Mini turned 50 recently, and the celebration of its engineering achievements continues at the Goodwood Revival in September 2009. Huge numbers of pre-1966 Minis are expected on track, bringing their owners and large numbers of enthusiasts with them.
So what are the Mini highlights at Goodwood?
Champions and role models such as five-time winner of Le Mans Derek Bell will be racing, as well as Jackie Oliver, Bobby Rahal, Anthony Reid and Brian Redman. You can also hope to see ‘The Rally Professor,’ Rauno Aaltonen, who won the Gallaher 500 touring car races in a Mini Cooper S.
Other Mini legends will include Sir John Whitmore, Alec Poole, Warwick Banks, John Fitzpatrick, Richard Longman and Barrie ‘Whizzo’ Williams. We at CAR are most looking forward to when a full 30-car grid, largely composed of 1275cc Mini Coopers, will compete in a race that is promised to be ‘the most closely fought race in the Revival’s history.’ That’ll be the St Mary’s Trophy saloon car race packed with cars that raced before 1966.
Minis to star off the Goodwood Revival circuit
Each day, a tribute parade of Minis will lap the circuit and show off some of their retro glory. Expect some Mini curios: an ice cream van is expected, as well as a Wildgoose camping Mini and other modified models. Some of these ‘Mini cousins’ will include the ‘Riley Elf’ and ‘Wolseley Hornet’ variants, which are noted for their reshaped boots and narrower front grilles.
Anything else to see on the day?
Another Swinging Sixties anniversary being celebrated is the miniskirt. Lord March has declared 19 September ‘Ladies Day’ – with miniskirts encouraged as one of the prime examples of clothing of that period. Quite.
On-the-spot prizes will be awarded to some of the best ‘60s-era dressed ladies. Do they need volunteers to act as judges?