted to announce the opening of their new Heritage Centre in Leatherhead, being officially opened by Freddie St George of The Italian Job Charity, on Saturday 15 November 2008.

The facility is designed to show off the heritage and history of one of the most famous names in the Mini industry, Wood & Pickett.

Since the demise of John Cooper’s premises the Mini enthusiast has lacked an interesting Mini specific focal point. Here at WP we have created a new and exciting centre to give the Mini enthusiast somewhere to meet with like- minded friends.

WP Heritage Centre will offer:

· Club and Enthusiasts Meeting Venue

· Unique Minis on Display

· Parts and Accessory Sales

· Car Sales

· Servicing and MOT Facilities

· Complete Restoration Facilities

· Large Car Park

· Warm and Friendly Atmosphere

· Helpful Advice and Lots More

We will be only too pleased to accommodate clubs and visitors to this wonderful new facility close to junction 9 of the M25 and next to Leatherhead mainline train station. The local surrey country lanes offer some of the best Mini driving experiences in the South of England making it a great starting or finishing venue for a club run.

For further information please see our web site www.woodandpickett.com or call us on 01372 388248.

See the BMC at the Classic Motor Show

Are you going to the Classic Car Show at the NEC near Birmingham this weekend? This is one of the most important auto shows in the UK calendar. Includes the Meguires concours finals and of course the British Mini Club have a prominent stand.

We have some superb Minis on display celebrating 49 and half years of this amazing motoring icon.

This fantastic show celebrates every age, marque and model, The veteran, the vintage, the classic and the future classic in fact everything car related and is the season Grand Finale

The Classic Motor Show brings together the whole motoring spectrum and something for everyone including a live stage, Wheeler Dealer Live, Restoration Theatre, 10 mile drives in the classic car of your choice. Sporting Bears Dream Rides provide the ultimate ride in dream cars. op traders and autojumblers. In fact everything for the car and the whole family.

Make sure your first port of call at this is the British Mini Club stand.

The show starts on Friday and runs through until Sunday, From November Nov 14th to 16th Full details and ticket prices can be found at www.necclassicmotorshow.com You can also find there You Tube channel on the website as well

Mighty Minis Donington Park Night Race

The Mini on the cusp of becoming fifty years old since its initial launch is still making motoring history. This weekend Donington Park circuit will host the first ever night races for the Standard Mighty Minis (class ‘A’) and the Super Mighty Minis (class ‘B’). As this is their 2008 championship final and the championship title fight being as little as three and five points adrift this will be two scintillating races.

This has historical importance, as this has never been done before in the world, as well as this fantastic spectacle, when the racing ends there will be a massive fireworks display, the event is expected to attract crowds in their thousands.

‘I am really thrilled that we are able to conjure up new ideas and concepts for our Championship competitors and to be able to facilitate the first ever night race for the Mini in it history has been an interesting challenge’ Says Rodger Tello owner of Mighty Minis racing.

More details can be found at www.mightminis.co.uk

Mini sales soar in United States

Sales in the United States of the UK-produced Mini have soared ahead of those in Britain for the first time.

A 27% rise in US sales in the year to September led to 40,694 Minis being sold. Over the same period in Britain, some 35,496 Minis were sold. The soaring price of petrol has fuelled the car’s American success.

About 80% of the 240,000 Minis produced annually at the company’s plant in Oxford are exported. (Daily Mail: October 24).

It has been expected for some time that sales in the USA would overtake the UK. This is probably because the big gas guzzlers are starting to cost a lot more to run and drivers are looking to cheaper alternatives

British Mini Club can confirm our biggest giveaway to date

Win a fabulous Mini Paul Smith for just £1.00

The BMC start off Minis 50th in style at Mini Fair 2009 by giving visitors to the event a chance to win a Mini Paul Smith LE, The car was first registered in 1999 and has been well looked after, it has covered just 25k miles since new, and has all of it's original features. The Mini Paul Smith LE is one of the most unique and most sought after limted edition classic Mini's ever built. Designed by Paul Smith himself the car is always a favourite amongst Mini fans world wide.

It can be seen on the BMC stand on the day of the show and will be ready to drive away after the show. It comes with an MOT and tax. Show sponsors Footman James will be giving a helping hand by giving insurance to the value of £250 for the winner.

The Paul Smith Register will be exhibiting other Paul Smith LE's at the show. British Mini Fair 2009 is on the 25th January at Staffordshire County Showground

More news will be added on our website on other attractions at Mini Fair 2009. British Mini Club will also be hosting 2 other summer events for the Minis 50th year.

These include our British Mini Day at Himley Hall on the 10th May and Uttoxeter Racecourse on the 6th September

www.britishminiclub.co.uk

MINI Crossover 4x4x4x4 debuts

Well at over 4 metres long it certainly isn't MINI. The longawaited concept SUV from MINI is finally making its debut at the Paris Motor Show. This will certainly have the motoring press talking. We believe it is aimed mainly at the US market as motoring fans are probably looking to downsize to a more economical SUV, and it is certainly different. Who would have thought in 1959, nearly 50 years ago when the Mini was first introduced it would grow to this BIG!!.

The MINI Crossover Concept is a design study for a fourth variant in MINI’s current model range. With four doors, four drive wheels, four single seats and at four metres in the length, the Crossover Concept combines versatility and style: its main aim is to tempt new target groups into the world of MINI. The MINI Crossover Concept is packed with innovative design details and practical solutions. It seeks to retain MINI ownership as a unique prospect as competitors continue to try and replicate the successful MINI recipe.

You know what they say about length…The MINI Crossover Concept is the first MINI model to measure over four metres in length and almost 1.6 m high, giving it greater practicality and enhanced flexibility. Interior personalisation opportunities are also increased.

Looks matter…The MINI Crossover Concept still features many of the typical MINI characteristics, such as the wheels located at four corners to highlight the ‘go kart’ feeling, the circular design features and the entertaining use of space and functions. More than just an all-wheel drive, however, the MINI Crossover offers fantastic flexibility and meets more specific customer requirements.

