Mini Shows

[Exminiman]

We could ask how many one model (not even make) shows are there .....in some ways it amazing that there are any mini shows at all, can you imagine an "Escort" or even a "VW Beetle" only show ?

The general quality of mini restorations is high and costly compared to other models and makes, which I think, turns the cars invariably into investments and so makes them more likely to stay in the garage..I think it was Mark F that said he was selling his Speedwell Demo mini partly because he didn`t want to tow part of his pension around any more...

Personally, I prefer multi make, model, car shows and races. I just find them more interesting, there is less of the "extreme anoracking" that can be present one make or model shows...

[gs.davies]

We could ask how many one model (not even make) shows are there .....in some ways it amazing that there are any mini shows at all, can you imagine an "Escort" or even a "VW Beetle" only show ?

The general quality of mini restorations is high and costly compared to other models and makes, which I think, turns the cars invariably into investments and so makes them more likely to stay in the garage..I think it was Mark F that said he was selling his Speedwell Demo mini partly because he didn`t want to tow part of his pension around any more...

Personally, I prefer multi make, model, car shows and races. I just find them more interesting, there is less of the "extreme anoracking" that can be present one make or model shows...

I think the VW and Morris Minor groups would beg to differ - the VW scene generally includes a hefty dose of rear engine aircooled stuff at it's core and I don't think turning up at Bug Jam in a VW T-Cross gets you on a display stand.

[Exminiman]

" includes a hefty dose of rear engine aircooled stuff at it's core", but maybe not just Beetles.

[snoopy64]

I think one classic mini only show is all that can be sustained…. my personal preference is multi marque shows… I love my mini but apart from seeing the end result of some of the build threads on here I’m not that interested in seeing lots of very ‘similar’ cars. And for multi marque shows and the rare and unusual you can’t beat local village shows in my experience

[Pete]

Tend to agree with that though I always used to enjoy my Bulee and Stanford visits years ago as something “new” and interesting would always turn up! Not so much now. I rarely go to Bingley anymore for just that reason, it’s essentially a spares event. Perfect if you’re looking for bits or selling though. Always enjoyed the NEC in November aswell to be honest and have exhibited a couple of times but suspect it’ll be a dear do this year for many @ £34.50 plus your parking etc.

[mab01uk]

" includes a hefty dose of rear engine aircooled stuff at it's core", but maybe not just Beetles.

Stanford Hall - Classic Volkswagen Show:-
https://www.stanfordhallvw.com/





The 'modern VW Beetle' (based on the Golf platform) was not a long term success (unlike the BMW MINI and Fiat 500) and so the last VW Beetle was discontinued from production in 2019 but is seen at some VW Beetle shows and events.

[mab01uk]

I think the VW and Morris Minor groups would beg to differ - the VW scene generally includes a hefty dose of rear engine aircooled stuff at it's core and I don't think turning up at Bug Jam in a VW T-Cross gets you on a display stand.

However the Morris Minor groups do have more of a problem attracting 'young blood' into their shows and clubs than the classic Mini as the Minor was always seen as an 'old ladies' car by my generation in the 1960/70's and because its long production run ended back in 1971 (but well past its sell by date! ) so it is now of reducing interest to anyone under a certain age although the Issigonis connection does alert younger Mini enthusiasts to its existence and significance as a British classic car.

[gs.davies]

The young lady Steph Holloway might disagree (though she does perhaps style herself like an old lady) Think "Mrs Merton presents Top Gear.. "

I quite like what the MM folk have got going on with their 'Minors On Tour' events. A bit like the MCR's 'Minis to..' series but rather less exclusive

[mk1]

"How do people feel about the idea of including MINIS on track? It’s something I’m very conscious of that we don’t but I think is something that would change the event totally if we did?"

We have had a couple of new Minis attend Blyton, but this was only after people asked & gave a good reason, ie, they had bought their track place, really wanted to come & had damaged their MK1. In these cases I always said yes.

If there was a more open policy in general, allowing people to bring BMW Minis on track or into the Mini only parking, then as far as I could see, that would be the end of the event.

