Auction at British Mini Fair

British Mini Fair 2010 sees the British Mini Clubs very first charity auction.

This will be in aid of two charities - The Italian Job charity 'Kids Out', and we will also be making a donation to the Air Ambulance. Make sure you bring your money along as we will have some very special items available on the day.

British Mini Fair is the UK's most popular indoor Mini event, both for the Classic Mini and new MINI it is held at Staffordshire County Showground on January 31st

For more information on British Mini Fair 2010 please visit our website at www.britishminiclub.co.uk

Mini is 50: Car Magazine celebrates

The November issue of Car Magazine is dedicated to to the 50th birthday of the Mini. With 33 pages full of Mini stories. They have got together 6 of the magazines top writers to celebrate the birthday of the year.

Including Gavin Green driving across Australia in a MINI, Anthony Constant recalls crashing a classic Mini and how it cured a habit for him. Four more writers include stories of Monte Carlo, learning to drive in Africa and other stories.

More details at www.carmagazine.co.uk

British Mini Day featured on Mini World

Mini World Magazine have featured on the website our British Mini Day at Uttoxeter Racecourse this sunday 6th September. Focusing on the chance to win an amazing Mini 30

Mini World say "British Mini Club shows have given away some fantastic cars in recent raffles, but this prize surely tops them all. It is unregistered with only 12 miles on the clock and is valued between £10,000-15,000. "

www.miniworld.co.uk

British Mini Showdown 2009 Results

The record was smashed at the British Mini Showdown. Stuart Meades reclaimed his crown. J class is looking very competitive and the new MINI is starting to post some very good times.. at the British Mini Showdown 2009 at the Shakespeare County Raceway

The incredible Stuart Mead reclaimed his crown from last years winner Nathan Dobson, with an amazing sub 10 seconds run of 9.78 seconds. Can anyone beat this man?

Sunday saw over 100 Minis regsitered for the quarter mile and with over 500 runs recorded the classes were getting very tight with the J class getting very close now for the 2nd and 3rd spot

visit www.britishminiclub.co.uk to view the results and do you think you can go faster in 2010?

XPart provides parts reassurance for Classic Mini owners

Classic Mini owners still have access to parts for their cars via XPart’s nationwide wholesaler and AutoService centre network

As Mini celebrates its fiftieth birthday, XPart is reassuring the UK’s 35,000 Classic Mini owners that parts are still available for their treasured cars. With many original Minis now cherished and well maintained collectors’ items, finding a reliable source of supply for vital service and wear parts is highly important to owners looking to keep their cars on the road. XPart supplies a full range of popular service parts via its nationwide wholesaler and AutoService centre network, together with a comprehensive range of body and trim parts.

“With 5,230 Classic Mini parts in our electronic parts catalogue, we are able to provide solid parts support to owners, helping them to keep their cars running for longer,” explains Neil Hipkiss, materials director, XPart. “The Mini has been an iconic figure in the motoring world for decades, inspiring a great many races, rallies and even films. We are determined to play our part in keeping Classic Mini alive and well by making sure owners have access to the parts they need.”

Since its launch in 1959, Classic Mini has always held a great appeal among a wide audience of motorists. Having started life as a first car for many students and young drivers, the characterful and sharp handling car has gradually become a sought-after collector’s item, keeping its value high. As the car continues to age, regular servicing and replacement of key parts becomes essential to its survival.

“XPart will be represented by South Lakeland Mini Centre at Mini 50, the largest Mini celebration of the year,” continues Hipkiss. “As a Classic Mini specialist, South Lakeland will be on hand to offer technical advice to owners and deal with any parts enquiries.” The British Mini Club events also attract a very high attendance especially in the year of Mini 50

The XPart wholesaler network includes 110 members, spread evenly throughout the country. Its AutoService centre network encompasses over 250 garages, including former MG Rover dealers, new MG Motor dealers and a growing number of high quality independent garages. While MG Rover specialisation remains a core element of the AutoService centre network, each garage has access to XPart’s full catalogue of Classic Mini parts and all are Classic Mini service and repair specialists.

For further information on XPart’s AutoService centre network, or to locate your nearest parts wholesaler, please visit www.xpart.com.

British Mini Club on Tour 2009

The next event that the BMC will be attending is The New MINI Day, Sunday 21st June Manby Motorplex near Louth, Lincolnshire, LN11 8UZ

We have space on the BMC stand for both MINI and classic Mini.

Come along and enjoy what promises to be a packed show with lots of attractions:

Russ Swift display team - Rally Car Experience - Driving Skill Tests Show 'N' Shine and lots lots more.