With four doors, two on each side, you may think the MINI Crossover Concept has a conventional feel after all. But you’d be wrong. Two conventional doors can be found on the passenger’s side (front and back), with a third for the driver. The fourth door, for the rear passenger on the driver’s side, slides back along the outside of the car for convenient access and loading.

The rear door has a frameless, retractable window and when open, swivels to one side to facilitate the loading of long items, such as skis, snowboards and surfboards. But it doesn’t stop there: the capacity can be increased even further due to the folding roof cover which extends across the whole length of the roof and there’s even a transport case which can be fitted on to the outside of the rear door.

But it’s what’s inside that counts…With more storage space than ever seen before in a MINI, the MINI Crossover Concept offers additional capacity and uniquely, the opportunity to personalise the layout of the interior.

The four seats are individual, single seats which can be adjusted forwards and backwards by up to thirteen centimetres in the rear – allowing more legroom to the rear passengers. The front and rear seats are linked visually by the new MINI Centre Rail – a matt-polished aluminium fastening rail which extends from the dashboard through the middle of the car, to the rear. A unique fastening system can be used with the Centre Rail to attach cupholders, storage units and entertainment consoles which can be passed between the front and the rear passengers.

The MINI Crossover Concept features a new display and control console which hosts all major entertainment, telecommunication and navigation functions: the MINI Centre Globe. This three dimensional globe can be personalised independently by both the driver and passenger as the display is shown in two hemispheres – for example, allowing the passenger to surf the net whilst the driver follows the navigation.

Operated by a touch-sensitive surface, the MINI Centre Globe can also be programmed by a trackball situated on the steering wheel, buttons or slide controls in the lower section of the globe, or even by a keyboard which extends out from the dashboard on the passenger’s side.

The MINI Centre Globe also hosts the stop/start function, whereby the driver inserts a Keyball into the upper edge to start and switch off the engine.

The MINI Crossover Concept previews at the Paris Motor Show and is the basis on which a series production will be developed in the future.

Comment on the MINI SUV in our forum at www.britishminiclub.co.uk

British Mini Day - Catton Hall 2008 CANCELLED

British Mini Day Catton Hall Cancelled

After 16 years and organising over 50 Mini events it is with major regret that the British Mini Club have no choice but to cancel Sundays (September 7th) British Mini Day at Catton Hall.

After a site meeting at the venue today (Friday) it would be totally impossible to go ahead with the show. Both the show ground and car parks are under water. With a weather forecast of severe heavy rain for today, Saturday and Sunday we feel it is in the best interests of everyone that we cancel the event.

We know many of you have been looking forward to the event with it being a new venue etc but we are afraid it is out of our hands. We would like to thank everyone who has contacted us with there support and understanding and kind offers of help. We very much appreciate this. Thank you.

We will endeavour to contact as many exhibitors as we can, but we may be unable to contact everyone. We would appreciate it very much if you could all spread the word as well.

The BMC show team are deeply disapointed that we have had to make this decision, and we can only apologise wholeheartedly if this has caused inconvenience and look forward to seeing you at our planned events in 2009.

We will in due course be inviting all Premier Class entrants to take part in the Premier Class at British Mini Fair in January 2009 (date to be confirmed)

Mini Regards

David Hollis

British Mini Club

MINI Cooper JCW wins UK's best hot hatch

Auto Express has announced that the new MINI Cooper John Cooper Works although only being available for a month has been voted as the UK's best hot hatch.

The fastest-ever series production MINI has beaten off competition from the likes of the Honda Civic Type R, Volkswagen Golf GTI and Clio Renaultsport to take top spot in the annual Auto Express New Car Honours.

An amazing 211 hp, or 132 hp per litre, is delivered from a heavily revised 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol power plant and forms the basis of the appeal of the new MINI John Cooper Works.

Despite the newcomer’s engine being an identical unit to that featuring in the high-performance MINI CHALLENGE race car, the CO₂ emission and fuel consumption figure for the MINI John Cooper Works beats the competition hands down.

The MINI John Cooper Works offers supreme performance, finely-honed chassis dynamics and an industry-leading ownership prospect which proved irresistible to the team of judges at Auto Express.

David Johns, Editor of Auto Express magazine said: “The latest JCW model to be produced at MINI’s Plant Oxford is a firecracker. Not only is it one of the quickest cars in its class, it’s also one of the most environmentally-friendly. It outscores all its rivals for entertainment, bringing the no-frills thrills of the original to life in a thoroughly modern and brilliant package.”

New online guide helps motorists stay safe on the roads

TyreSafe helps motorists understand the value of tyre safety with a set of new online tyre safety lessons

Motorists now have access to a set of ten easy-to-follow, digitally animated tyre safety lessons, via the TyreSafe website. With independent research conducted by a leading tyre manufacturer and TyreSafe member revealing that almost 80 percent of cars on British roads are running with incorrect tyre pressures, TyreSafe has added the visual guide to its website in order to help motorists avoid the problems associated with poorly maintained or neglected tyres, such as premature wear, increased stopping distances or additional fuel costs.

“The new online guide will help motorists overcome a number of issues which may be increasing their risk on the road or creating additional motoring costs,” comments TyreSafe chairman Rob Beddis. “The digitally animated guide is designed to provide motorists with invaluable advice regarding tyre safety, helping us to achieve our goal of making the UK’s roads safer for all.” In June 2007 [confirm], TyreSafe became the first tyre safety organisation in the UK to sign up to the European Road Safety Charter, a road safety initiative from the European Commission which aims to save 25,000 lives lost on EU roads by 2010.

The lessons are designed to educate motorists about tyre wear and tyre pressure, and cover all aspects of tyre maintenance, providing the viewer with a clear explanation of how to measure tyre pressure and tread depth, together with advice about tools and cost implications.

The ‘Tyre Wear’ section encompasses wear and damage to tyres, tread depth, accidents and general tyre safety, while the ‘Tyre Pressure’ section covers why tyre pressure is vital to road safety, how to check pressure levels and where and when to adjust tyre pressure.

The new online guide can be found at www.tyresafe.org.

