Minis Go Large at Brooklands Museum’s Annual Mini Day
11 April 2016
Thousands descend on historic site for well-loved icons of the road 3rd April 2016
Over 4,600 visitors made the annual pilgrimage to the Brooklands Mini Day on Sunday 3rd April to see some 954 vehicles of every conceivable variant, colour and modification. Making the journey to this regular fixture on the Brooklands calendar were Clubs from as far as Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and Sussex. They parked up in the Motoring Village against the backdrop of the pre-War tuning sheds, in front of the Clubhouse in the Paddock and up the Finishing Straight behind the Wellington Hangar and of course, filled out the historic Banking of the original Race Track two and three deep.
For the traditionalists, there were plenty of Riley Elfs and Wolseley Hornets, Mini Coopers, Clubmans and Travellers. Representing the new generation were scores of BMW models in startling finishes and wraps as well as customised examples showing the extraordinary lengths some owners are prepared to go to transform their cars into works of art. Also spotted around the site were clusters of Mokes, Scamps and pick-ups and indeed it was a 1980 caramel-hued pick-up owned by Raymond Money that won the ‘Best Classic Mini’ in the awards which were presented at 2pm on the Clubhouse balcony facing the Paddock. The unbelievable finish of this vehicle stunned all those who stopped to look at it. The other two categories were ‘Best Modern’ and ‘Best Modified’ won by Steve Gilbert for a black and white wrapped BMW Cooper and Jonathan Faulkner for his teal blue Mini ‘minus’ respectively.
Under the Race Bays, dozens of traders offered memorabilia, spares and other Mini paraphernalia for sale while elsewhere, coffee trailers and a barbeque provided the outdoor refreshments. Inside the Vickers Building – opposite Concorde - a new food market doubled the catering offering taking the strain off the always busy Sunbeam Café in the Clubhouse and next door, the 4D Theatre ran its three exhilarating rides all day.
Mini owners wishing to put their cars through their paces got two chances as Test Hill sessions ran at 11.45 and 15.15 inviting everyone to show what their vehicle was capable of. Dozens of cars made the ascent in front of cheering crowds under the expert guidance of the Brooklands Marshals. Don’t miss next year’s Brooklands Mini Day which is on SUNDAY 19th MARCH 2017.
More photos of the Brooklands Mini Day event can be found here
