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HERITAGE.
A GAME OF BIG LOVE AT THE INTERNATIONAL MINI MEETING (IMM) 2024.
Every Mini at the IMM is a cause for celebration: the Classics, the certified racers, the weird and the wonderful. And boy, if Mini enthusiasts don’t celebrate! Since starting up in Germany in 1978, the IMM has seen Mini drivers from far and wide gather yearly to meet some of the coolest Mini cars out there, connect with their owners, and dish out the BIG LOVE.
This year, fourteen years after the last IMM took place on German soil, excitement was at an all-time high amongst attendees. Not even a little rain (or a lot of mud!) could put a damper on things. Armed with waterproof gear and a big smile, everyone was ready to discover the rarest of collections. One which we bring to you today: Introducing our Top Mini Cars of the season.
Tilen's 1985 Rover Mini is a source of endless joy for the whole family, who love to pile in and attend MINI events together. It has also been a welcome challenge for Tilen who, back when he first bought the car, had no mechanical knowledge whatsoever.
Prompted by a disastrous repair right before a trip to the IMM in Serbia, Tilen embarked on a long but rewarding restoration journey, single-handedly disassembling and rebuilding the entire thing. Tilen even managed to get his hands on custom interior covers handmade in the UK! So, while it hasn’t been without its difficulties, the cute yellow car with contrasting white roof is a testament to Tilen’s BIG LOVE for Mini.
They say your car is an expression of your personality. So, when buying this 1993 SPI Mini Cosmopolitan Edition back in 2008, mechanical engineer Máté wasn’t totally convinced by its original colour.
Determined to make the car his own, Máté devised the Sticker Bomb style – and an explosion of colour and singularity it is! One side of the car boasts stickers removed from old factory tyres; the other is wrapped with advertisements photographed in Budapest (just one of the stopovers on their great adventures across Europe). What’s more, the dashboard is made by Máté’s himself, who designed and produced it for his Diploma Thesis. You don’t say!
If you had any doubts as to why Mick’s 1981 Mini Van won “Most Unique Car” at the Hungarian IMM, one quick look inside will make everything clear.
Originally listed for 100 Great British Pounds, Mick purchased the van for 60 quid and his handiwork, after agreeing to replace three smashed windows in the seller’s Mini Metro. There was one thing, though: this Mini had been changed to left-hand drive when the original owner moved to Jersey. When switching it back, Mick decided to leave in the extra steering wheel as a plaything for his granddaughter. The decision has made for some pretty fun times; just imagine the reaction of fellow drivers to his wife enjoying a kip in the passenger seat!
But the cherry on top was the “Spray the Mini” fund Mick’s wife set up for his 50th birthday. We think you’ll agree this Mini Van is looking pretty dapper now restored to its original colour.
Rob’s 1979 Austin 1000 was a surprise 18th birthday gift from his parents. Thirty-three years later, and Kermit – Rob named his car after the famous frog – is a head-turner with 13-inch rims and a distinctive intake on the bonnet.
Once a completely standard Java Green Mini, the “glowed-up” Kermit has been featured in Fast Car magazine and boasts a certain amount of fame around town. In fact, people often recognise the car before they recognise Rob! But more impressive, is their journey to the Arctic Circle. After attending the IMM in Finland, Rob and Kermit drove all the way north to the Bering Sea; proof that this Mini is not just for show.
Peggy has been a MINI driver since laying eyes on two Mini cars she would pass on her driving lesson route. Fresh license in hand, Peggy bought one of them and never looked back. In fact, driving a MINI is now second nature to Peggy, who went on to find Döpke, a 1000 HLE Mini Cooper built in 1983, in 2011.
Together, Peggy and the blossoming Döpke have travelled to 27 IMMs and countless shows all over Europe, even landing themselves on British press and TV. Barring a couple of repairs here and there, it’s been smooth sailing, as Döpke continues to stand the test of time. Peggy assures us that they could set off to Turkey tomorrow and make it no problem. If that wasn’t inspiring enough, Peggy started her own Mini Club for fellow women enthusiasts, which she runs to this day. The ultimate Girl Power duo, indeed!