MINI USA and ABF build world's fastest Cooper S

MINI USA and ABF have collaberated to create the World's fastest MINI Cooper S. The has an amazing racing pedigre and this has taken it one step further by going down the quarter mile drag strip in a superb time of 10.48 and a terminal speed of some 135mph. Quicker than any MINI we have seen at the British Mini Showdown. The MINI in question is a 2002 model and has it's supercharger thrown away in favour of a rather large Garrett Turbocharger. a new computer means it is pushing out some 650 horses

For the full spec, more info and a video of the run please visit autoblog.com

MINI Rickshaw at the olympics..whatever next

The marketing guy's at MINI never cease to amaze us. What other car maker would have come up with an idea for a MINI Rickshaw at the Beijing Olympics to ferry visitors around the city. As daft an idea that it sounds we would certainly like a ride in this unique vehicle

The MINI press release goes like this : A very special MINI vehicle is providing passengers with a fantastic, unforgettable driving experience of a most unusual type. Locals and visitors to the games alike can move smoothly through the busy traffic in the Asian capital in a MINI Rickshaw made specially for Beijing - a typical MINI experience.

Pure muscle power drives this exciting, emission-free vehicle through the streets of the Olympic city. The MINI Rickshaw perfectly captures Beijing's dynamic combination of tradition and progress, coupled with a touch of fantasy and individuality - as only MINI can do.

From 11 August, anyone looking for excitement who would like to explore Beijing in a slightly different way has been able to experience the mixture of bicycle and MINI Clubman in trendy club and scene districts such as the old Beijing quarter of Hu Tong. Simply get in and enjoy the typical MINI feeling in this pulsating city of a million. In addition, it is also possible to try out this unique form of transport at the local MINI dealership.

The real Chinese lucky charms and talismen on the bicycle and in the inside of the vehicle are intended not only to bring the passenger luck, but also, of course, to release positive energy for the entire Olympic Games.

Worlds most expensive classic Mini

This very blinged up Mini Limo is apparantly the most expensive Mini Limo in the world. Created for Regina daughter of a Kazak oil billionaire from a 1986 Mini Chelsea.

Stretched to an amazing 5 meters 60cm it makes it the Worlds longest stretch Mini Limo.The Mini has special build gold and multicolour alloy wheels with 13" on the front and 15's on the back with a specially made Swarovsky Crystal in the centre of each wheel.

It is certainly very bling with 3 metre long windows and a 48" LCD screen and 70 tft monitors plus 30 parking sensors.

To see the full story of this crazy Mini, how it was built and painted, plus why they did it go to : www.millioneuromini.com To see images of the finished Limo go to : www.trendhunter.com let us know what you think by adding your comments to this post

Production resumes at Longbridge

Although not Mini realated news Longbridge played a very big part in the history of the production of the Mini. Indeed the very last classic Mini rolled of the line in 2001. It is good news in the region that full-scale car production has restarted at the former MG Rover plant in Longbridge, Birmingham. Shanghai Automotive (SAIC) said it had sold 70% of the orders for its new model, the MG TF LE500.

The company has 55 dealers across the UK and believes the first cars will be with customers by next month.

MG Rover collapsed in 2005 with the loss of about 6,000 jobs. It was bought by Nanjing Automobile Corporation for £53m but they were taken over by SAIC. There are currently about 165 workers at Longbridge but the figure is likely to rise, according to the company.

SAIC said it hoped to produce 700 of its sports cars by the end of the year. The model will cost nearly £16,500.

Eleanor De La Haye, of MG UK, said: “We are delighted to have reached this important point and are looking forward to seeing the cars in showrooms shortly.” (BBCnews.co.uk: August 1).

British Mini Day Himley Hall DVD

We all enjoyed our British Mini Day at Himley Hall 2008. It was a major success with a massive turn out of Mini fans from all around the UK and Europe. With top Mini's on display in the Premier Concours and an incredible display of Minis on club stands. You can now re-live the day with this professional DVD from Top Hat Video.

Buy this well put together DVD direct from there eBay shop at http://stores.ebay.co.uk/bluesmokebaz for just £10 a copy with free postage. If you prefer you can send a cheque direct to 'Top Hat Video' at 27 Austin Close, Milking Bank, Dudley, DY1 2ST we are positive you will enjoy this DVD as much as we did and it is a well worth addition to any Mini collection

Mini 50 years is coming!!

2009 is the year to celebrate 50 years of greatest car of all time the Mini. Be it the classic or the new Mini it is an incredible achievment. Hear at the British Mini Club we have already started work on our events for this very special year. 4 events are planned across the year, we have ideas in place and are working on more. Some special and unique classic Mini's will be raffled at these events and of course the Premier Concours will take place with the finals in September. Just imagine saying you are the proud owner of the countries number 1 classic Mini and new MINI in the 50th year.. what an honour.

Other events we know of being planned are MINI United which comes to the UK for the first time. The recent press release from MINI reads: 50 years of Mini and MINI to be celebrated in England 2009 will mark the 50th anniversary of the launch of the original Mini, and the second generation new MINI will be commemorating this incredible achievement in style, right here in England.

The MINI United festival, which in recent years has brought together thousands of classic Mini and new MINI owners to celebrate a British icon, will be staged at a renowned race circuit in England and kicks-off on 22 May 2009. The exact location and further details will be announced in the near future.

But as it happens we at the British Mini Club are 99.99% certain we know where MINI United will be held. But of course we can't divulge that information just yet.. But be assured this event will be massive as will our own British Mini Days in 2009

MINIVERSITY graduate awarded first-class honours at What Car? Green Awards 2008

MINI Cooper S is What Car?’s Green Sports Car. We all know the new Cooper S is one of the most exciting cars to drive on the road but now it has gone one better and won a very important award

The MINI Cooper S has been singled out for praise by What Car? and taken the Green Sports Car award in the What Car? Green Awards ceremony at the 2008 British International Motor Show, where the MINI range is currently showing on a MINIVERSITY-themed stand.

The award is recognition of MINI’s commitment to manufacturing frugal and fast premium small cars, with minimal cost to the environment.

