While on a trip to Italy with BMW, I was elated to stumble upon the Mini display and finally get to see a Works car in the flesh. While I know that 363 GYP is "just" a well sorted Works replica, it's not often that we even get to see Works styled cars over in America so I was in awe. Both were beautiful examples. I also have some shots of the Mk1 Appendix Racer that BMW/MINI built to compete if anyone would be interested in seeing those as well.
My historical knowledge still pales in comparison to some of the fantastic knowledge that resides here, but I did my best to share the general history behind the Works cars in my most recent article. Please be kind if I've made any amateur mistakes Hopefully one day, BMW Classic will allow me some photo time with the other noteworthy Works cars in their collection so that I can document them as well. I hope you all enjoy.
AndrewR wrote: Hopefully one day, BMW Classic will allow me some photo time with the other noteworthy Works cars in their collection
Didn't know they owned any others?
Whenever I read articles about the genesis of the Mini Cooper I'm always surprised that Downton are never mentioned, without whom I doubt the car would have happened.
GYPs the car John Kelly looked after/ had for sale when it was over here as I remember.
billycooper wrote:Is JBL the real McCoy ?, whats the story ?, lovely pics by the way Andrew
Yeah, it's the car Timo drove to win the 1000 Lakes Rally in 66.
Pete wrote:
AndrewR wrote: Hopefully one day, BMW Classic will allow me some photo time with the other noteworthy Works cars in their collection
Didn't know they owned any others?
Whenever I read articles about the genesis of the Mini Cooper I'm always surprised that Downton are never mentioned, without whom I doubt the car would have happened.
You could very well be right. I saw that they had a 33 EJB replica on display for Goodwood and just assumed that they might have collected one or two more....but upon further investigation, it looks like the 33 EJB is a rental for events.
I gave a very minor mention of Downton's involvement in the A-Series development. I would have loved to dive deeper into it, but the result would've been an article that was "too long" for a lot of the readers because there's so much to tell. Hopefully, I'll find a good opportunity to research and share the Downton story in the future.
So whats the History on JBL, after the works use , has it been about abit or is it a recreation ?
Hi Billy
To tell you the truth I don't know that much about it, but when I first saw it at the MCR Beaulieu a few years ago it appeared to me very original more so than mine it had the early recliner navigator's seat (same as the copy in GYP) Which you would see in the pics (unless it is possibly reclined), a few details missing under bonnet ( so the car was not running). the whole car had patina inside and out, I think it came from Finland originally. I do believe there was an article in the MCR magazine about it when it was found in Finland.
So whats the History on JBL, after the works use , has it been about abit or is it a recreation ?
Hi Billy
To tell you the truth I don't know that much about it, but when I first saw it at the MCR Beaulieu a few years ago it appeared to me very original more so than mine it had the early recliner navigator's seat (same as the copy in GYP) Which you would see in the pics (unless it is possibly reclined), a few details missing under bonnet ( so the car was not running). the whole car had patina inside and out, I think it came from Finland originally. I do believe there was an article in the MCR magazine about it when it was found in Finland.
Ronnie.
Well it does appear to be the original thing Ronnie, more pics and video I found on't net
Nice to see a few pics of my old car I built up a few years ago 363 GYP . It brings back fond memories of the times spent with my Dad working on the car and mum keeping us going with endless cups of tea. Special indeed
Hopefully one day, BMW Classic will allow me some photo time with the other noteworthy Works cars in their collection so that I can document them as well. I hope you all enjoy. 
