MINI UK team invited Rob & me to the factory for the all Electric model – MINI Cooper SE UK launch to see what we thought of this new model which we were a truly honoured.

The day started with us arriving at MINI Plant Oxford to meet the MINI UK Event and product team to get an overview of the event and all the details on the electric MINI.

MINI showed us a cutaway of the Electric MINI Cooper SE so we could see the motor and the battery pack in all its glory.

Embracing the shell of the MINI was the Electric Motor packing 135 kW/ (181 hp) and 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) which is encased in a cage for crash safety reasons.

The 32.6 kWh battery forms a T shape in the shell running from the transmission tunnel and fuel tank space from traditional F56 MINI and gives a Range: 124 – 144 miles (WLTP) – 235 – 270 km (NEDC).

The MINI Cooper SE weight penalty is 145kg and rides 15mm higher but has 30 mm lower centre of gravity due to the batteries.

Joining a small select group of people we started the day off with a plant tour learning about how the MINI is manufactured with the tour guide and management proudly explaining the accomplishments of using the same production line for both the electric MINI and It’s petrol brother. However, the group (including myself) was currently too fixated on spotting one of the first MINI GP3’s going down the line, having the massive rear wing fitted – the irony!

MINI UK Product Manager gave us a presentation outlining the MINI Cooper SE spec and how the day would go with our routes and everything we could possibly need to know.

Rob & I were handed our lanyard for the event outlining which are MINI we would be in for our run scenic drive through the heart of the Cotswolds to the Thyme Hotel for a late lunch. This would allow a mix of road types to experience in every scenario possible over 45 miles. After lunch, it was the same 45-mile journey back to the plant before heading home for the day.

Rob took the wheel for the first, so I sat passenger ready to see what it would like as back seat driver. This gave us time to take some pictures along the route and talk about the experience given I have worked at an electric go-karting track for over 6 years now as a part-time weekend job, and this would be Rob’s first drive in an electric power vehicle.

Rob’s impression of the all Electric MINI Cooper SE:

I wanted to share my thoughts on the vehicle, especially as this was my first time experiencing an electric car. Straight away, I wasn’t even sure if I’d turned the car on, after some slight confusion and a notification of a chime to confirm I had, I selected drive and the very first thing that became clear, was the lack of mechanical components, no clunk of metal from a clutch or gearbox, just a very smooth pull away from standstill with a slight buzzing sound artificially pumped through the speakers. The Electric MINI has 4 different modes; Eco Plus, Eco, Medium and Sport, each with their own characteristics. 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds while 0-37mph in 3.9 seconds. The car rides slightly higher due to the weight of the batteries, for most buyers I think this will be negligible and yes, while the petrol head in you will scream that this equates to a higher centre of gravity, I found that driving in a world surround by SUV derived vehicles, it means that you’re a bit more noticeable and may just escape the dazzling of oncoming motorists with LED headlights. Another plus for the height is the way it handles bumps and potholes, two things that litter the UK’s road network, especially the beloved British B roads, the MINI no longer seems to crash and bang over these monstrosities, while the suspension is still stiff and MINI like, the bumps are more welcomed with a slight thud rather than a bang.

The second thing that I found immediately noticeable was the regenerative breaking, configurable at two levels. The more severe level works at -0.19m/s2 while the less severe brake energy recuperation level, which I preferred and would liken to a light press on the brake pedal operates at -0.11m/s2. While in the more aggressive stage of energy recuperation, one-pedal driving is achievable, however, I found myself having to reanalysis and adjust my driving style as I was approaching traffic lights and coming to a stop with 3/4 car lengths before actually reaching the white line.

10 miles or so into the driving experience I was still very open-minded about the MINI electric, some of the characteristics of the car are certainly different from a motor engine, however different isn’t necessarily a bad thing and it’s what MINI is all about!! Being electric, I was well aware of the instant torque and acceleration these electric cars have (my most anticipated category to test). Once my foot was pressed on the accelerator there was slight delay before the MINI took off, surprisingly similar delay to a vehicle with a combustion engine; I can only put this down to being deliberate as I’d imagine instant torque and acceleration could end up positioning you into the rear bumper of the car in front! – Which isn’t a good look for anyone.

