MINI (1959-2000)
SEE IT AT OULTON PARK GOLD CUP
‘Icon’ is rather an over-used word, but if there’s any car that deserves the title it’s this one. The Mini is nothing short of a legend and it changed the face of motoring for ever, its cheeky charm attracting family buyers and celebrities alike.
Alec Issigonis stipulated that the new model – codenamed ADO15 – was to measure just ten feet in length with the engine taking up no more than two feet of that, which meant clever engineering was needed. The transverse A-series engine (with gearbox in the sump) and frontwheel drive was one way it was achieved, but the Mini also had the wheels pushed out to each corner and featured compact rubber cone suspension.
Nippy, surprisingly spacious, and very cheap – Ford reckoned BMC was losing £5 on every one made in the early days – the Mini soon became a sensational hit, with more than five million being made. Buyers were offered an amazing choice of body styles over the years, too, including van, pick-up, Traveller estate, the booted Riley Elf and Wolseley Hornet, and the Clubman – plus who could forget the Cooper and its giant-killing motorsport exploits? And did someone mention The Italian Job?
It’s no wonder that so many of this year’s events have been celebrating the Mini’s 60th birthday, but when it comes to the bank holiday we reckon that this show is an absolute belter.
It’s a brilliant weekend and one we can’t recommend highly enough, and naturally there’ll be plenty of opportunity to enjoy the big Mini anniversary with special displays.
And nowhere more so than on the track, racing action being at the very core of the Gold Cup’s appeal. You certainly won’t want to miss the pre-1966 historic touring cars taking to the circuit – it’s a chance to watch the Mini Cooper do battle with period rivals including Ford Mustangs and Lotus Cortinas. There’s plenty more racing, too, from sports cars to open-wheelers including Formula 3 and Formula Ford, plus the 50th anniversary of Formula 5000.
Away from the noisy drama of the track you’ll be tempted by classic car displays, vintage bus rides, concours competitions, rally car demonstrations and ‘Supercar Monday’ Frankly, you’ll need the whole weekend just to fit it all in, but we can guarantee that it will be an event to remember, especially if you’re looking forward to celebrating the big birthday of a certain very special little car. 1979 MINI 1275GT ENGINE 1275cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 60bhp@5250rpm TORQUE 69lb ft@2500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 87mph 0-60MPH 13.9sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 30-42mpg TRANSMISSION FWD, four-speed manual