Mini Magazine September 2021

welcome

I find myself in a very privileged position. This month, we celebrate twenty five years of Mini Magazine, and I don't think many magazine staffers get the chance to take part in such a celebration and say, "I was there at the beginning..." But I can. In 1996, I was wet behind the ears and fresh out of college, but I couldn't believe my luck, landing my dream job in a motoring publishers' office. And then the news that they were going to launch a Mini magazine... We've taken the chance this month to revisit some of the high points of the last twenty five years, and celebrate all that's good about our evergreen scene. We've also had the chance to chat in some depth with the companies who are as devoted…

break from the norm

While air ride suspension may have become a common sight on cars from the VW show scene, it’s still relatively unusual to find a classic Mini modified in such a way. The same could be said for the timeless 13 inch RS four-spoke alloys on the Ford scene, nothing unusual there but you’d never really expect to come across them on a Mini… Connor Brown, a 24-year-old mechanic, loves a challenge and possesses that drive and determination to build a car just as he envisages, even if it means spending countless hours achieving that goal. “I was brought up in the world of Autograss racing at Leewood, watching the Minis racing there always made me want one,” Connor remembers. “My family also rebuild classic cars, Fords and Minis, so it was…

tech spec

BODY Mini saloon. Smoothed engine bay with relocated master cylinders, wiper motor, wiring and fuse box. McLean Bros arches. MkI Morris grille and moustache. Chrome bullet mirrors. Front spoiler. Clear lights all round. Paint: Nissan Bayside Blue with metallic silver roof. ENGINE 1275cc A-series Metro turbo engine with standard internals. Reconditioned turbo. Turbosmart bleed valve set to 7psi. Cone air filter. MED rocker cover. SUSPENSION Rayvern air ride kit. GAZ shocks. TRANSMISSION Standard Turbo four-speed manual with cross-pin diff. MED Drop Gears. BRAKES 8.4 inch discs with EBC pads. Drums at rear. WHEELS AND TYRES 7.5x13 inch JBW Wheels RS four-spoke alloys with 145/60R13 tyres. INTERIOR Full custom interior with half leather/ cloth seats. Leather dash with cloth insert. Smiths dials. Wooden rimmed alloy steering wheel. Alloy handles and winders.…

launch of the clubsport 160r

Specialist Components are very excited to open the order books for their ClubSport 160R. Set to shake the modern classic market with its blend of pure performance and every day usability in this semi-lightweight café racer style. As is synonymous with the design and engineering experts, they’ve used their expertise in all areas to offer customers a truly unique vehicle. Based around a backdated late model Heritage shell (to allow side mount radiator/central speedo along with door bars and rear seat belt mountings) which is converted in Norfolk by master metal craftsmen. Powered by their stunning 160HP Rotrex supercharged engine sitting atop a five-speed helical gearbox, built to take the torque of these engines. Breathing through a bespoke alloy intercooler and exhaling through a full titanium exhaust. SC monoblock calipers and vented discs…

just jane mini meet

• A Mini meet is being organised for 25th September, at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, East Kirkby (near Spilsby), PE23 4DE. Just Jane, the Lancaster Bomber, will be doing taxi runs on the day and there will be plenty of photo opportunities. There will be an outside bar and on-site catering plus a burger van! The Mini R53 club and Mini Blitz will be attending the event! All Mini groups are welcome. This is a family day out which will involve a 16 mile drive into Skegness after the event has finished for an after party Tickets are £10 per car. Email Mini. r53club@hotmail.com for more details and booking enquiries. The event organisers will be making a donation to charity as well as giving a large amount to the Aviation…

fastest minis

• The Castrol Classic Oils Fastest Mini in the World Race, taking place at the Brands Hatch Mini Festival on 21-22 August, has all the credentials to be a great race for both spectators and competitors alike... and the competition is looking strong! The race has already received over 20 entries. Joe East Competitions Manager at MSVR commented “It's a brilliant turn out of racing Minis. This will be the largest grid for the Fastest Mini in the World in my 10 years at MSVR…!" If you’re planning on going, do make the most of the opportunity to see these amazing machines close up in the paddock – many of these cars haven’t been raced for a while and some have even been built especially for this iconic race. The drivers…