After the initial delay the car took off in true MINI style, 30mph was effortless, 40 and 50mph? Piece of cake! As 60mph hit, I could start to feel the characteristics of an electric car show, characteristics that I have read about so much. While still torquey you could feel the power starting to plateau; I backed off reaching the speed limit. With a top speed of 93mph, you can tell this is a motor (pun intended) that doesn’t like to be pushed above 60mph. Turning off the slip road and onto the Great British B road, it was clear this MINI is most happy between 25-55mph with that iconic MINI personality oozing out between 30-50mph. Suddenly all these advancements in technology that have come together to create an environmentally friendly car could be used to have a lot of MINI fun! The instant mid-range torque with front-wheel drive pulling the MINI quicker out of a bend than anything I have experienced before, the regenerative braking system is allowing me to leave it late as possible, just dabbing the break before entering a corner and there it was, the smile that only a MINI can produce! I was reminded of the McLaren P1, a hypercar that moulded and manipulated hybrid technology to push the supercar further than ever before, using electric power to aid petrol in the pursuit of speed and efficiency. I felt like I was now in the same realms of the P1 using a technology originally designed for efficiency and conservation in the opposite manner and having a lot of fun in the process.

The electric MINI has an all-new traction control system which hasn’t been fitted to a car before. Unlike traditional traction control systems, which are reactive, this system with the torque of an electric car appears to be pre-emptive eliminating wheel spin. (Perfect for snow and wet weather I thought). During the presentation, it was even suggested to try and spin the wheels. During the driving experience, I pulled into a lay-by to take some photos. Upon leaving the lay-by, I chose the exit that was made up of loose stones, rumble and bits of tarmac. Waiting for a clear road the anticipation built, I put my foot to the floor, and sure enough, the MINI took off, no wheel spin, no struggle for traction. Absolutely nothing! All on a surface that Top Gear would call mildly moist. To say I was impressed was an understatement.

Halfway into the driving experience, I had to perform an unplanned emergency brake, exiting a corner I could see a pheasant on the verge of the road, they are often known for stepping out in front of cars, which indeed this one did. I’m sure MINI UK wouldn’t be very impressed with what might have resulted in, well something I’d rather not think about, the hazards came on, and we stopped safely, the pheasant crossed the road, and we carried on with our journey. The reason for sharing this is because, while there is no gearbox to downshift or engine braking to slow the vehicle, I was very impressed with just how sharp and responsive the brakes are. As the old racing saying goes, you’re only as quick as your brakes, and those brakes are indeed very sharp but smooth.

The interior of the MINI is very much kin to the current facelift F56 model with just a few changes to accommodate the options for electric vehicle settings such as the regenerative braking system toggle switch. The most significant change is the oval-shaped digital dash display above the steering wheel. Providing how much power is being used on the left-hand side, which I found very reminiscent of the power reserve gauge found on Rolls Royce. Over on the right side is the battery level, while situated in the middle of the screen is the driver information such as your current speed, the speed limit, time, outside temperature and mileage etc.

I was the last to arrive at the Thyme hotel after stopping to capture more photos and generally just enjoying my time spent with the car. Ali would be driving the return route, while I would be sat, passenger. During most of the drive, the MINI was more than happy to just sit at 40-50mph, just cruising along, without feeling like it wanted to be pushed harder. I feel this is something I haven’t seen from a MINI before, but I do understand the circumstances and market position of this car, it’s built for an environmentally conscious world. A world where we are all told we need to reduce our carbon footprint, reduce CO2 emissions, a world where ethical and moral environmental decisions can even define what milk we buy at the supermarket, so for that, I can forgive it.

My impression of the all Electric MINI Cooper SE:

The Cooper SE is MINI going back to the drawing board to what made it in the first place. The world changed, and the Mini was born under the concept to help everyone to get them where they needed to go in 1959. Fast forward over 60 years and that 4 wheel friend needs to change with the times so under the bonnet now is an electric motor and T Shaped battery delivering the watts for the environment fun at the wheel.

When I got into the driver’s seat seeing the digital dash to me symbolised the change to electric to me. Pressing on the yellow start button, you are greeted with the speedo lighting up and the unique sound that sounds like a space ship powering up to heading into light speed. The weird part is that nothing happens and there is no traditional noise of the engine, and there is complete silence like in a Rolls.

