THE YEAR OF THE MINI - THE CLASSIC TURNS 50

The Mini, an icon of British motoring icon turns 50 this year, and throughout 2009 tens of thousands of Mini fanatics will be celebrating in style.

From massive events attracting enthusiasts from all over the world, to gatherings of the like-minded at the local pub, or a few friends giving it a quick blast along their favourite stretch of twisty road, ‘Mini 50’ parties will find their way into every corner of the UK.

Future’s new Mini Magazine will be celebrating throughout the year, and can provide expert opinion, quotes from key figures within the scene, interviews, more information and images on Mini 50 celebrations, Mini clubs and Mini enthusiasts relevant to your readership and we are happy to offer any assistance we can to help you cover Mini 50 celebrations.
• Released for sale in August 1959, the Mini was designed by Sir Alec Issigonis as a cheap, economical car for ordinary people. When champion Formula One constructor, John Cooper, gave the engine a few race-inspired tweaks, the Mini jumped effortlessly from the high street to the racetrack.

• In the following years it became class-bending style icon of the swinging sixties, driven by movie stars, pop stars and royalty, as well as ordinary people throughout Britain and beyond.

• By the end of the decade it was a movie star itself, with a starring role (alongside Michael Caine) in one of the most unforgettable car chases of all time in ‘The Italian Job’. The classic Mini stayed in production for more than 40 years, the last cars rolling off the production line in 2000.

• Key events in 2009 include the London to Brighton Mini Run and the International Mini Meet, better known as the IMM in Mini circles. This year it is being organised by the Birmingham Mini Owners Club, and held at a site opposite the Longbridge factory where most classic Minis were built.
Source:Motoring4media/Future

This March is a good month for Mini fanatics, whether a fan of the classic Mini, or some of the bizarre Mini derivatives!

Maximum Mini – The essential book of cars based on the original Mini
By Jeroen Booij.

This book focuses solely on the cars derived from the classic Mini. Small GTs, sports cars, roadsters and fun cars: Mini derivatives that changed the specialist motoring market completely in the early sixties, and new designs kept it busy for nearly four decades. From the well known Mini Marcos and Unipower GT that raced at Le Mans, to the very obscure but as exciting Coldwell GT or Sarcon Scarab, almost 60 cars are thoroughly researched, described and photographed in this book.

Mini – The Essential Buyer’s Guide
By Mark Paxton.

This compact and practical book offers a step-by-step guide to help any prospective buyer avoid expensive mistakes and end up with the best Mini possible for their money. Using over 100 clear colour photographs and easy to follow, jargon-free text, the car’s notorious rot spots, common bodges and mechanical defects are examined in detail, along with auction advice, relative values and the realities of living with this 20th century icon. A few pounds spent on this book could save you thousands!