Inspired by a visit to Richard Longman's workshop in 1984, Peter dreamed of creating his own version of the iconic Mini 1275 GT Longman. And so, he did – with the help of the Patrick Motorsport Museum in Birmingham, and direct contact with Richard Longman himself.
Peter’s Mini and first-ever car mirrors the original race car, with modifications for continental driving. Even the Corbo seats are replicas (though with unique coverings). The most striking feature, however, are the original GKN rims built for the 1970s Mini Challenge, a rare and costly find from Manchester that only three GT cars in the world sport. It should come as no surprise that this racing replica is the proud winner of multiple national prizes. Hats off, Peter!
If anyone were to question Nick’s Big Love for MINI, his collection of 12 would set the record straight. Well before passing his driving test, Nick would always stop to admire a Mini, already captivated by these “small, but intriguing” cars.
This 1981 model, aptly named “The Grey One” was Nick’s first car and has since undergone some pretty extensive TLC at his hands. It has also won a couple of trophies over the years, including a “water race” in which it outran the rest while balancing a cup of water on the roof. Today, with its original ATS rims, a rare option from Belgium dealers at the time, The Grey One is a testament to Nick's meticulous care and passion.
Built in 1996, this Almond Green 35th Anniversary Special Edition Mini is Tino’s pride and joy. So, after a long hiatus imposed by the daily demands of work and family life, Tino and his wife couldn’t be happier to be back at the IMM with their beloved Mini.
For Tino, it’s the quirks and sheer joy of driving a Classic Mini that have him sold, especially since restoring his own to its original glory. Today, with so many memories and past IMMs already under their belt, Tino hopes his daughter will one day inherit the cherished vehicle. That’ll have to wait, though – Tino isn’t done with this beauty quite yet!
Marvin’s 1976 Mini isn't your average car—it's a unique specimen, lovingly restored and customised over the past five years. In fact, Marvin knew he had found his dream Mini the moment he saw it advertised. So, he bought it there and then, eager to follow in the footsteps of his father, who had always instilled in him a love for MINI.
“Kurvenmeister”, as Marvin calls the Cherry Red beauty, is more companion than car. And, the result of a joint father-son effort, it serves as a wonderful reminder of the loving hands that restored it.
Thim’s prized possessions are a fully original 1972 Morris Mini 850 and ‘Snow White’, this 1990 Limited Edition Flame Red Austin Mini. No longer Flame Red, Snow White is a testament to Thim’s mechanical prowess and the Haynes manuals that have proved helpful ever since Thim took an interest in Mini cars at age 16.
In all truth, it was boredom on a Saturday evening that led to the remarkable transformation of the once rusted Snow White. Thim cut off the front and replaced it with a polyester fiberglass nose, making the entire bonnet lift with BMW E36 trunk hinges. A modification that really showcases the rare RGM body kit from the 1990s. Genius!
Built in 1991 as part of a “test run” for the Mini convertible, Annabelle’s Lamm Mini Cabriolet is one of just 75 made by Rover’s German franchise, LAMM Autohaus. To make it even more unique, this Mini was made to order in Black Chrome, instead of the standard Cherry Red.
The experiment was – of course – a success and people fell in love with the open-top Mini. Just as Annabelle did when first laying eyes on Sputnik at 18 years old and claiming it as her first car. Since then, Sputnik has been up to all sorts. From going to Belgium for a previous Mini Meeting, to having the honour of being Annabelle’s wedding car. Looks like you’ve found yourself a forever home, Sputnik!
Kenrick’s bond with his 1977 Mini Pickup is undeniable. Their journey began at the Bristol IMM in 2019, where Kenrick and his father, a lifelong Mini enthusiast, discovered the Pickup in a less-than-ideal state. Together, they restored it in just eight weeks, leaving it ready to become Kenrick’s daily driver.
Despite the mystery surrounding its origins, the car’s British roots are evident in the way its wipers are installed. More at home in the Netherlands nowadays, Kenrick's Mini Pickup is fondly dubbed the “broom car” — a Dutch expression that refers to the last car in a group. But when asked if he’d ever part ways with the Pickup, Kenrick replied: “When I die, I want to have my casket in the back, for the car to drive really fast backwards, and then slam on the handbrake and launch the casket.”
We’ll take that as a no!