The MINI Cooper S embodies all of those qualities and when pitched against the competition, it’s easy to see how What Car? made its decision.

The systems that make astonishing fuel consumption (45.6 mpg on combined cycle) and low CO2 emission (149 g/km) figures possible from a hot hatch are known as MINIMALISM technologies. MINIMALISM is MINI’s version of BMW’s EfficientDynamics and the range of systems includes:

• Auto Start/Stop
• Shift Point Display
• Brake Energy Regeneration
• Variable Valve Timing
• Lightweight materials
• Turbocharging
• Electro mechanical Power Assisted Steering

Steve Fowler, editor of What Car? said: ‘The MINI Cooper S proves that fun doesn’t have to go out of the window if you want to be green. We love the way the clever MINIMALISM technology works to cut damaging emissions without damaging driver enjoyment.’

MINI range now averages less than 140g/km

BMW Group confirmed as the UK’s cleanest premium motor manufacturer

• EfficientDynamics technologies responsible for CO₂ reduction across the MINI Range
  

BMW Group products are officially the cleanest premium cars following independent, industry-wide research into CO₂ emissions. The data, compiled by www.cleangreencars.co.uk, also shows that, through its EfficientDynamics programme, the BMW brand has the most improved average CO₂ emissions of any premium manufacturer.

Engineers at MINI have been been successful in improving CO₂ emissions, according to cleangreencars.co.uk, through the MINIMALISM programme – MINI’s take on EfficientDynamics. The MINI model range now has an average of 139.64g/km for the period January 2008 to June 2008. The figure for MINI has also improved by 9.44 per cent compared to a year ago – something that cements its position as one of the top three manufacturers with the lowest average CO₂ emissions.

Jay Nagley, publisher of www.cleangreencars.co.uk, said: “The BMW and MINI model ranges have seen very significant improvements when it comes to CO₂ emissions. The BMW Group should be praised for its leading stance in this area. It’s proof that driving dynamics can go hand-in-hand with a green conscience.”

The BMW Group will continue to reduce car emissions ahead of EU guidelines. NOx storage capability within a catalytic converter will be offered on certain models in the near future. Engineers are already finalising drivetrain configurations to meet the likely EU6 legislation due to come into effect in 2014.

For the MINI owner this is very good news as it may lead to cheaper running costs in the form of lower road tax in the UK. With a massive increase in road tax levels for the most polluting cars to come into force in the UK soon this improvement to the emissions will make the MINI a very attractive purchase for anyone looking for a new car

The full details of the research can be read at www.cleangreencars.co.uk

BRAND NEW obp Ltd Classic Mini Pedal Box

Optimum Balance Products Ltd has developed a fantastic adjustable brake bias pedal box specifically designed for the classic mini. Below are the links to there web site and the fitting instructions.

BRAND NEW obp Ltd Classic Mini Pedal Box Fitting instructions.

Click this link: www.obp.uk.net/Mini%20Pedal%20Box%20Fitting.pdf

The Mini pedal box is a light weight mild steel under-slung pedal box design,which offers the driver the highest level of efficiency in this critical area.

The ergonomic design features a fabricated lightened steel brake and clutch pedal with oil impregnated spherical bushes that set new standards in pedal box design. This pedal box is fitted with a bias bar that operates a dual master cylinder braking system, giving total control over the braking from front to rear.

To purchase a Classic Mini Pedal go to there web site www.obp.uk.net

BMC OPEN NIGHT AT MINI SPARES (MIDLANDS) LTD

British Mini Club and Mini Spares (midlands)

After organising 3 massive events so far in 2008, the very active BMC will once again have its annual open night with our partners Mini Spares.

SHOW US YOUR MINI

We are looking for the very best classic minis to come along from near and far to help our mini night a night to remember.

Come along and see some of the best minis, around and then treat your mini to a make over with parts and accessories from the massive range from Mini Spares.

Tuesday 22nd July 2008

Start time 6.00pm til 9.00pm

Venue

Mini Spares Centre (Oldbury) West Midlands.

Just off junction 2 of the M5.

Massive discount on all Mini Parts

Best classic mini of the night

Best new MINI of the night.

Worst Mini of the night

Meal Deal First 100 people to arrive in a mini get FREE meal

Mini miles: person who travels the furthest in a mini wins £50.00

Fun and loads of competitions.

See you there

Records smashed at British Mini Showdown 2008

Were you there? Did you see the new record set at British Mini Showdwn 2008 for the fastest quarter mile in a Mini. We were and we saw Nathan Dobson smash the time with a sub 10 second run at 9.961 seconds. In the last hour of the day Nathan set this record with his Nitrous full on after previous problems with his nitrous switching. Show report

His amazing Mini was running a 434ci Chevy Block under the bonnet and rear wheel drive as well. In all he had some 7.3 litres of power to hand with this incredible Mini. How did he fit that engine in. Well what looked like the gear box was sitting aside of Nathan as he blasted down the black stuff to register his incredible time. With a track temp at 1pm of 100 degrees the traction must have been just right as the front end lifted for this incredible run. Glue was sprayed onto the track before the morning session to give more traction and it certainly worked. He took the Quickest Mini in the World from Stuart Meads who held it for 7 years. We hear talk of at least one maybe two Minis ready to challenge these two in the future. This class is certainly looking interesting.

Read the full story, see the results and over 170 images from this amazing day at www.britishminiclub.co.uk

British Mini Club computer problems

Just to let you know that as of Friday 11th July we are having problems with the webteams main PC. Basically it will not boot up. It is either the power box or the graphics card.

This means that for the time being we can not view any emails which have been downloaded to Outlook on the PC. We can however still access new emails on-line through our personal lap top. If you sent us any urgent emails recently please resend them to us and we will get to you as soon as we can.

We are working on the problem and hopefully it will be resolved soon.

