Beaulieu Events 2018

Famous for its collection of veteran, vintage and historic cars, the National Motor Musuem has grown into a spectacular destination for days out. It's also the go-to place for autojumble,  its International Autojumble event winning Tourism South East's Beautiful South Award this year.

The UK's National Motor Museum, is sited on land that was once home to a medieval royal hunting lodge, adjacent to a 12th Century Cistercian Abbey. Set in the picturesque village of Beaulieu, in the heart of the beautiful New Forest National Park, it's a wonderful place to visit, year-round.

Well known amongst auto buffs, it has been a firm favourite for family days out since the 1970s, and today is bigger and more popular than ever. The museum recently released its 2018 events calendar, covering from May, all the way to November. It's a great destination for a family or a solo visit, so why not take a look at what's on offer, and pencil in a date in your diary for next year?

Further details coming soon!

2018 sees the 70th anniversary of the Morris Minor, and the Spring Autojumble will see the Morris Minor Owners' Club attending with its own display. Veloce will be celebrating the Minor's anniversary with Morris Minor – 70 years on the road, coming in April 2018. We'll be releasing more details about this timely book, hailing from Morris Minor authority Ray Newel, over the coming weeks.

If you're looking for some Summer fun, you could do no better than the Hot Rod & Custom Drive-In Day, complete with Vintage Village. Or, if you'd like a retro-themed Father's Day weekend trip, pop along to Simply VW.

Beaulieu National Motor Museum 2018 Events Calendar

APRIL

April 8
Simply Aston Martin
Back for its third year, Aston Martin owners are invited to start Beaulieu’s events calendar and bring their prized motors for a celebration of the iconic marque, with vehicles of every age and model.

April 22
Boatjumble
In its 41st year, search for boating bargains at the largest outdoor sale of maritime items in Europe. Browse hundreds of stands with boating spares, accessories, clothing, tools, as well as new and used boats.

MAY

May 6
Simply Ford
This event is one of the biggest and most popular simply rallies when we expect more than 1500 Fords to join the display in the grounds of the National Motor Museum, in the 50th anniversary year of the Ford Escort.

May 19-20
Spring Autojumble
Start the motoring calendar by buying, selling and swapping anything automotive at more than 1000 stands offering everything from automobilia to cars for sale. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Morris Minor.

May 20
Land Rover Rummage at Spring Autojumble
A spares-sourcing opportunity, selling anything and everything related to Land Rovers as part of Spring Autojumble.

JUNE

June 3
Simply Porsche
Last year a record 1,000 cars roared into the grounds for this event, which welcomes Porsche owners and enthusiasts to the National Motor Museum.

June 10
Mini Cooper Day
Beaulieu is the host venue for the 32nd annual National Mini Cooper Register Rally, attracting thousands of Minis of every age, marque and model to the heart of the New Forest.

June 16
Simply VW
As part of a celebratory weekend, Vee Dubs of every type are invited to join this great day out for Volkswagen fans and visitors. Don’t miss Vintage Village, which will be selling fashions, accessories and homeware.


June 17

Father’s Day
Hot Rod & Custom Drive-In Day
A celebration of colourful Custom, Hot-Rod and Classic American cars and bikes especially for Father’s Day. Featuring live entertainment and Vintage Village nostalgia and bargains.


June 24
Simply Land Rover
In the 70th anniversary year of the Land Rover, this celebration of the legendary 4x4 will attract Land Rovers and Range Rovers of every age, model and condition. Watch out for an extra feature to be announced soon.

JULY

July 8
Simply Jaguar
Returning for its third year, this impressive display of treasured machines will range from classics to the latest models.

July 29
Simply Japanese
More than 56 car clubs gathered amongst the 1500 vehicles at last year’s event, showcasing members’ cars from city runabouts to performance sports cars.

AUGUST

August 4-5
Beaulieu Supercar Weekend
A high octane two-day event celebrating the supercar and including iconic models and special feature displays in the stunning backdrop of the Beaulieu parkland.

August 12
VW T Fest
Beaulieu plays host to this family-friendly event which is back by popular demand.

