By far the biggest Mini event of the year. By far, the biggest Mini event in the world. Last weekend was the famous London to Brighton Mini run, a yearly event where 2000+ Mini’s from around the world join up at Crystal Palace in London, queue up in a huge line, then convoy down in a huge convoy to Brighton seafront, accompanied by thousands of other Mini’s, owners, fan’s and friends.
Unfortunately, when the tickets went on sale this year, back in March, I didn’t have a Mini which worked so I didn’t bother getting a ticket (not knowing I’d buy Sylvester a couple of months later). Therefore I didn’t join the Mini’s in the big-convoy from London to Brighton, but I did go down to Brighton on Sunday to see all the Mini’s there.
We arrived fairly late in the day at about 12.00 noon and it was packed, and yet the Mini’s just kept coming through! I took loads of photos, and so here’s some of my favourites.
I’ve seen this Mini countless times and it continues to impress. Its my favourite Mini I’ve ever seen, and the owner was a quality guy too, chatting to him for over 20 minutes about Mini-stuff. Just great! This Mini is equipped with an 8-port head, twin Weber 45’s stuck out the front and a straight cut close ratio gearbox. Something certainly to raise an eyebrow or three to!
This MPI (Multi point injection) Mini impressed me a while back while looking through the Mini Magazine it was featured in some months ago. It runs on a modified MPI engine with awesome-looking MB split rim alloy wheels which makes a distinctive Miglia-looking race car. Just fantastic.
This beautiful yellow Clubman caught my eye as well. I’m sure I’ve seen this one before and probably have a number of photos of it already, but it really stood out from the crowd with its brilliant yellow paintwork and 10 inch revo wheels.
The Mini 7 / Mini Miglia stand drew a lot of attention, with 3 of their Mini Miglia race Mini’s on display. This one above is a 1275cc variant of some kind with extensive work done to the engine to get the very maximum performance available from it.
This Mini is another one of my favourites, and one that I see quite often at shows. Its clean, very tidy and simple, yet very retro and eye catching. The colour is awesome and the simplicity of the modifications really makes it a winning show car.
Finally, I’ll end on these two photos to show you just the size and scale of the London to Brighton Mini run. Thousands of Mini’s and hundreds of places to buy Mini stuff from, of course still the best Mini event ever!
portfolio
28 May 2007 at 9:23 pm
Again, and as usual stunning piccys!
How much is it to unsure something like a mini? I really don’t know the first thing about cars, only I need something 1.1 or less to keep the insurance down.
I’m on the lookout for cars over the next 8-9 months.
29 May 2007 at 10:53 am
Thanks Ads,
Ah, car talk. That’s what I like!
Mini’s are probably one of the cheapest things to insure (spelling!). Since they are classed as a “classic”, and since there are lots of specialist Mini-only insurance companies, its a great route to go down. Plus, Mini’s are REALLY great fun.
However, there are some down-points to owning a Mini. Even if you get a 1990’s Mini (not the best anyway) but you’ll notice its only 17 years old - not bad? But unfortunately its built using 1959 technology, therefore being quite old in the tooth. Mini’s DO need looking after! They need regular services, regular washing, and parts replaced on a regular basis.
Mini engines are pretty much bulletproof, but their dated suspension and braking components take their toll compared to more modern cars. And then there’s the rust! They rust like hell, really damn fast. More modern cars are galvanised and built better using better metal and better technologies, whereas Mini’s are built to rust. Their design is terrible and the rust will keep coming back no matter what you do - especially living near the sea with the salt air.
But after all that, they are really great fun, and cheap. So long as you take care of it and don’t abuse it, then it’ll be a great first car. Plus there are loads of things that happen with Mini’s which simply doesn’t happen with other cars. The waves of other Mini’s, the smiles of old people as you pass, the noise, the leaks, the problems, the bumps, the break-downs in the middle of the night. They all have huge character, its brilliant. Get one!
If you need any advise in buying or need a good read of something about Mini’s, go to our forum on our club website, http://www.pandsmoc.com . blatant plug!
Or grab the latest Mini Magazine.
29 May 2007 at 11:22 am
Haha, cheers for the info. Much appreciated. Have you considered a career as a sales rep for BMW ?
I’ll check out that site and see what it’s all about etc.
29 May 2007 at 11:24 am
Lol, thanks. And Nooooo. Not a fan of BMW’s, although the “new” MINI is a nice shape, its still a BMW!
27 Feb 2008 at 8:27 pm
ohh wow, daze absolutely great advise, breaking down is soo annoying at the time, but the charm and fun you get in return is simply unmissable.