We can only apologise if this has caused any inconvenience

wet, wet, wet at Gaydon

It has been pouring with rain at Mini Festival at Gaydon, but it cleared up later for a sunny day. Many classic Minis on display including Trevor Ripleys 59 on the BMC Stand right up to 51 reg last of the production line sports pack Cooper. With 14 top Minis on our club stand. The day started with a run from Longbridge to Gaydon. It is always a nice venue with a chance to look around the fantastic museum and see the Monte Minis. All in all a good show in the popular Mini scene

see the British Mini Club at the Mini Festival

The British Mini Club will have a display of both Classic and New Mini at the Mini Festival which takes place on Sunday July 6th 2008 at the Heritage Motor Centre near Gaydon, Warwickshire. Please come along and say hello. take the time to admire the Minis on our stand and maybe purchase some of our merchandise. Also take the opportunity to become a member of the British Mini Club (if you have not already done so). being a member gives yoo discounted entry into our shows for the rest 2008 and beyond.

The Mini Festival at Gaydon is always a popular event with many traders and clubs on show plus you get free access to the museum which is always worth a visit as you can see the Mini Rally cars from the 60's plus much more Mini history. There is a Mini heritage run from Longbridge, Childrens entertainment plus... The invasion of the Daleks !!

More details can be found at www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk

iMotor: the web’s newest and most exciting digital motoring magazine

It’s time to rip up the car magazine rulebook. When it launches on 17th July, iMotor will, for the first time ever, allow readers to enjoy the latest pictures, videos and test drives of all the best new cars in one single hassle-free entertaining interactive digital format. And the best bit is it’s delivered direct to your inbox completely free-of-charge.

Issued fortnightly, the first ever issue of iMotor will hit the interneton Thursday 17th July – the week before the British International Motor Show at Excel, London. Visitors to www.imotormag.co.uk can register for the first issue today.

Combining the best elements of print, online and broadcast media, iMotor brings the world of motoring to life in an easily navigable format with incisive content, TV-style delivery and the sights and sounds of all the latest cars.

Flipping through the digital pages, iMotor will feature everything on four wheels from the hottest supercars to the most economic city models; informative test-drive films of the latest models to hit the road, sneaky spy pictures and exclusive first-looks of forthcoming vehicles.

iMotor also encourages readers to interact with its content, allowing users to register their opinions and join the debate on the hottest topics as well as play the site’s interactive games.

Mat Watson, editor of iMotor, said: “This is the ultimate car magazine for busy people. We'll deliver all the latest news and test-drives on the models that matter, direct to your inbox to save you the hassle of searching the web or popping to the newsagents. And we will bring all the cars to life like never before with lots of video, unprecedented levels interactivity and a healthy dose of entertainment.”

British Mini Day - Catton Hall 2008

The British Mini Club Welcome you to our all new Prestigous Venue for the second outdoor British Mini Day of 2008 - Brought to you by the British Mini Club - The worlds leading Mini Club. Sunday 7th September 2008 sees the last British Mini Day of 2008 move to the stunning new venue of Catton Hall on the Derbyshire / Staffordshire border. Catton Hall plays host to the Premier Concours Grand final of 2008. Catton Hall has been in the hands of the same family since 1405, and the present Hall, built in 1745, is the home of Robin and Katie Neilson, Their elegant home is the superb venue for the Grand Finals of the British Mini Club Premiership Concours event

This really is a stunning venue for a British Mini Day and we are proud to bring it to you. Full details are on the website at: www.britishminiclub.co.uk

Quirky Classic Mini Tales

Quirky what you might say !!! Well the BMC are looking for interesting and not so interesting Mini tales from the last 50 years. These can be added to our time line perhaps or maybe a little story book on the website. Before they are lost for all time.

What is he on about you might think. Well what about the guy who spent nearly £20,000 restoring his Mini Cooper S a few years ago then pays the guy who built his engine to come over to his house to start it up every week!! Then when he took it to MITP one year he got his club members to sweep away the sheep poo so he could display it on 'clean grass'

Or the virtually destroyed crash tested Clubmans that were found in the underground bunkers at Gaydon when Rover went bust. Or when we went to pick up our brand new 1995 Mini Cooper Si from John Cooper Garages the man himself dragged him self out of his sick bed (he had bad flu) to come and personally hand over the car to us. Then a few years later John Cooper told us he had followed our 'concours carear' in the magazines and how proud he was to see us win.

Or even the take about when the Mini was designed the cars kept flooding because the sills were being put on upside down.

Tell us your little quirky tales on the British Mini Club Forum before they are lost for all time. We are sure they will be fascinating to all Mini fans. They all add the personal touch to the car we all love so much

MINI: theft resistant package comes as standard

MINI has won the City Car/Supermini category of this year’s highly influential British Insurance Car Security Awards – yet another accolade for MINI’s trophy cabinet.

Awarded on the basis of its New Vehicle Security Ratings (a scoring system measuring ‘theft of’ and ‘theft from’), MINI beat off its rivals to secure first place in the award that has become a leading indicator of all that is best in vehicle security.

The awards first started in 2004 and were developed jointly by the Automobile Association, the Department for Transport, the Home Office and the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre at Thatcham, and are supported by British motor insurers and other motoring organisations aiming to improve vehicle security.

Steve Nash, Aftersales Director said: “MINI is proud to accept this award for the City Car/Supermini category. Not only does the MINI range look great, but the long list of benefits to the customer now extends to include security as well – another feather in MINI’s cap!”

MINI’s competitive edge extends to cost of ownership benefits such as fuel consumption, emissions and insurance ratings, as well as ‘real world’ features such as high level safety standards.

MINI scored the maximum possible five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test – receiving an ‘excellent’ rating for passenger and driver protection in front, side and pole impacts, not to mention a ‘well above average’ rating for child safety.

MINI Cooper D Clubman is a great example of MINI’s strength in the vital cost of ownership bracket. Featuring MINI tlc (£150 for five years/50,000 miles of servicing), it has an insurance rating of 8E, emissions output of 109g/km, a combined fuel consumption of 68.9mpg, sits in VED tax band B and therefore, only costs £35 per year to tax. So not only does MINI keep thieves out, it keeps passengers safe, offers cost effective insurance ratings, has low emissions and fuel consumption, and an all-inclusive maintenance package; a great all rounder!