SEPTEMBER

September 1-2 TBC
International Autojumble
Beaulieu’s most famous event and the largest Autojumble this side of the Atlantic, with more than 2000 stands selling classic and vintage spares, plus full-size cars and Bonhams auction.

OCTOBER

October 27
Fireworks Spectacular
One of the biggest fireworks displays in the south and choreographed to music, this popular event offers a range of family entertainment.

NOVEMBER

November 11

Simply Smart
This final rally in Beaulieu’s busy events calendar makes a colourful display of some of the smallest and most characterful cars on the road.




For more information on great days out, and all that Beaulieu has to offer, visit the website, or catch them on social media … you won't be disappointed!

https://www.beaulieu.co.uk

   

BRITISH MOTOR HERITAGE LAUNCHES LONG-AWAITED REPLACEMENT BODYSHELLS FOR MK1 MINI

The values of MK1 Minis continue to rocket, increasingly justifying the cost of the part or total restorations that will be required for most examples sooner or later. British Motor Heritage (BMH) has long since been at the forefront of supplying individual panels for all marks of classic Minis, and complete bodyshells for models from 1976 onwards. What’s been missing until now is the Holy Grail, a full replacement shell for the MK1, but the wait is now over!

Mini enthusiasts were given a glimpse of what was to come on BMH’s stand at the NEC Classic Motor Show last November, and the response was universally positive. The first production batch of 15 bodies will therefore commence in April, with deliveries occurring through May and June. The launch price is £9,950 inc. VAT and the company is accepting orders accompanied by a 25 percent deposit.

The early body is markedly different from its later counterparts. The major variances include:

Smaller: door aperture with different step profiles; sliding window doors with external hinges; rear window; rear side windows; rear light mountings
Different: ‘A’ panels and hinge reinforcements; cant rails; floors; sills; front and rear parcel shelves; switch panel; boot panel, bonnet and inner valences; front valance and number plate mounting
Since creating the prototype body, BMH has commissioned additional tooling to refine the finish and improve the build quality. The company is indebted to M-Machine for allowing it to use their MK 1 floors and sills, as the cost of retooling these items would have made the project unviable. BMH has also used the later front bulkhead crossmember assembly as retooling for this non-visual part would have been prohibitive, and opted not to form the rotodip hole in the rear seat squab; recognising that a significant element of demand for the new shells will almost certainly be for historic motorsport.
– AVAILABLE NOW FROM VELOCE! –

ANATOMY OF THE CLASSIC MINI – The definitive guide to original components and parts interchangeability by Mark Huthert

This book’s title sums up its purpose. Anatomy of the Classic Mini is the result of years of research, and documents the many variations of the same components, explaining which model and date each is for. An essential reference book for all restorers of classic Minis! More info.

THE WORLD’S FIRST MINI CENSUS – THE RESULTS!

Over half of the world’s Minis are boys, with the most popular name being Marvin, according to the world’s first ever Mini Census.

The survey, carried out by the organisers of Mini World Live, which takes place at Rockingham Motor Speedway, Northants, on July 10, 2016, received responses from Mini owners all over the globe, including places as far afield as Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Malta and the USA.

The results show that in total, 51% of the world’s Mini population is male, 35% are female and 14% are neither – although anyone who’s ever owned a Mini knows it’s more than just a car.

Among the boy Minis, the most popular names are Marvin, Tommy (Cooper) and Jack, although there’s a developing trend towards the names Dave, Stuart and Bob, made famous by Minions - The Movie. Girl Minis tend to follow a more alliterative tone, with Minnie (perhaps unsurprisingly), Mollie and Millie being the three most favoured names.

Some of the more unusual names that owners have given their Minis include Pingu (because he’s white with a black roof), Tetley (because he has more holes in him than a tea bag) and Mojo Jojo (after the evil monkey in The Powerpuff Girls). Randomly, one correspondent has also named her Mini Leigh Halfpenny after the Welsh rugby international (because he’s smallish, gorgeous and powerful).

The survey also proves the diversity of the world’s Mini owners, with the youngest respondent being 17-year old Luke from Auckland, New Zealand, who has a male Mini called Sheldon, after Sheldon Cooper from the Big Bang Theory. The oldest respondent was 80-year old John from Bangor, North Wales, who has a female Mini called Mavis, named after his late wife.

