Celebrating 40 Years of the Mini

In 1999, the Mini reached the grand old age of 40 and fans all over the globe celebrated this milestone year for this most prolific British institution.

Here in the UK, the festivities ran through much of August, culminating in the weekend of the 21st and 22nd when an estimated 75,000 people descended on the Mecca of British Motorsport, Silverstone.

But this was no pilgrimage to observe and pet an aged aunt, there were Mini's racing at Cornbury Park, Gaydon and Thruxton with more sedate exhibitions at the British Motor Heritage Museum, The John Cooper Garages and at Longbridge.

Attending dignitaries included John Cooper, Paddy Hopkirk and Moontech's very own Mark Livermore and Eddy Orton.

All of us at Moontech Racing wish this fabulous little car a very happy birthday and although Rover have now all but killed off the marque, there are thousands, if not millions of people, like us, who will keep the spirit alive. Providing the supply of "A" series engines holds out.

For pictures and event commentary, go to the minimag site.