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.

BMC Tour 2009 continues

The next event that the BMC will be attending is The Gaydon Mini Festival, Sunday 5th July at the British Motor Heritage Museum, Gaydon near Warwick

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:

Including Russ Swift precision driving in Classic Minis. Also an audience with the Daleks

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

01384 897779 or email 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

May 8th 50 years ago Mini Production started

May 8th is a momentous day in the history of the #Mini. 1959 saw the very first Mini drive off the production line, exactly 50 years ago. This started an amazing journey that has taken the Mini all around the world and being called the Greatest Car of all time, and seen many millions produced. Well you can help to celebrate this amazing feet by visiting the British Mini Clubs British Mini Day at Himley on Sunday May 10th . Full details are available on this event which is promising to the British Mini Clubs biggest ever event. Dont miss out and be a part of the Minis amazing day

See www.britishminiclub.co.uk for more information

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

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