Commenting on the survey, Mini World Live event manager, Katherine Chappell, said: “Mini owners have a real sense of community, and their cars are just as much a part of that community as they are. Minis, both old and new, are the most celebrated and characterful cars in the world, and with Mini World Live we want to celebrate that character.”

Following the show’s debut in 2015, which brought thousands of Mini enthusiasts to the Northants venue, the organisers are promising even more action and more of a festival feel for the show, which is backed by three major Mini-related magazine titles – MiniWorld, Mini Magazine and Modern MINI.

The show will feature attractions catering for fans of both classic and modern Minis, including a concours competition, individual entries, a huge retail village, show and shine areas, club displays and on-track action, the details of which will be confirmed nearer to the date.

Visitors will also be able to enter a competition to win a Mini, sponsored by specialist insurers Carole Nash. The classic is currently being restored by the magazine teams, and will be on display at the Show. Modified Mini owners will also be able to enter a ‘Best Wheels’ competition, in association with Wheel Whores.

Live music and refreshments will also form a core part of the event, with camping available the evening before to ensure it benefits from a vibrant, festival feel.

Full details of the show, along with the opportunity to buy advance early bird tickets saving at least £4 on show entry, are available at Mini World Live.

AUSTIN MINI TAKES ON PEKING TO PARIS MOTOR CHALLENGE

This year’s Peking to Paris Motor Challenge, billed as the world’s toughest endurance rally for classic and vintage cars, will feature a Mini for the first time in the event’s history.

The 1972 Austin Mini 1000 has been entered as a last minute replacement for Car 34 after Paul and Chris Hartfield’s pre-war Packard wasn’t ready in time.

Concerned for the Packard, Paul contacted Owen Turner from the Rover Centre whom he had met on last year’s Sahara Challenge, for some advice and seeing just how much work still needed to be done on the old American car, advised against taking it on the grueling 36-day 8,500mile event that journeys through some extremely difficult terrain.

Needing a car in a hurray to meat the shipping deadline, the best option was to buy the Mini Owen had prepared for himself for the 2015 Marrakesh event as well as Le Jog.

Owen explains: “The Packard needed a lot of work still doing and would not have coped with the likes of Mongolia at all in its current condition. It will be a challenge for the Mini, especially the Gobi Desert, but at least you can fix it fast and get moving again.”

The Mini 1000 has a 1300 engine and uses a 1991 body shell, sprayed in its original colour. Not bad considering it was built in two weeks.

The sixth Peking to Paris Motor Challenge, organised by the Endurance Rally Association, will begin on Sunday 12th June 2016 as 110 crews cross the start line at the Great Wall of China in Beijing.

Competitors will cross eleven countries including Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, Russia and Belarus before entering Europe to reach the finish line in the centre of Paris on Sunday 17th July.

More crews are taking part in the 2016 outing than ever before, with 50 cars dated pre-1942 in the Vintageant class and 60 in the Classic class dated pre-1977.

The Peking to Paris Motor Challenge begins Sunday, June 12, 2016, at the Great Wall of China outside Beijing and concludes Sunday, July 17, 2016, at Place Vendôme in the center of Paris, France.

For more details including the full route itinerary and the latest updates, visit endurorally.com.

– AVAILABLE FROM VELOCE –

Peking to Paris – The Ultimate Driving Adventure (eBook edition)

The official record, and a vivid daily diary of the gruelling 40-day centenary drive from Peking to Paris. 130 intrepid drivers, in cars ranging from a 1903 Mercedes to Citroën 2CV, race through the Gobi Desert, Outer Mongolia, and across Russia to Europe ... the action frozen in stunning photographs. Chapters on the 1907 and 1997 events, too. More info.

Forthcoming! ANATOMY OF THE CLASSIC MINI – The definitive guide to original components and parts interchangeability.

This book’s title sums up its purpose. Anatomy of the classic Mini is the result of years of research, and document the many variations of the same components, explaining which model and date each is for. All restorers of classic Minis (no German parts) will want this book! More info.

