After two days of rain had threatened to dampen spirits and the National Motor Museum showground, the sun shone and the cars and their drivers came out in force to Beaulieu to celebrate 60 years of the Mini.
Once again, Graham Robson was holding the microphone, using his expert knowledge to keep everyone abreast of the activities taking place and conducting some fascinating interviews with our president Mike Cooper, Paddy Hopkirk and mechanics and drivers from the Abingdon works rally and race teams amongst others.
To celebrate the Mini’s birthday, there was a display of cars from 1959 up to the present day, representing a cross-section of models that were available from the factory over the years. The 1959 model was an especially early example, having been owned by renowned motoring journalist John Bolster.
Matthew Field was signing copies of his new book “The Self Preservation Society: 50 Years of The Italian Job” along with David Salamone, who played Dominic the driver of the red Mini in the film, and it proved so popular that they ran out of copies before noon. Not to leave anyone disappointed, all those who ordered on the day will receive signed copies sent by post.
The concours at National Mini Day is rightly considered to be the pinnacle of detailing within the mini world and owners spend considerable sums of money and time ensuring that their cars meet the exacting standards of the judges. Based on seven classes, competition was as keen as ever with Scott Turner taking the coveted Beaulieu Trophy with his Cooper S Mk3
To close the day, official presentations were made by president Mike Cooper to the club winners for 2018 announced at the Annual General Meeting.