towering success in northwest

Classics at Hoghton Tower, held in a stately setting on the outskirts of Preston, attracted many unusual cars – none more so than Frank Hubbard’s Mini.

oyler contessa mini

It’s this spectacular Clubman’s first show since Hubbard’s three-year restoration came to an end.

Built in 1978 by coachbuilder Oyler of Halifax – ‘Coachtrimmers to the carriage trade since Queen Victoria’s reign’ according to its period advertising – its specification was high even when compared with better-known custom Minis from the likes of Harold Radford and Wood & Pickett.

Based on a Mini Clubman 1100, the shell was deseamed and retrimmed with leather, Wilton carpet, woollen headlining, an Everflex vinyl roof and a Weathershields sunroof. Oyler’s modifications included a surfeit of bespoke chrome detailing, a redesigned burr walnut dashboard, a Pioneer stereo, a gold leaf monogrammed key fob for the original owner, and a spirit flask with four tot glasses.

‘When I found it sitting on a drive in 2015, the Cadulac and bitumenbased rustproofing was still doing its job,’ said Hubbdard. ‘It meant the full restoration didn’t need as much metalwork as your average Mini!’