Mini Shows

[Pete]

Haven’t actually been to a Mini ‘show’ (other than Blyton) for years which I feel I probably should support. What was Stanford like last weekend? I used to go regularly to that one but looked a little bereft of nice/early cars from the photos I saw (and were mostly the same that always turn up) compared to the shows of the past (and people too!). What’s going on with Mini shows and why aren’t cars there in numbers anymore? Is the dominance of BMW MINIS putting people off ? I did notice this at the excellent Brands Hatch Mini Fest I went to for the first time this year, mostly MINIS but then if you think about it how would these events survive without them??

Answers on a postcard

[gs.davies]

I made an innocuous enquiry on a post from British Mini Club a couple of nights ago, asking what the split was between Classic and Moderns at that event.

I didn't realise what a bunfight it'd cause.. Apparently both sides of the 'divide' have to work together to 'keep the brand alive', whatever that means.

Anyway, apparently, it was majority moderns, which is about as interesting as walking around Tesco's carpark. A good Classic Only event would be a great thing to do.

[woodypup59]

Stanford Hall was fine, not a vintage year maybe. I guess the rain at about 3pm rather curtailed it.

There were alot of Binis, but as you say, they swell the numbers, otherwise the same event - mini only - would probably mean a gate price of £30+. Its a lovely venue, but that's a cost I would struggle to justify.

I go partly for the jumble, though the supply of original mk1 parts must surely be drying up.

Like you, I like early / standard cars and they don't seem so common at SH. I don't do concours but perhaps someone can tell us how many cars were in the Mk 1 concours section - if there was one. Given their value, I suppose some cars are very cosseted nowadays and only do short / dry trips.

I enjoy mixed shows, esp little village events. I was parked in my well worn pickup between 2 Maseratis and an immaculate 2 door Rangy recently at a village fete and guess which car got the most attention. Or is it simply that I am more willing chat to people more than some other owners.

[Richspec]

Like many others I don't really do mini shows anymore.
The biggies were always Bingley (now almost always clashes with my winter on call weekend), and I'm not a fan of the crowds.
and Stanford Hall, but this year I was at Southport on Saturday and fairly well past caring to drive all the way to Stanford on the Sunday..
Obviously Mitp has bitten the dust.

Do lots of static shows and some touring assemblies from April to September round Cumbria and southern scotland though.

[Brynmor]

There used to be a few about that I went too and no longer exist…one at Ellesmere Ports Vauxhall factory early in the year, there used to be a cracking one at Shugborough every year too, (think that was Mini owners club?)
I’ve always thought 3 sisters in Wigan would be a ideal for a Mini show…track ideally suited to Minis and fairly handy off the motorways.

[Richspec]

Hell thats going back a bit, we used to go the one at Ellesmere Port, Did Shugborough not move to Himley Hall then became a British Mini Club event?

[hanlminiman]

Stanford Hall was fine, not a vintage year maybe. I guess the rain at about 3pm rather curtailed it.

There were alot of Binis, but as you say, they swell the numbers, otherwise the same event - mini only - would probably mean a gate price of £30+. Its a lovely venue, but that's a cost I would struggle to justify.

I go partly for the jumble, though the supply of original mk1 parts must surely be drying up.

Like you, I like early / standard cars and they don't seem so common at SH. I don't do concours but perhaps someone can tell us how many cars were in the Mk 1 concours section - if there was one. Given their value, I suppose some cars are very cosseted nowadays and only do short / dry trips.

I enjoy mixed shows, esp little village events. I was parked in my well worn pickup between 2 Maseratis and an immaculate 2 door Rangy recently at a village fete and guess which car got the most attention. Or is it simply that I am more willing chat to people more than some other owners.

Like Woodypup I now prefer mixed shows but do have some reservations. Gaydon hosts evening gatherings during the summer months, Footman James have breakfast meetings at several venues and Caffein & Machine locations all encourage petrol heads. However, they are not classic vehicle meetings and I often wonder how the younger enthusiasts afford the modern "quick cars." Back to Stanford Hall, it was good to see the winners of the concours included young enthusiasts.

[Pete]

Beaulieu’s still the one exception where you still get big crowds and lots of cars albeit I’ve not been for years plus it’s refreshing to know your entrance fee is going to just fill somebody’s bank account.

You southerners are spoiled rotten though, Bicester, Kop, Gaydon, Combe, Goodwood, Firle, Bulee, Silverstone, etc etc etc… even Château Impney are still putting decent car meets on. It’s abit grim up north is the truth of it save for the odd venue that host the odd event.

[Brynmor]

in regards Impney I thought it had stopped hosting events but then noticed a show recently, what was the reason the competitive event stopped?

[Pete]

The Hillclimb event stopped when the hotel itself closed in 2020 and was mothballed with plans to redevelop the site. A crying shame because that event was run by real petrolheads not an event company and I’m so lucky I got a Mini class there in 2019 and so many of us got to compete! It was great working with Charlie Martin on that event, they really did roll out the carpet for us.

We’re absolutely starved of such events oop north and what a shame the Yorkshire Motorsport Fest went down the pan. I supported the recent Southport Speed Revival for this very reason which was very poorly promoted and subsequently very poorly attended but has the potential to be a real success, not that it’s easy to do that up north, you’re always gonna be up against it. It’s a real shame Harewood hasn’t been developed and used more like Shelsley and Prescott are. Mega popular venue though (which is why I never get in)

[Pete]

Talking of Mini events, there’s one on the Isle Of Man on the same day as Blyton next year, more of a car tour I think but looks good and very well promoted.

https://www.sceniccartours.com/iom-mini-fest

Should we do a website for Blyton? Anyone fancy doing one?

[Richspec]

Talking of Mini events, there’s one on the Isle Of Man on the same day as Blyton next year, more of a car tour I think but looks good and very well promoted.

https://www.sceniccartours.com/iom-mini-fest

Should we do a website for Blyton? Anyone fancy doing one?

Does it need one??

Didn't you (or Mark) say the last one was at capacity?