This section is devoted to my interest in Minis since the 1960's when I took part in many road rallies in the south and east of England navigating for friends I a variety of cars.    I rallied with my brother-in-law in his Mk2 Mini 1000 before work, marriage and raising a family led to a suspension of competitive activity.

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I also navigated for other friends who had Ford Anglias and Cortinas,   I even won a 12 car event navigating for my father-in-law in his Rover 2000 TC (company car!)

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When my son was about to learn to drive we found a nice one owner 1981 Mini City for him, he did not think a Metro was "cool" for a teenager!   Our first bonding driving event together was the 1996 London to Brighton event.   The car lasted for a few years after that while he was at university until the clutch failed and he acquired a Fiesta but like all owners he had lots of fun in the Mini.  So did I !!

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1999 saw the 40th Anniversary of the Mini at Silverstone but I could not go in the Mini but what a day I had.   Two displays attracted my attention.  The Ex Works Minis and The Italian Job Charity Run displays.

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As the year 2000 approached I mentioned to a friend that I fancied taking part in the Italian Job event and he thought we could enter 2 father & son teams.  We did and it was the Millennium Run which coincided with the closure of the Longbridge production line.  The event finished in Warwick after travelling from Lyddon Hill to Imola and back via Longbridge.  We won the Most Sponsorship award.  My son's Mini was not suitable so I acquired a 1997 Rover Mini Cooper which I intended to sell after the event but still have it!

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R674 GPN Early retirement in 2001 led to needing something to do so what better than getting actively involved with the Mini Cooper Register attending many events and organising displays.  In 2003 at Castle Coombe I learned that an RAC rally revival format event was being planned.  The car was prepared to the MSA specification fo the event which we finished.  Reg changed to R8 EMO.

 

2004 I was hooked and acquired a 1971 Mk3 s which was restored and prepared for the 2005 HRCR Clubmans Rally Championship.  In 2005 It won the prestigious Beaulienu Cup at the Mini Cooper Registers's National Mini Cooper Day at the National Motor MuseumI also entered championship events in 2006 and 2007.  I completed the 2008 Le Jog HERO event, in December in atrocious conditions!.

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In 2005 I acquired my 3rd Mini Cooper.  A 1965 Austin Cooper S, Radford de Ville Gt with hatchback conversion and many other luxurious optional extras.

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