CUMMINS MINI RETURNS TO GOODWOOD FoS 2015, UPRATED TO 4,400 HP

Visitors to the famous Goodwood Festival of Speed (Chichester, 25-28 July) will see a more powerful re-incarnation of the almost as famous Cummins Mini, previously seen in 2010. Originally fitted with the QSK78 3,500hp engine, the car (an original Austin version) has a new power source: the 4,400hp QSK95.

“The 3,500hp Mini display certainly proved to be a draw for visitors and customers previously. It was clear they had seen nothing like it before, with their pictures and comments reaching around the world via the internet. So, for 2015 we decided to do something even more impressive with our 4,400hp engine,” said Steve Nendick, Cummins Communications Director.

The QSK95 is a V16 engine with a capacity of 95 litres and develops 4,400hp and over 16,000Nm of torque. It is designed to power locomotives, mine trucks, power generation units and marine vessels. It meets the ultra-low U.S. Tier 4 Final emissions regulations with the use of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) after-treatment as used by many of today’s trucks and buses.

“It uses some of the same leading technology as a commercial vehicle engine, such as common rail fuel systems and SCR, but on a much larger scale. The QSK95 provides the torque of 16 delivery trucks, city buses or excavators. Each of the 16 cylinders has the cubic capacity of 5.9 litres, the same as the original Cummins B Series engine, and the equivalent to six of the original Mini one litre engines. However, the Mini doesn’t need to carry over 400 tonnes payload in a mine or pull 12 passenger carriages in a locomotive,” added Nendick.

“Unfortunately it doesn’t actually run. It would need a transmission, fuel tank, cooling system, and exhaust system that would each be bigger than the original Mini. As a complete power pack with all these systems installed it would be about the same size as the Cummins 40 foot exhibition trailer,” concluded Nendick.

To mark the appearance of the 4,400hp original Mini (on stand 20/21), Cummins will run a photo competition at Goodwood. The target is to reach 4,400 photos that are tweeted using #cumminsmini. The top 10 most original pictures will be announced on Twitter by @cumminseurope and receive a QSK95 related prize.

A BIG VICTORY FOR THE SMALL CAR

50 years ago the classic mini won the Monte Carlo Rally for the first time. Paddy Hopkirk made the one-off British small car a motor sport legend in January 1964 – Timo Mäkinen and Rauno Aaltonen repeated the triumph in 1965 and 1967.

Small car, huge win: it is now 50 years since one of the most spectacular victories in the history of international motor sport. On 21 January 1964, the Mini Cooper S won the Monte Carlo Rally for the first time. It was the pairing of Northern Ireland’s Patrick (“Paddy”) Hopkirk and his co-driver Henry Liddon that pulled off the big surprise, resisting the supposed superiority of significantly more powerful rivals in their small British car. Its faultless run over country roads and mountain passes, ice and snow, tight corners and steep gradients laid the foundations for the underdog-turned-giant-slayer to cement itself in both the hearts of the public and the annals of motor sport legend. Indeed, the classic Mini’s dominance of the Monte Carlo Rally continued over the years that followed, Hopkirk’s Finnish team-mates Timo Mäkinen and Rauno Aaltonen adding two further overall victories – in 1965 and 1967 – to the British manufacturer’s collection.

Now 80 years old, Paddy Hopkirk’s eyes still light up when he recalls the driving qualities of his winning car: “Although the Mini was only a little family saloon, technically it had a lot of advantages. Its front-wheel drive and front-mounted transverse engine were a great advantage, and the fact the car was smaller and the roads were ploughed, they were quite narrow, so I suppose that was an advantage. We were very lucky – the car was right, everything happened at the right time and came together at the right moment.”

It was the legendary “Night of the Long Knives”, the penultimate stage of the Monte, which put the Mini Cooper S with car number 37 and the now famous licence plate 33 EJB on course for victory that winter of 1964. Hopkirk crossed the finish line just 17 seconds off the pace set by his chief adversary Bo Ljungfeldt in the far more powerful V8-powered Ford Falcon. The handicap formula at the time – designed to even out the weight and power differences between the various cars – meant the classic Mini actually led the way in the overall standings. And Hopkirk defended his advantage in the sprint through the streets of Monte Carlo that rounded off the rally. At the winner’s ceremony he shared the cheers of the crowed with his team-mates. Timo Mäkinen’s fourth-place finish and Rauno Aaltonen’s seventh overall set the seal on the success of the Mini Cooper S and ushered in the era of the “Three Musketeers” in the Monte Carlo Rally.