MINI workers in temporary lay-off

Hundreds of staff at BMW’s Mini factory in Oxfordshire will be temporarily forced to cease production this weekend due to Spanish fuel protests.

Management at the plant, in Cowley, have told the BBC they cannot get hold of crucial parts as all airports and ports have effectively been blocked. Unions were in discussions with the plant’s management today (Friday: June 13).

Early indications were that staff would be paid as normal although they may work some unpaid hours in the long-run. The company said it was working closely with the unions and hoped to resume production on Monday (June 16). In a statement, a BMW spokeswoman said: “Unfortunately, due to the Spanish hauliers’ strike, we are having to suspend production over the weekend.

”The situation is beyond our control and the strike is affecting manufacturers across Europe, who are unable to get parts out of Spain as all ports and airports have been blocked.

”We are unable maintain production due to a lack of crucial parts but hope to resume full production shortly.

”In the meantime, we are monitoring the situation closely and are grateful for our associates’ understanding at this time.”

Lorry drivers in Spain have been blockading major cities in a protest over diesel prices since Monday. About 700 Minis are produced every day at Cowley, where 4,700 people work three shifts, seven days per week. (Autowired: June 13).

Cars with worst brakes in Britain revealed - with your help

An online survey is underway to reveal which vehicles have the worst brakes on the British roads - our readers have been asked to help.

According to the Department for Transport 1-in-3 road accidents happens because a vehicle fails to stop in time. This report could reveal why some of these accidents happen - and how they can be avoided.

The survey is designed to find which vehicles have poor stopping ability, brake discs that wear out early, judder, warp or suffer brake fade. Results of the survey will be made public and supplied to the Car manufacturers involved. A free copy of report will be supplied to all motorists filling in the online survey which takes about two-minutes to complete.

The survey was requested by Mail order specialists, Car Parts Direct who has seen a huge increase in the number of vehicles requiring brake discs early because of defects in the original brakes fitted.

Mark Cornwall of Car Parts Direct said, "We regularly supply upgraded brakes for vehicles where our customers tells us the original brake discs fitted wear out early or fail to provide adequate stopping - this survey will reveal the worst affected vehicles"

Mark Cornwall believes some car manufacturers are fitting brake discs that are unable to cope with the performance of modern vehicles. He claims an increased number of drivers are ordering their more expensive Rossini drilled and grooved performance discs, rather than fitting their standard brakes - especially after they have experienced a dangerous brake fade problem, warp or juddering.

Cornwall added, "Brakes are the most safety critical part on any vehicle. The original brake discs fitted should be made to highest standards available - and possibly drilled and grooved for added safety. Motorists should not need to upgrade - but many do."
To help with the online survey, have a chance to win a set of free Rossini Performance Brake discs and receive your free brake survey report visit www.carparts-direct.co.uk/survey

Enrol at MINIVERSITY at the 2008 British International Motor Show

This summer MINI UK will open the doors to a brand new model at MINIVERSITY, the Oxford-based car manufacturer's home at the 2008 British International Motor Show.
Between 22 July and 03 August, the UK media and British public will have the opportunity to view first hand some of the smartest things to come out of Oxford in recent years. MINI owners will have access to ‘The Union’, an area to meet others in the MINI community, while future customers can take a walk through the ‘Faculty of Engineering’ and discover the millions of ways to personalise a new MINI. The stand will also incorporate a Quadrangle-style area on which the entire MINI range will be displayed.

The most recent ‘graduate’ from MINI Plant Oxford is sure to draw crowds to the stand. The brand new MINI John Cooper Works will be shown to the public for the first time on British soil.

The fastest production MINI ever will be joined by the greenest MINI, in its Cooper D guise. The MINI Cooper D’s ultra-low CO2 figure of 104 g/km, fuel economy of 72.4mpg and rock solid residual values make it perhaps one of the most rational choices for buyers in the new car market.

British show visitors faced with the threat of C02 emissions-related road use taxation, spiralling fuel costs and the often catastrophic losses made in selling-on nearly new cars should make a bee-line for the Institute of MINIMALISM, where technologies fitted to the Cooper D and other MINI cars are explained.

MINIMALISM technologies, which are the same as those used in BMW’s EfficentDynamics systems, include Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start-Stop and Switch Point Display.

Andy Hearn, General Manager for MINI UK, said: “MINI has a habit of turning heads and it will be the same story at this year’s show. MINIversity is a great concept as our stand will not only present MINI’s personality, but also educate visitors on MINI’s green credentials. MINI will show it’s entirely possible to own a car that’s clean, green and great to drive.

“It’s also a great way to remind people that British manufacturing is alive and well at MINI Plant Oxford.”

Ban Boredom with MINI

Our mates at MINI thought you might be interested in this, it's a campaign there promoting for Mini. We are not sure if you've seen the new Ban Boredom, Mini ads on Telly? This is the internet equivalent. It allows you to drive a Mini throughout whatever you like!
Check it out: www.banboredom.com

Uncle Steve's holiday photos, the music of the pan pipes, we all have things that bore us to tears. If you can't handle the tedium any more there is now a way to take drastic action against your bugbears. Visit www.banboredom.com to spectacularly launch a MINI through the object of your boredom. Go on give it a go it is great fun and certainly brings a smile to face. Certainly better than trawling the internet for that long lost Mini photo

Fuelling your MINI in the USA as expensive as the UK?

Our good friends in the USA over at the twistyblitz blog have recently posted this on there blog. I presume the cost of fuel is per gallon..

"Since I had not yet had the pleasure of helping the petroleum companies stop their sagging profits, I went to my local station and did my part to save them.

The cheapest “FillerUp” station, I don’t do ARCO, here in Pasadena, that I have found, is a Valero. Just across the street is a Mobile station. Mobile $4.99, Valero $4.769 for 91 octane. So, $54.67 poorer I motoring off to Malibu." according to the twistyblitz bog

That works out on the xe.com conversion site to about £2.50 a gallon. Do you remember those days of cheap less than £3's a gallon fuel.. We certainly do, and no way will those days be back. We reckon it is $11's US now a gallon here in the UK. Please Mr Darling does us all a favour and reduce the tax on fuel so we can get back to enjoying driving our MINI's again and not watching every penny as we fill up

MINI SUV takes on Ford Kuga

According to the latest issue of Auto Express (4th June 2008) the new MINI SUV 4x4, which will make it's debut at the Paris Motor Show in October, is looking to take on the new Ford Kuga SUV.

