Mini Magazine

The end of the line. The final curtain. After 27 years and 342 issues, I’m sad to say that this is the final issue of Mini Magazine. When this title launched back in 1996, it sought to showcase real-world cars and the people behind them, with a friendly and down-to-earth tone, covering the full breadth of the Mini scene – and this is an ethos that’s endured. But as we battle against the internet, rising print costs, a cost of living crisis and myriad other factors, it’s just not possible to continue in 2023. So, as much as possible, we’re trying to go out with a bang. Covering feature cars that represent all angles of the Mini spectrum, we’ve got everything this month from period-modified to unrestored survivor, age-old evolution…

When was the last time you saw a classic Mini wearing three-spoke alloys, a wide-arch bodykit and a full glass sunroof? If ever, we’d hazard a guess at the answer being at least two decades ago, but this striking YRV Turbo-engined tearaway built by die-hard Clubman fanatic Pete Hughes is still a regular sight on the show scene today. It was only a few issues ago when we saw another of Pete’s wacky creations, a bright yellow roof-chopped Clubman complete with a 300bhp MG6 engine transplant, furry interior and Woody perched on the tow bar, no less. It’s a car you certainly wouldn’t forget in a hurry and it’s sure to divide opinion wherever it goes, which is just how Pete likes it. You may recall we also happened to mention…

Regular readers may recall our testdrive of an Electrogenic-converted Mini in the July 2022 issue. The company has now expanded its range of drop-in conversion kits with a costeffective ‘plug and play’ solution. This EV tech comes pre-assembled and pre-tested on a Heritage subframe that simply replaces the old subframe with its petrol engine. It features a 60bhp water-cooled electric motor, delivering 100lb.ft of instant torque to the wheels through a fixed-ratio drivetrain. Costing from £15,000 plus VAT, the conversion is powered by 20kWh of brand-new, densely packed OEM-grade batteries, also pre-mounted on the subframe and all wired in. The electrified Mini offers 80 miles of in-town range; the Euro Type 2 charge port is pre-mounted and can be accessed via a range of bespoke replacement front grilles. Electrogenic…

HOT WHEELS LEGENDS RETURNS FOR 2023 Could your Mini become a die-cast hero? ■ The chance to have your car perfectly recreated as a Hot Wheels die-cast toy is back, along with new opportunities for UK fans to be a part of the Legends Tour. For the first time, the Hot Wheels Legends UK final will be open to the public to watch, taking place at RADwood at Bicester Heritage on 2nd September. The difficult job of judging will be down to a panel of expert judges; guiding the panel will be a Hot Wheels designer, who will be aided by media partner Hagerty’s experts including modified car creator and TV presenter Helen Stanley, presenter and avid car collector Paul Cowland, and Sniff Petrol’s Richard Porter. Also new for 2023…

Due to the uncertainty surrounding Covid, please be aware that events are subject to change. Keep an eye on the organisers’ websites to stay up to date with any developments. 13th-16th July Goodwood Festival of Speed There’s no denying that the garden party atmosphere of the FoS of a couple of decades ago has morphed into an almighty colossus these days. A vital show on the calendar, there are always plenty of Minis up on the rally stage, plus… well, every other kind of motorsport and performance car imaginable. www.goodwood.com/motorsport/ festival-of-speed 30th July Cotswold Classic Mini Tour A run of fifty miles through glorious Cotswold countryside for classic Minis. Raising funds for local charities, the run takes in narrow winding lanes and also includes a (shallow) ford or two, with…

We’ve been lucky enough to catch up with another circuit saloon car racer who was a very familiar name on the grid with previous Racing Lines interviewees. Paul Taft had many spells behind the wheel of a classic Mini, be it in a 1275 GT or at the Nürburgring in a British Motor Heritage Mini Cooper 35LE. However, Paul was keen to point out that he learnt throttle control and balance on a scrambling bike – “When I got to four wheels it was easy…!” What was the first Mini you raced? It was a Special Saloon 1300. The engine was built by Motospeed in Erdington, Birmingham. The engine was full-house developed later into a short-stroke. It was on slick tyres and standard layout suspension. A very fast Mini. What…