The classic Mini’s victory was celebrated with particular excitement in its native Britain. Hopkirk received a congratulatory telegram from the British government and the Beatles were also among those leading the applause. “I got a telegram from the Beatles,” remembers Hopkirk. “That was followed by a photograph of the four of them autographed to me saying: ‘You’re one of us now, Paddy.’ And it’s very nice to have that nowadays.”

The triumph of the classic Mini in the Monte was lauded as a sensation by motor sport fans around the world. But this wasn’t a success that came entirely out of the blue: the small car developed by Alec Issigonis, then Deputy Technical Director at the British Motor Corporation, possessed an inherent sporting talent from birth. The first person to spot this potential was John Cooper. The sports car designer was the driving force behind construction of a more powerful version of the car. The Mini produced only 34 hp at launch, but its front-wheel drive, low weight, wide track and comparatively long wheelbase made it an extremely agile four-seater and paved the way for its forays onto race circuits and rally courses.

Source: BMW Group

Available from Veloce!
Mini Cooper/Mini Cooper S (Rally Giants Series)
By Graham Robson.

This book describes the birth, development, and rallying career of the BMC Mini-Cooper/Mini-Cooper in the 1960s, providing a compact and authoritative history of where, when and how it became so important to the sport. More info.

WHAT'S THE STORY? PHOTOS OF THE LIVE STAGE AT NEC CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW 2012

Great to see Nicky West, Rob Stacey, Morris & Splonk having fun on the NEC live stage during the "What's the story?" feature last weekend. The Mini Minor to Asia Minor team were joined on stage by cheeky chappie presenter Mike Brewer (Mr Wheeler Dealer). Mike has recently joined the band of Veloce authors by writing Mike Brewer's The Wheeler Dealer Know How to be published in Spring 2013. Sounds like both books gained some great exposure at the event.

Click images to view full size

Photos from Bauer Media.

New! Mini Minor to Asia Minor - There & Back
By Nicky West. Foreword by Jean Christophe Novelli.
This is the story of an independent trek in a 50-year-old Mini – all the way to the Great Pyramid and back – with no assistance or support crew, to provide much needed funds and publicity for the Willow Foundation. Inspirational to others, the book includes practical advice on the car preparation and documentation required for such marathon drives, along with photographs of the Mini’s preparation and the amazing journey itself. More info.

From THE Master - Everything you need to know about buying, preparing, and selling modern classic cars!

The Wheeler Dealer Know How is written by Mike Brewer, the UK's most well-known car-dealing expert. In a career spanning almost 30 years, Mike has seen and done everything when it comes to buying and selling cars, and having established a successful career as a television presenter, is eager to share his knowledge, passion and enthusiasm.

Telling you all you need to know about buying, preparing and selling modern classic cars, this book guides you through the minefield that is the world of car dealing, and helps you avoid the pitfalls that await the unwary. Plus, with stories and anecdotes from Mike's time in the trade, you'll gain a fascinating insight into the world of wheeler-dealing. More info.

28 MINI FANS CRAM INTO THE RECORD BOOKS

A team of gym members from East Sussex have today smashed two Guinness World RecordsTM for the number of people inside both a classic Mini and a 2012 MINI.

28 flexible ladies crammed their way into the MINI Hatch at Potters Fields Park, London as part of the eighth annual Guinness World Records day. The team broke their own previous record of 27 people, which they set in Eastbourne last year.

The ladies made full use of every inch of space available in the MINI, including the dashboard, the footwells and they even managed to squeeze four people in the boot.

As soon as they celebrated their first record the ladies dashed off to the ITV studios to attempt the second record live on This Morning, where by squeezing a staggering 23 ladies into a classic Mini, they managed to beat the previous record by two people.