They think the SUV will have a strong family appeal with 5 doors and a longer wheel base which gives more room inside. Much of the interior will be carried over from the Clubman. Known as the Crossman it will feature the 1.6 petrol and Diesel engines. With the very economical 1.4 being unavailable although a 6 speed box should be an option. Interested buyers will be able to order the Cooper or Cooper S version.

Here at the British Mini Club we think it will be interesting to see if MINI decide to make a John Cooper Works version and what sort of price that would be. We reckon a JCW could touch £30,000 with all the extras fitted. The standard Cooper would need to be around £18,000 or so to compete with the Ford Kuga. Auto Express understand's that it will only be able to perform light off roading and more suited to the normal roads like the current fantastic MINI.

We still think it will be very interesting to see the price and whether or not it will appeal to MINI fans around the world. It might of course open up a whole new market for MINI.

To see images and the full Auto Express article please follow this link : www.autoexpress.co.uk

Life Ball MINI 2008 by Agent Provocateur

Auction on eBay starts next week. Auction in aid of HIV/AIDS projects at www.ebay.at from 5 to 15 June 2008.

Munich/Vienna. Videos whirred and cameras clicked on Saturday, 17 May, when Joseph Corre drove the Life Ball MINI 2008 over the red carpet outside Vienna's City Hall in front of 40,000 spectators. Escorted by four models in "British policemen's uniforms", and with Sophie Ellis Bextor in the passenger seat, the arrival of the Life Ball MINI 2008 marked the start of the fantastic opening show.

The Life Ball MINI is traditionally created by the fashion designer responsible for the fashion show in the opening event - and in 2008, this was the British lingerie label Agent Provocateur. This year, the new MINI Cooper Clubman was selected as the basis for this exclusive, unique design. "The new shape is so reminiscent of the old English Mini police van that we were immediately inspired to create an Agent Provocateur styled interior that you really would want to get banged up in! A classic yet suped up exterior in Agent Provocateur signature pink and black colours complete with pink flashing light and inside.....the most seductive prison cell with hand to wall cuffs and blacked out windows and iron bars", says Agent Provocateur founder Joseph Corre.

The unique - and escape-proof - Life Ball MINI will once again be auctioned on eBay, as happens each year. It all starts on Thursday, 5 June - and then MINI and Agent Provocateur fans throughout the world have the opportunity for ten days to buy this unique car and do something for charity too. The total proceeds from the auction will be donated, as always, to Life Ball and to projects aimed at combating HIV/AIDS. So far, the auction of the "Life Ball MINIs" - transformed by such famous fashion icons as Diesel, Missoni, Ferré and Versace - has raised a total of € 260,000.-.

British Mini Club Rally Night - June 3rd

The British Mini Club Rally Night Starts at 8.00pm with a display of rally minis

Talk hosted by Clive King at 9.00pm (rally Mini pcitured)

Show and shine night to fine the best Minis of the night.

Raffle draw with great Mini prizes. Come along and enjoy this night of Minis with the BMC. This is always a fascinating night with Clive King so if you have the evening spare and are in the area then pop along and meet the club and many like minded Mini people... at The New Wellington, Brettell Lane, Brierley Hill, West Midlands

British Mini Showdown 2008 - Advanced Tickets

Advanced weekend tickets are now available to purchase for the British Mini Showdown 2008 on July 12th and 13th... The ultimate Mini / MINI weekend at the Shakespeare County Raceway near Stratford Upon Avon. Free camping is available from the Friday evening and we wil be running a Mini convoy on Saturday evening. Also entertainment and a bar will be on site on Saturday as well. To book your tickets for only £22.50 per person .. which is a saving of £2.50 simply visit our website at www.britishminiclub.co.uk and follow the links... If you prefer to visit the Showdown for one day only you can also find pricing details on our website as well

Are you a British Mini Club member? If so please call our ticket hotline on 01384 897779 for your special members only discount for single day attendance.

We look forward to seeing you at the British Mini Showdown 2008

British Mini Showdown ... It's coming!!

The Ultimate Mini weekend of the year is coming.. are you ready for the Big Black Track and can you take on the quarter mile drag strip and beat it? July 12th and 13th sees the return of the British Mini Showdown brought to you by the British Mini Club.. This is a wonderful event for everyone who loves the Mini and wants to see a bit of fast action from the worlds favourite small car. See the classic Mini take on the new MINI or a full blown space framed race spec engine Mini. Hyabusa rear engined Mini or see the incredible Stuart Meades in his amazing nitrous injected Ford engined Mini set yet another fastest time. Stuart cracked the 10 seconds at an event last year can he do it again at this years Showdown .. The ulitimate Drag Racing event for the Mini /MINI. For full details of how to take part or simply how to come along and watch go straight to our website at www.britishminiclub.co.uk Discount tickets will be available for club members.

Some 'green' cars dismissed as gimmicks

Some cars promoted as environmentally-friendly have been criticised for pumping out up to 56% more CO2 than claimed by their manufacturers.

Three models - the Honda Civic Hybrid, Lexus GS 3450h and the Skoda Fabia Greenline 1.4 TDI were all labelled as 'gimmicks' by Auto Express after testing. A further five models also failed to match their advertised emissions - the Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi Econetic, Mini Cooper Cubman D, Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion. SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive and Toyota Prius T Spirit - but were branded as 'green' by the publication.

The worst emissions offender in the tests was the Honda Civic Hybrid. Testers found it to emit 171 g/km of CO2, compared to the 109 g/km of the manufacturer

Auto Express editor-in-chief David Johns said it was crucial that consumers knew whether cars billed as eco-friendly were 'truly green or really just pure gimmick'.

The official manufacturer data is based on laboratory tests conducted in line with Government standards.

