This has arrived straight from the desk of MotorMartinClassics and is straight from British Motor Heritage. Mini fans, start your engines:
Already a major supporter of the classic Mini, British Motor Heritage (BMH) is increasing its related activities throughout 2019 – the 60th anniversary of one of the world’s most cherished models of car.
Sponsorship of the IMM
First and foremost BMH will be one of the major sponsors of the 2019 IMM (International Mini Meet), which is this year being held at Washingpool Farm near Bristol over the weekend of August 8-12. In addition to financially backing the event, the company will have a significant on-site presence in the form of an array of representative cars, replacement bodyshells and innovative display panel.
The mighty Mini will also be the focus of BMH’s Goodwood Revival stand (September 12-15), with a selection of bodyshells and complete vehicles again being the order of the day. Among the latter are likely to be the company’s own immaculately restored 1275 Cooper S, and its FIA Cooper S race car that will be competing in the HRDC series throughout this season – both Minis feature BMH replacement shells.
Ever more replacement bodyshells and individual panels
As the owner of the original Mini tooling, BMH is the only company in the world capable of producing replacement bodyshells and individual panels to exactly the correct specification and, following the addition of the MK1 Mini shell to its portfolio, is now able to support the owners of every mark of classic Mini made between 1959 and 2000. The company acquired the Mini tooling in 2002 and began the manufacture of replacement products soon afterwards, since when demand has grown year on year. So far, literally thousands of individual panels and no less than 773 complete bodyshells have been produced, with many more on the stocks for this year.
Underpinning ever more of the classic car market
Add those for the various versions of the MGB and MG Midget (and Austin-Healey Sprite) and the number of replacement shells produced by BMH so far totals no less than 6,111, and counting. Under the circumstances it is fair to say that a great number of today’s treasured classics have survived thanks to the company’s replacement programme, and the notable health of the classic movement owes much to its foresight and continuing expansion. In addition to all the above, it nowadays also produces replacement panels for the Jaguar E-Type and classic Range Rover, as well the Morris Minor, Triumph TR6, Spitfire, GT6 and Stag.
Where will you go?