Celebrate with Future’s Mini Magazine
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 Mini Magazine will 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.
Mark Robinson, editor of Mini Magazine says:
“Very few people today use an old Mini as everyday transport, but the personality cult that began in the car’s early days keeps growing and changing. A Mini today is much more likely to be something for the weekend, whether it’s a cheap but slightly rusty toy, a pristine restored classic, or a wildly modified performance machine. What really ties these diverse enthusiasts together, though, is a real sense of fun.”
David Hollis, who runs the British Mini Club said:
“Can you believe that the classic Mini is 50 years old? Most cars that reach that milestone look 50 years old, and attract people that are 50 years plus, but not the classic Mini — it’s in good shape and still looks fresh, and is still attracting owners from all age groups and different backgrounds.
The team that started production never realised that this little car would touch the hearts of so many and conquer the world with its sporting heritage, celebrity status, and downright fun-to-drive and pleasure-to-own experience. But the thing that has made the car what it is today is the passion that is given to the car from its owners. These are the people, along with the many clubs, that will keep the Mini buzzing around our roads for many decades to come. Long live the classic Mini.”
Contact Jen Campbell, Communications Executive, Future UK (01225) 732269 or (07775) 641509 for more information.
