Mini 30 Uncovered

Mini 30 uncovered at Mini Fair 2009.The British Mini Club uncovered a jaw dropping unregistered Mini 30 at the recent Mini Fair show at Staffordshire County Showground. Mini enthusiasts gathered around the BMC stand for the announcement at 1.00pm, when David Hollis explained to everyone about this special mini and what the BMC were going to do with it."Yes some lucky mini owner will win this super mini at our British Mini Day on the 6th September, at Uttoxeter Racecourse." Mini owners arriving at the event will receive 1 FREE ticket to enter the draw, and then can buy extra tickets throughout the day....

For more information on this amazing Mini 30 visit www.britishminiclub .co.uk

Are MINI producing a MINI 50 special?

Are MINI bringing out a special edition for MINI 50?.. Well after producing a MINI 7, MINI Park Lane and a Checkmate in 2006 before they released the R56 version of the MINI, they may well do.

We also have to remember the MINI MC40 they produced only for the USA market and of course the GP all top sellers. With 2009 being the 50th birthday of the wonderful Mini, it seems sensible to create a MINI 50 special edition. We have seen a 20, 30 and 40 produced in the Classic Mini shape over the years to celebrate the birthday landmarks.

Well it may well be true. Motoring File are reporting rumours they have heard of not one but 2 MINI 50 specials similar to the Checkmate and Park Lane. With one in Pure Silver and the other in Hot Chocolate,. With a better spec than the MC40. So we would expect they would be of similar spec to the Park Lane, which had options on rain sensing wipers and auto lights etc. Only time will tell and as soon as we have more info we will let you know... we have our spies out !!

The Motoring File article

Latest Mini Magazine now available

The new issue of Mini Magazine is on sale now and it's packed full of great Mini 50 content..

Mini Magazine are one of the main sponsors of the British Mini Club events for Mini 50

Every month throughout this year Mini Magazine will feature a different retro Mini ad from the archive at the Heritage Motor Centre. They will also be covering key aspects of the Mini's heritage in a series of specially commissioned Mini 50 articles. Each issue will also feature all the latest news from the Mini scene, inspirational cars and great technical advice.

Why not subscribe to Mini Magazine and save up to 25%! Click here now to find out more

MINI Production restarts

MINi production has restarted in Oxford after a drop in sales even though BMW say annual sales of MINI in 2008 reached a record high

The factory's 4,500 employees had just returned to work on 5 January after an extended four-week Christmas holiday when the second break was announced. They were informed to take an extra 3 day break

BMW, which owns the factory, has said the shutdown was in response to the economic conditions.

In December 300 agency staff were told there would be no more work for them at the plant after the Christmas break.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Mini sales in the UK fell by more than 32% in December compared to the same month in 2007 and total UK car sales were down by 11% to 2,131,795 for 2008.

All staff at the plant, including remaining agency workers, were paid their basic wages during the closure.

Heritage kicks off early for Mini 50

With the iconic Mini due to celebrate its 50^th birthday in August 2009, British Motor Heritage has already planned its first batch of Mini bodyshells in 2009, which will be built in February, for delivery in March. Anyone wishing to order a Mini (or Mini Clubman/1275GT) bodyshell for a 50^th birthday project should get their exact specification to Heritage as soon as possible for inclusion in this build programme.

The MGB isn’t far behind the Mini, with its 47^th birthday due in October 2009. Heritage plans a batch of MGB and MGB GT bodyshells for production in May/June 2009 for delivery in June/July. Again, orders to be included in this build need to be with Heritage as soon as possible to ensure satisfaction.

For both Mini and MGB bodyshells, Heritage can offer direct supply, plus special options like finish painting in the colour of the customer’s choice, or even seam welding for competition or track day use. For more details, contact British Motor Heritage, 01993 707200. email: sales@bmh-ltd.com Web: www.bmh-ltd.com