A spokesman for the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said cars may emit more CO2 under real world operating conditions, but insisted that all cars had the same 'industry standards'. (The Times/Daily Mail: May 19).

The 2008 Donor Card GT

The 2008 Donor Card GT will be a fun days run based in Brooklands this year on Sunday July 27th. Paddy Hopkirk will be present to start all the cars and he will sign rally plates or your Mini for a small fee.All money raised is for The Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Its an ideal day out for mini drivers with a simple route to follow and of course the Booklands Museum to see as well as meet Paddy Hopkirk. For further details ring Continental Car Tours on 01304 380244 or email admin@continentalcartours.co.uk.

Quicker identification of parts and service specialists for MG Rover and New Mini owners

MG Rover and New Mini owners can now find details of their nearest specialist XPart service and repair provider more easily than ever before, following the launch of an expanded and updated website, www.xpart.com . The site's improved design incorporates a new centre locator, which allows visitors to search for their nearest MG Rover specialist, New Mini specialist, or MG Rover parts distributor. Once identified, the site provides comprehensive directions and maps.

"With programmes such as servicing of New Mini's, XPart now has a much wider offering than its original MG Rover service and repair," explains Don Lindsay, service marketing manager, XPart. "The new website reflects these developments and ensures that visitors know about all of the services available and can easily locate their nearest provider."

XPart's AutoService centre network has been established for three years and provides high-quality servicing at competitive aftermarket rates. Garages receive technical support and ongoing data from XPart ensuring they can continue to service vehicles in an efficient and effective manner. Parts are received daily from one of XPart's 110 MG Rover parts distributors who receive overnight deliveries from its central distribution centre which houses a parts inventory in excess of £20 million.

As well as giving the locations of its 240 AutoService centres, the new website also provides details of XPart's 110 MG Rover parts distributors. The distributors continue to offer 'genuine' MG Rover parts to owners who wish to purchase parts directly and then carry out repairs themselves.

British Mini Day - Himley Hall video

Below is a snippet from the official video of Himley Hall 2008. We hope you enjoy and the official DVD will be available to purchase very soon.

MINI USA Brings Pinball Action to Nintendo Wii

Online Wii Gamers Can Download Free Clubmania Pinball Game Starring 2008 MINI Clubman:

MINI USA releases Clubmania Pinball, a free online game for the Nintendo® Wii™ that was inspired by the 2008 MINI Clubman’s unique split-rear barn-style door design and a pinball themed global television spot created by MINI’s agency Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners (BSSP). The game, published by Engage In-Game Advertising, plays to MINI’s free-wheeling style and spirit that appeals to the casual gamer community through the Wii console.

“The MINI brand is all about exhilaration, fun and experiencing the unexpected. We are thrilled to introduce the latest addition to the family, the MINI Clubman, to the world of Wii,” said Kate Alini, Marketing Communications Manager, MINI USA.

“The social environment that Wii invites draws a broader audience of consumers and brings families and friends together,” said David Smith, president and co-founder of Engage In-Game Advertising. “Wii is fun and addicting and it creates a memorable experience in much the same way MINI USA has done with its cars.”

Using the Wii’s onboard browser, online gamers can access MINI USA’s Clubmania Pinball Game at http://www.ClubmanPinball.com. Clubmania Pinball features classic styling, sounds and functionality reminiscent of a real pinball machine. Players use their Wii remotes to quickly control their ball paddles and shake their remotes to simulate classic pinball tilt action. Players can test their accuracy by shooting at a range of targets on the game board. Initiate up to three balls in simultaneous action and quickly earn points to reach the next level of play.

The Clubmania Pinball game for Wii was conceived by Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners (BSSP) and published in collaboration with Engage In-Game Advertising. The idea for the game sprang from a fully integrated marketing campaign that uses television, outdoor, online and radio advertising to introduce the new MINI Clubman. One television ad called “Pinball,” features the unique rear barn doors of the Clubman opening outward like pinball flippers, to simulate a pinball game.

In commenting on the game, John Butler, Creative Director of BSSP said, "The media department at BSSP is an extension of our Creative Department. Where we put something, is in many ways as important as what it is. We've always felt that rather than trying to drive consumers to a destination to engage with our brands, it’s far more effective to take that experience to where they currently are. And in this instance, that just happens to be the Wii.”

MINI USA’s Clubmania Pinball game can also be played through a standard Internet browser on the PC platform.

Let us know if you try this on your Wii. We will certainly be trying as soon as we get our Wii browser up an running

British Mini Day-Himley Hall 2008, a massive success

A massive success at Himley Hall 2008 with well over 6000 visitors and traffic jams of more than 8 miles in the morning to get in to the show. All of us at the British Mini Club would like to say a very big thank you for supporting us and making the show such a success. Thank you. we hope you enjoyed your day with us. We made sure we ordered the amazing weather early this year and at one point it hit 30 degrees.

To see a full report, concours results and over 189 images (with more to come) please visit our website at www.britishminiclub.co.uk today and make sure you leave your comments either below or on our free forum.

Thank you to our sponsors, Footman James, Mini Sport and Branson Automotive for continuing to support the BMC.

See you all at The British Mini Showdown in July

What a day at Himley 2008

Well over 8000 visitors made the show the British Mini Clubs biggest ever. With all the top concours Minis on display and a massive number of new MINIs on the show ground and 30 degrees it was bound to be a special day for Mini fans. Check out our website for full story, results and images http://www.britishminiclub.co.uk

Craig Wilson wins best MINI of the day

His superb MINI Cooper won top car at Himley. Both winners received a cheque for £250

Chris Krzywiec wins classic Mini of the day

Top cars at Himley see the best winners

British Mini Day ROCKS

Its noon and the police have told us we have 8 mile tailbacks to get into the show. The park owners nearly closed the gates as we were full however they managed to open more ground for parking. The concours is packed with top quality classic and new Minis. What a sight that is. It is now 28 degrees and we are rammed

very busy already

Still not open yet and big line of Minis at the gate. Roll on 10 when we open, it sure looks like a busy day is on the way.