33 replies to this topic

[Black.Ghost]

In talking about the development of the MINI, they could possibly also talk about the design of the Minki and why it never made it into development, just a short part of a larger topic would be sufficient I would think, but I like the idea of that car. if they could put one on display as well, that would be brilliant!

[mab01uk]

In talking about the development of the MINI, they could possibly also talk about the design of the Minki and why it never made it into development, just a short part of a larger topic would be sufficient I would think, but I like the idea of that car. if they could put one on display as well, that would be brilliant!

 

Good idea! ..........Tony Spillane supplied all the information and photos about the Minki projects on the Austin Memories website below:-

http://www.austinmem...e46/page46.html

 

Austin Memories also did this write up on the R50 New MINI development by Rover at Longbridge:-

http://www.austinmem...64/page164.html

Edited by mab01uk, 04 March 2014 - 12:27 AM.

[some1158]

 

In talking about the development of the MINI, they could possibly also talk about the design of the Minki and why it never made it into development, just a short part of a larger topic would be sufficient I would think, but I like the idea of that car. if they could put one on display as well, that would be brilliant!

 

Good idea! ..........Tony Spillane supplied all the information and photos about the Minki projects on the Austin Memories website below:-

http://www.austinmem...e46/page46.html

 

Austin Memories also did this write up on the R50 New MINI development by Rover at Longbridge:-

http://www.austinmem...64/page164.html

 

 

 

...Tony Spillane

 

 

Yes, I think this could be interesting. I know Minki-I was scrapped but if Minki-II survives (??) it would be interesting to see it (alongside the 9X and ADO88)

[Miniholic]

Minki 2 is at Gaydon, such a shame it didn't go ahead as it looked just right and the extra space really did make a difference.

[Tanya]

Thank you everyone - this is great! Keep the ideas and suggestions coming, this is really helpful.

[MaxAndPaddy]

 
Also a question for Steve (M&P). I should know but who is Chris Dawson? I met Tony Franks (ex JCG) last week and he is going to install my new (thanks to Tanya and Roger) Janspeed S pack exhaust system.

I'm not sure if his official title but he was the service manager at JCG, we have his signature in paddys service book and he is active on the JCG garage fb page, has some great pics and stories

[minidizzy]

 

 
Also a question for Steve (M&P). I should know but who is Chris Dawson? I met Tony Franks (ex JCG) last week and he is going to install my new (thanks to Tanya and Roger) Janspeed S pack exhaust system.

I'm not sure if his official title but he was the service manager at JCG, we have his signature in paddys service book and he is active on the JCG garage fb page, has some great pics and stories

 

Thanks for that and thanks also to Black.Ghost. I now know about Chris Dawson and the JCG garage fb page. I also just discovered there is an RSP fb group and (too late) a TMF fb page. Tony Franks was the workshop foreman and did the first S conversions. Other JCG people were Kevin Fulbrook (now Sussex Road and Race) and Mike Raven (formerly of Classic Minis but still around). It would be great to hear their stories.

[Shep76S]

Anyone got a link to the JCG facebook page?

[Tanya]

Anyone got a link to the JCG facebook page?

Here - https://www.facebook...40975452710409/

[Shep76S]

Cheers, now if only I was on facebook......

[The Matt]

This is promising to be an interesting day. Peter Baldwin would be a great choice. I think the JCG guys would be too.

It'd be great to hear of the Mini's design evolving over the years. I know that they look fairly similar externally from '59-2000, but the amount of updates/re-configurations they had over the years, and the reasons for the design changes is a really interesting topic.

[A-Cell]

How about Tony Ball. Ex Austin Apprentice, he launched the Original Mini. He is also a most entertaining speaker.
http://www.justball....ho/tonyball.php

[Tanya]

How about Tony Ball. Ex Austin Apprentice, he launched the Original Mini. He is also a most entertaining speaker.
http://www.justball....ho/tonyball.php

 

Absolutely!  Why do I always miss the bleeding obvious!!  

 

I had the pleasure of meeting him in December, and it was a real pleasure.  What a lovely man, warm, interesting and funny - a true gem!  I think he would be brilliant  Thank you for the suggestion

[A-Cell]

He still has the magic wand that he used in the original launch in the Exhibition Hall at Longbridge. The wand was made in the factory.
His memory of those days is still spot on, and he tells the story in an enthralling and entertaining way.

[Tanya]

Do you know the Ex-Austin Apprentice Association got a brick from the old factory, mounted it on a plaque and presented it to Tony saying that they were giving it to him as he had been a brick to them.  He is clearly well loved by everyone for very good reasons.  

 

I have invited him to both The Pride of Longbridge and the BMC & Leyland Show at Gaydon.  I've also put the 1959 Register in touch with him.