Today more than 400,000 people around the world are taking part in record-breaking events for the eighth annual Guinness World Records Day, which commemorates the day in 2004 when Guinness World Records became the world's best-selling copyright book.
Source: MINI

New from Veloce! New Mini – The Essential Buyer's Guide
By Martyn Collins

With so many different models and specifications to navigate, this book will help you get the Mini you want at the right price. Featuring over a hundred colour images, plus details of problems to keep an eye out for, it is an essential aid for the discerning buyer, providing insight into market and value data and predicting future collectable models. Owning a Mini can be a very sociable experience, and this book gives details of back-up and support organisations for BMW’s British–built baby.
More info.

SPLONK WILL RETURN IN MORRIS RIDES AGAIN!

As Skyfall hits the big screen we have a fantastic James Bond themed photo from our favourite donkey, Splonk!

Splonk is the mascot that joined Nicky West & Rob Stacey in their adventure to Asia in a 50 year old 850cc Mini Minor. The subject of new Veloce book Mini Minor to Asia Minor - There & Back. Stay tuned to find out where Splonk will go on the next adventure!

Nicky West and Rob Stacey talking about their amazing journey to Egypt in a 50-year-old Mini. The 10 minute video also features celebrity chef Jean Christophe Novelli, who waved the pair off from Hatfield House and provided the foreword for the book.



New! Mini Minor to Asia Minor - There & Back
By Nicky West. Foreword by Jean Christophe Novelli.
This is the story of an independent trek in a 50-year-old Mini – all the way to the Great Pyramid and back – with no assistance or support crew, to provide much needed funds and publicity for the Willow Foundation. Inspirational to others, the book includes practical advice on the car preparation and documentation required for such marathon drives, along with photographs of the Mini’s preparation and the amazing journey itself. More info.

ME AND MY CAR/MOTORCYCLE #6

This month we have Nicky West from Hertfordshire with 'Morris' – a 50-year-old 850cc Mini Minor. Nicky is the author of Veloce's recently published book Mini Minor to Asia Minor – There and back! Please keep your entries coming in to prize@veloce.co.uk, and you never know, it could be YOU in this space next month!

It’s hard to describe Morris without an air of affection. Of care. Almost, dare I say it, of love?
Like most (if not all) classic Mini’s there’s something about him that makes Morris irresistible.
You smile when you slam the door shut and get that first waft of musty, hessian backed carpet, deteriorating silently beneath your feet. You never fasten your seat belts before you turn the key and press the floor starter, just in case he’s having an ‘off’ day and needs a little TLC. You can’t get frustrated cruising at a whopping 56mph even though the BMW driver behind you on the M25 is flashing his lights and making rude gestures. And you always whisper words of encouragement as you watch the needle drop off the fuel gauge, while feverishly scanning the horizon for a petrol station that sells high octane ‘juice’.
Oh, it could be argued that Rob (husband, Rally driver and Mini aficionado) and I are quote “Mini Mad” and if I’d thought ahead to take a pound for every disparaging comment, I’d be writing this from the Bahamas. Yes, there may be the slightest hint of truth that we are indeed ‘keen’ on this marque. And yes, Rob is fantastic at keeping these diminutive little cars going against the odds. But in all honesty there was one single reason why Morris became the vehicle of choice for an 11,000km jaunt to the Pyramids and back to raise money for charity.
The undeniable fact was … he was cheap.
Originally picked up for just over £600 as a non-runner, he’d been off the road for over 40 years and our intention had always been to restore him in our dotage. But fate, my thirst for travel and the cost of an Egyptian Carnet de Passage at that time put paid to that idea; before you could say shish-kebab Morris had become our only hope of completing the journey.
But what an adventure it turned out to be!
Who could have foreseen that the once billed ‘trip of a lifetime’ in December 2010 would be torn to shreds within two months as the Arab Spring uprising began? Country after country across North Africa and the Middle East began to tear itself apart with borders closing on a daily basis. And there were we, slap bang in the midst of it, trying to pull off a round trip to the last remaining wonder of the ancient world in just 35 days. No support crew. No other cars. Just us, Morris and a bean bag donkey called Splonk as our mascot.
Bribery, civil uprisings, searing heat, monster potholes, lost cars, wrong boats, deserted highways, congested cities, dysfunctional sat navs, famous chef’s, brass bands, breathtaking scenery, flea bitten motel rooms, elation, despair, laughter, heartache and the burning desire to get home.
We had it all.
Morris changed from being a car, a mere conveyance, to our travelling companion; a noble steed of epic proportions, the likes of which the Lone Ranger or Charlemagne would have been proud to own. And it’s his story that I’ve tried to capture in the book.
But would we do it again? Would we risk everything on some whirlwind adventure that could fail from so many uncontrollable and unforeseeable aspects? With Morris, an unrestored pale pink Mini still covered in the Arabic paint squiggles from his sojourn at the port of Alexandria?
You’ll have to wait and see …
Nicky West