Entry is just £10.00 per car or £15.00 for the weekend.

Call the BMC to reserve your place on the club stand.

01384 897779 or email david.hollis@britishminiclub.co.uk

British Mini Club at MINI United

British Mini Club will be having a stand at MINI United at Silverstone on the 22-24th May 2009. Mini turns 50 - Come to the party. We are looking for both classic and new MINI's on our stand. This should be a massive weekend to remember. If you have a Limited Edition we particulary wish to hear from you. It is also possible to only display your Mini/MINI on Sunday if you wish

If you would like to display your car send us an image to: david.hollis@britishminiclub.co.uk

50 Years of MINI production at Plant Oxford

Fifty years ago today, the first Mini rolled off the production line at Cowley, now called Plant Oxford.

For the first time in half a century that very car is returning to its birthplace for a celebration of 50 years of production. The Mini Minor, finished in Old English White and carrying the registration number 621 AOK, is at Plant Oxford for the day to mark its birthday in style.

Plant Oxford built 602,817 Minis from 1959 to 1968, before production was moved to Longbridge. Since 2001 more than 1.4 million new MINIs have been built at the production facility and in total, more than six million classic and new MINIs have been sold since the car first went on sale in 1959.

BMW Group member of the Board of Management for Production, Frank-Peter Arndt, was at Oxford today to celebrate with the Plant.

Arndt said: “Anniversaries are always a wonderful opportunity to look back at the past. But on days like today, it’s also good to look to the future. Therefore, our objective is absolutely clear: We are going to continue the success story of MINI and continue to strengthen it.

“Where is MINI going? Where will it be in 10, 20 or even another 50 years’ time? Perhaps it’s rather ambitious to look that far ahead, but one thing is certain, MINI is a brand not only with a great tradition, but also a fantastic future.”

Dr Jürgen Hedrich, Plant Oxford’s managing director, said: “Little did anyone know just how popular Sir Alec Issigonis’s car for the people would be – or that half a century later it would be reborn as the MINI and once again be built in Oxford.

“This is a momentous day in the plant and car’s history. Everyone at the plant is proud to be part of both the heritage and the future of this car.”

In the same week as this milestone anniversary, independent publishing house Faber and Faber is launching a book dedicated to the incredible story of MINI. “MINI: The True and Secret History of the Making of a Motorcar”* is authored by Simon Garfield, who uncovers a fascinating story of British endeavour, ingenuity and masterful marketing by meeting the people behind the scenes. The book is on sale now priced at £17.99.

Thousands of visitors from across the globe will also be celebrating MINI’s 50th birthday at MINI United, which is being staged at Silverstone from 22-24 May. The festival welcomes MINI owners and non-owners, and the stunning entertainment line-up is sure to attract visitors from right around the world. Paul Weller, Calvin Harris and Twisted Wheel are the entertainment highlights and tickets are priced at just £35 for the full festival weekend. Children under 14 are admitted free. Tickets and further information can be found at www.miniunited.com

UK Classic Parts Mini Specialists

The British Mini Club are proud to welcome UK Classic parts as the latest addition to our on-line parts directory

UK Classic Parts are one of the leading Classic Mini Specialists in the UK. The UK Classic parts on-line store has many 1000's of parts and accessories and they have practical experience dating back to to the very first Mini's of the 60's. They are able to ship most parts worldwide.They offer discounts to buyers on an indefinate basis. UK Classic Parts are one of the leading places to visit for your Classic Mini Partsand accessories. Be sure to visit them today at www.ukclassicparts.com

Win this very rare Classic Mini

The British Mini Club are very well known for there raffle Minis. In fact the quality of the Minis is second to non.

However we have found this BAC M30 Mini. It is so rare only 3 were built to celebrate 30 years of the Mini. This one was owned by F1's very owned Bernie Ecclestone and originally sold for £30,000

This is being raffled on a charity website and all tickets are just £2.50 with a % going to a childrens charity

Do you want to know more... of course you do! Well to see the full spec and to discover how to buy a ticket to win this incredible Mini, simply visit our website www.britishminiclub .co.uk for full details

Mini 50 Display at Himley Hall 2009

We are looking for all the Classic Mini LE's for a special display on the 10th May at our very own and popular British Mini Day at Himley Hall 2009. Do you own an LE and would like to take part in this display? If so then let us know at British Mini Club HQ. Full details on the cars we are looking for and how to contact us can be found on our website.

Visit us today at www.britishminiclub.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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).

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

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