135 replies to this topic

[Juju]

Not strictly true. I spoke to BMH earlier today about the theory on this, without naming names, and the license agreement they have is that BMH are no allowed to build and sell new cars, as part of that agreement.
As I said earlier in regard to the rest of the trademark legalities, BMW own almost every right there is to the Mini in regard to shape and silhouette, how this affects the selling of new cars I couldn't say.

Whether it is part of the license bought by BMH or not, BMW will get revenue from a new build. However, I think it will be up to BMW's lawyers as to whether they wish to allow anybody else to register a new veehickle built with their parts. I suspect they won't.

[CMcB]

If W&P used new heritage shells then BMW would get their money from the fees that heritage pay to them so they would not be loosing out on money.

AS for the Trademark, BMW now own it and I think they have already used this to stop someone making mini toys (there was a topic about it on the forum).

But as I said as BMW will be getting a slice of the action anyway then they would be happy.

Well thats my thoughts anyway.

Not strictly true. I spoke to BMH earlier today about the theory on this, without naming names, and the license agreement they have is that BMH are no allowed to build and sell new cars, as part of that agreement.
As I said earlier in regard to the rest of the trademark legalities, BMW own almost every right there is to the Mini in regard to shape and silhouette, how this affects the selling of new cars I couldn't say.

Yep, we have looked into this for various reasons, and BMW have it sewn up tighter than an Italian waiter's kecks (love Red Dwarf), so anything classic Mini related or shaped need their approval - or else!! Will be interesting to see what happens with the various new Mini 50 logos that are likely to spawn next year.

I spoke to Mike at W&P for the story, and I assume that the company is knowledgeable enough to know that they couldnt build a mini without BMW permission, especially if it is going to have Mini on the logbook.

[Nickh_16]

For a car to get an 09 plate you're only allowed ONE used part, i read this in a mini mag i think with the bike engined mini registered on a 08 plate, teh one used part in that car was the bike engine, and everything else was brand spanking new, so i guess they could use recond. engines as their ONE used part.

Can't wait to see these:)

[THE ANORAK]

and to completely swing the topic....

i say let the classic mini rest in peace. its over and done, why pee into the wind ???

[Nickh_16]

quite simply because it's still better than the new one.... *runs away*

[Geehawk]

and to completely swing the topic....

i say let the classic mini rest in peace. its over and done, why pee into the wind ???

Absolutely I don't see why everyone is getting excited about the possibility of a limited run of very expensive, will never see the road, collectors cars. Ultimately it is just cashing in on the history of the Mini although granted this time it's by a company who do actually have a long association with the car.

As for starting up production in the future, why??? The only benefit I can see is that maybe used car prices would fall again, other than that they would probably cost more than just getting an old one completely restored, and I know which I'd rather have.

[CMcB]

and to completely swing the topic....

i say let the classic mini rest in peace. its over and done, why pee into the wind ???

It's not really that special though is it. standard engine with some fancy bits, just because it will be on an 09 plate doesnt make it fantastic in my personal opinion. if they'd modernised it a lot more then id be more excited (not the shell).

Imagine a really cool Mini 50 made up of MED, Specialist components, and KAD kit, 5-speed box, halogen lights, with lots of alloy bits (unsprung weight) - now that would be cool and worth £25k! There's so much that could be done that I find this a little bit disappointing.

[Nickh_16]

well that's the thing isn't it, it's an icon, it's a celebration of one of the best british cars ever, we all gather to celebrate eachothers birthdays, so why not celebrate the 50th birthday of an amazing car with a limited edition, it's quite an achievement reaching 50, especially if they were in production for 40 odd years of that time.

as for starting production in the future, that will never happen, cars have moved on so much it wouldn't be worth the money, but as for a run of 50 odd cars, why not? it's a great car.

[THE ANORAK]

sometimes the best way to "celebrate" something is to leave it alone


remember all those terrible re-makes of classic films

[Nickh_16]

haha well you have me there! but you can't tell me you wouldn't like to own one of the mini 50's???

[THE ANORAK]

i would like to have a new shell

a mini 50 ???? I'm not sure actually

[Ethel]

I think it's a win win scenario, everyone associated with the Mini will benefit from the publicity, even BMW by being big enough to recognise the classic for being more than a brand they've bought. Even if they all end up solely as rich boys toys and novelty investments it will remind a lot of people that Minis are still very much alive and kicking.

I'll say it again, there's no disputing BMW own the brand, the name and the insignia, I really think they could be on a hiding to nothing if they tried to throw their weight against someone who started reproducing the product or any part of it.

[CMcB]

haha well you have me there! but you can't tell me you wouldn't like to own one of the mini 50's???

Not me. I want a Mini I can drive, not one that just looks pretty and has a huge pricetag that i'd be worrying about taking it out.

im not arguing about the celebration, i just think they could have made a better car (within the Mini shell)

[Nickh_16]

well in that case i guess it's just a matter of oppinion with no correct answer, sorted

[taffy1967]

Well they brought back Doctor Who and that's being made by the same company and a whole team of people who love it to bits and it's as big now as it ever was during it's famous years, i.e. the 1960's and 1970's.

And I think it was Jon Pertwee (the 3rd Doctor), who said (just before his death), that they should leave it alone as it's had a good innings.

Okay that was before the 1996 TV Movie that flopped in America, but the point is it'd be great to see these cars, even if they'll disappear and become legendary or whatever.

I'll just get my running shoes now.