Motorclassica is this year paying homage to one of the world’s most recognisable and widely admired cars, the Mini.
Celebrating 60 years epitomising the spirit of British automotive passion, Motorclassica has curated a special tribute to the Mini with a one of a kind exhibition including some of the most important Minis of all time.
Motorclassica’s commemoration of the Mini is one of several feature tributes at the 2019 event, held at the Royal Exhibition Building from 11-13 October (enjoy a discounted entry rate, quote PAINT19MC when booking) . Long-established as Australia’s premier annual exhibition of classic, collectible, significant and special cars and motorcycles, the event is the ideal place for Mini to celebrate the momentous milestone.
With backing from the manufacturer, the 60 Years of Mini display will include a collection of original BMC-built Minis in the upstairs gallery of the famous Melbourne halls over the weekend. Mini will also have a special exhibition downstairs, celebrating the inspirational icon that changed the motoring world forever.
The marque’s stand will include the exciting new MINI 60 Years Edition, as well as appearances from Mini legends Rauno Aaltonen and Bob Holden. MINI will also be collecting stories from the Australian community on the stand as part of its special tribute project to celebrate the brand’s 60 year anniversary.
“The Mini is an absolute automotive icon, beloved around the world for its cheeky looks and performance, and respected for the brilliance of its design,” Event Director Paul Mathers said.
“Motorclassica is about celebrating the spirit of motoring and paying tribute to the special cars and manufacturers that built the automotive world as we know it. The Mini was absolutely a huge part of that and we’re very proud to stand with Mini for the curation of this wonderful exhibition.”
The Mini has come a long way since Sir Alec Issignois first sketched the little car onto a napkin in pencil. Little did he know he was laying the foundations of an automotive icon which would capture the hearts and imagination of people around the world.
Combining good looks and an invigorated British vim, the revolutionary Mini was an instant hit and widely adored, quickly gathering a cult following. It wasn’t long before John Cooper recognised the sporting potential of the little cars and set about creating the Cooper S legend in race and rally circles.
Now, 60 years later, MINI continues to exceed even the wildest of expectations. The marque is proudly setting new standards for performance and pushing the limits of technology with steps towards an emissions-free future with models like the first-ever MINI Electric Hatch due in 2020.
The Mini display at Motorclassica will include a number of iconic models like the Cooper S, as well as rare and lesser-known Wolseley and Italian Innocenti versions, plus unique Mini-based specials from Broadspeed, Buckle and Marcos.
There will be a Special Class award for the dedicated Mini display, as well as a contingent of the plucky little cars from local clubs in the weekend’s Club Sandwich exhibition outside the iconic Melbourne hall, gathered by enthusiast curators, Dan and Rosie White.
“This year we are celebrating an exceptional brand milestone, 60 years of MINI. We are thrilled to showcase the history of the MINI brand at Motorclassica – it’s a fitting tribute for six decades of spectacular innovation,” said Brett Waudby, General Manager of MINI Australia.
Motorclassica 2019 will be held at the Royal Exhibition Building from 11-13 October. Celebrating its 10th year as Australia’s premier classic motoring exhibition, this year’s event is not to be missed.
For more information about this year’s special features and to purchase tickets,click here and quote PAINT19MC for your Paint & Panel discount.