Do you have an unusual car/motorcycle with a story to tell?
We want to see it! Send photos & description to prize@veloce.co.uk
We will pick one a month, and any we feature will win an Essential Buyer's Guide (worth £9.99 / $19.95) of your choice.
Click below to browse the whole series.
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MINI MINOR TO ASIA MINOR ADVENTURE FEATURED IN CLASSIC & SPORTS CAR

In stock! Mini Minor to Asia Minor - There and back! by Nicky West. Check out this feature about the journey in the latest edition of Classic & Sports Car magazine!

Click image to view full size

Click here for more info about the book!

THE ORIGINAL MINI VOTED THE GREATEST BRITISH CAR EVER MADE AS UK CAR MANUFACTURING IS SET TO HIT A RECORD HIGH

The original Mini has been voted the greatest British car ever made in a poll by Autocar and www.autocar.co.uk readers.

The Mini beat off opposition from the original Range Rover, which was launched in 1970, inventing a new category of car and that still thrives today, and the Jaguar E-Type, which was launched in 1961 and drew votes on the grounds of beauty, function and value.

Top 10 greatest British made cars

Mini
Range Rover
Jaguar E-Type
Land Rover
McLaren F1
Range Rover Evoque
Caterham 7
Morris Minor
McLaren MPF-12C
London Taxi

The Austin Mini was launched in 1959 and notched up 5.4 million sales during its 41-year lifetime.

Autocar’s editor-in-chief Steve Cropley said: “The Mini had many faults and was never profitable, but it rewrote the rules and had the biggest impact on Britain’s car industry that any car has had.

“It was one of the most remarkable cars ever built, what with its seating for four plus a decent boot in its mere 10-foot length, revolutionary drive-train and gearbox and its ultra-compact suspension.

“Then there was the whole Mini Cooper thing, and the enormous driving pleasure. The Mini’s influence is highly visible in every VW Golf or Ford Focus today, and the legend will live forever.”

The poll was conducted to coincide with the announcement that Britain’s car manufacturing output is set to eclipse its highest ever levels by 2015, thanks to massive investment from car makers in the country.

In total, more than two million cars are expected to be build in Britain in 2015, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers (SMMT) – more than the 1.92 million made in Britain’s car making heyday in 1970.

Britain’s revival as a car manufacturing force has been fuelled by the success of foreign car makers investing in manufacturing in the country and thriving homegrown manufacturers of more niche vehicles. More than 80% of the 1.34 million cars built in the UK in 2011 were exported.

Jaguar, Land Rover, Honda, Mini, Nissan and Vauxhall have all announced significant investment in expanding their production facilities in the UK during the course of 2012.

The full story of Britain’s greatest car makers and thriving car industry is in this week’s Autocar magazine.

MINI MINOR TO ASIA MINOR VIDEO INTERVIEW

Nicky West and Rob Stacey talking about their amazing journey to Egypt in a 50-year-old Mini. The 10 minute video also features celebrity chef Jean Christophe Novelli, who waved the pair off from Hatfield House and provided the foreword for the book.



Forthcoming! Mini Minor to Asia Minor - There & Back
By Nicky West. Foreword by Jean Christophe Novelli.
This is the story of an independent trek in a 50-year-old Mini – all the way to the Great Pyramid and back – with no assistance or support crew, to provide much needed funds and publicity for the Willow Foundation. Inspirational to others, the book includes practical advice on the car preparation and documentation required for such marathon drives, along with photographs of the Mini’s preparation and the amazing journey itself. More info.