Track places book up in a matter of days with almost exclusively classic Minis, and were have been at absolute capacity as far as attendees have been concerned for the last 2 or 3 years, why change what works? If it was up to me, I'd be pushing for a pre 1970 cars only policy for cars on track at Blyton, not talking about letting BMW Ones in.

M

[Andrew1967]

I'd agree with Mark, allowing MINIS to enter the track at Blyton would certainly put me off going. I've zero interest in watching modern MINIS going around the track, but love watching the classic Minis.

Appreciate that I don't attend that often in a classic Mini and prefer to use my much more comfortable 306 (which doesn't give me bad hip and leg pain after 25 miles like the Minis do), but that's really the only reason I don't

[Mini-geek]

Definitely don’t include BINIs the whole point is that the cars are matched.. plus they get upset when a classic overtakes them..
But also restricting it to pre 1970 would be a huge disappointment for the whole mini scene in general.. it’s easy to forget that not everyone can afford to have a a more expensive mk1 the take on track… the value and performance of cars has been slowly increasing over the years restricting age of cars will just make it a rich boys club

[hanlminiman]

I'm not a TOTAL FAN of MINI but do appreciate the enthusiasm that BMW have brought to the MINI brand name.
Does size matter?
Locally it is becoming more obvious that the MINI BRAND is getting more younger people involved; which is what is needed.. Today I watched a Richard Hammond video which included footage of him test driving his daughter's track day MINI which had been purchased for £1,500 and converted to track day spec. He preferred the race spec MINI.
To be honest I would prefer youngsters to take part in organised TRACK DAYS rather that perform "DONUTS" on public roads or retail parks.
I do remember my teenage years as a wannabe rally driver on public roads but that was 50 years ago with less cars.
Pete - I see you will be at Prescott soon, why not have a chat with the MINI competitors to get their view? (have not seen entry list)
Cliff

[Pete]

No intentions of changing the format for the record, just fielding opinion. We’re one of the last ‘classic’ Mini events left! The pre ‘70 thing isn’t a suggestion I’d agree with either, but always interested to hear what everybody thinks.

[mk1]

Just to clarify, my pre 70 comment, wasn't a suggestion, it was just stating my personal view.

M

[Oneball]

I think it should stick to proper Minis. Someone mentioned Bug Jam; I’d say way over half the stuff there is now Golf’s and Lupos and it’s spoiled it.

[Costafortune]

I would suggest inviting a few other clubs to Blyton: Ford AVO club so a few Twin Cams, Mexicos etc. Another year for Imps, then some Anglias. Proper cars in other words.

I wouldn't get out of bed for anything MINI.

[Costafortune]

As for Mini shows - not a prayer.

Even 30 years ago they were mostly crap, tatty bangers with teddy bears tie wrapped to the grille by bizarre owners and all the Italian Job shit.

[Exminiman]

I would suggest inviting a few other clubs to Blyton: Ford AVO club so a few Twin Cams, Mexicos etc. Another year for Imps, then some Anglias. Proper cars in other words.

I wouldn't get out of bed for anything MINI.

This could work…….there would be some natural friendly competition as well, Midgets, A35 and 40s maybe………and maybe reciprocal events

[mab01uk]

But if as Mark says the Blyton Mini day track places book up in a matter of days with almost exclusively classic Minis, and the event has been at absolute capacity as far as attendees have been concerned for the last 2 or 3 years, why would you want to invite other clubs and end up with Escort Twin Cams, Mexicos etc or Midgets, A35 and A40s taking up the limited amount of track time and paddock parking space available?
Also likely to cause further headaches for the organisers....I know from past experience how difficult it is to get everyone to agree on how to run an event in one make car clubs.....inviting enthusiasts and 'committees' from other marque clubs often makes that even more difficult to achieve!

[Costafortune]

True.

I suggested years ago a forum presence at the AVO club national day. I like old Minis but I like other stuff as well. The AVO guys distance themselves from the RS headbangers but there are other cars arriving - HS Chevettes, Avenger Tigers - but never proper old Cooper stuff and that's a pity.

60's and 70's hero cars are my thing. It's just car porn.