There is no traditional auto take off when you put into a drive which will be an unease as it doesn’t move forward till you press down on the throttle pedal. It’s effortless wafting from there as the ride is actually better than any other MINI as it floats along which helped with the smooth power delivery from the electric motor with instant torque. The pick of speed around town is perfect and made even easier when you have low regeneration on as you one pedal drive and when you head out on the B-Roads there is instant pull out of the corner as you head towards the straightaway.

The extra weight and ride height with the damping of the new shocks has made this MINI ride over the imperfections on the road zen-like as this is the effect it had on me when I drove it. This is a place that is perfect for the daily driver or 2nd car when you want time to yourself to think or just want to pop to do the shop or hit the gym. I say this as there is need to warm anything up as the electric motor is ready to go and you can precondition the car before driving so don’t have it deforest.

When the red mist descends on you, and you feel the need for speed, the 1.21 gigawatts come alive and you head to 88 mph leaving the road on fire. The Cooper SE instant torque is your best friend as it allows you dart in out of speed zones especially above 30 to 60 mph and that’s were SE shines the most as there isn’t much speed beyond 60 mph. That’s not of point this evolution of this MINI or any MINI it’s for fun around the corners, and the agility is what a MINI is built for. At full power, the MINI doesn’t sweat itself and lightning bolts ahead which left shocked as I couldn’t comprehend the speed as there was no noise and the numbers on the dash just increased which it made feel isolated. I think MINI should have artificially made some audible noise in the cabin to let you know your increasing velocity which could be switched on or off if you wanted it. As personally believe sound or feel is a key part of anything like how Apple give haptic feedback on iPhone or notification sounds which tell you something is happening and I would have loved MINI’s continue take on electric noise from the start-up procedure.

In the twisties, the Cooper SE handles well like a normal cooper but actually better as it has more planted feel along with and extra playfulness with it as it’s more adjustable around the corners with corrections because of its stability, traction control and instant torque. The MINI playfulness is there when you want it, and it’s especially funny leaving people behind when doing the traffic light Grand Prix or head out of town to the dual carriageway. The only bad part is when hit 60mph the SE doesn’t want to go any faster as it flatlines tell you NO NO NO NO you save the environment.

Regen braking is the best thing ever when you are pushing on as it dials out the need to touch the brake as when you in high regeneration it’s like an elephant has sat on the front end as scrubs the speed as expediential rate. It this scrubbing off that changes the game when your pressing on as you plan your lines better as your worrying about downshifting or braking noises so I was actually way more focused on my driving style and movements on the road. Imagine on the track and like how I race on the weekend at the electric go-kart track my driving improved and the electric MINI would amazing around the track as it leans gently when pushed but settles nicely and front end lifts as the instant torque straighten the role and fire out of the bend.

I genuinely believe if there was some back road fun or MINI run the Cooper SE would hold it’s own with petrol Cooper S and it wouldn’t pull away from it under normal speed limits. The Cooper SE is still a driver’s car so don’t be deceived by the electric credentials as deep down in still that MINI you feel in love it but only see on a part-time basis as there is a BIG but in the room. The range is something I couldn’t shake off as after some driving back to the MINI Factory from 94% charge I went down to 56% after mixed driving scenarios. This isn’t ideal but we combined Rob’s & my driving we would have just made it back with like something 15% which is something you should never do to a lithium-ion battery pack as 20% should be like lowest. If we remove the fun we had in learning the car we would have been there and back with around 35% battery left or more as what I was told by MINI the ECU learns you driving style and over time it adapts power delivery so technically speaking the range would actually improve if we did the same commute every day.

That outcome leads us down the path the MINI is a commuter car or 2nd car which hurts me as a MINI owner as to when I think of one it’s something to take on long road trips and enjoying MINI runs or shows as I should smiling every second I am in it instead I would be worrying over range anxiety. Sadly this leads to another problem which is a UK infrastructure is there aren’t any charging points I have seen besides in expensive car parks or shopping centres so the only option will be charging it overnight at home which probably results in a charge every night or every two days with my commutes.

The plucky brit fights back on the above points with business users or small commuters as there is zero road tax, 0% benefit in kind tax on a company car and it only takes £5 of electric to fully recharge it from 0%. So running costs are virtually zeroed down to nothing as there nothing to service, fluids etc. Its just the perishables being washer fluid, tyres and brake pads but brake pads would something you may never have to change under a lease or only once in 3 years. First had the experience I learnt from one of MINI UK team that she changed over to electric and over a course of 5 to 6 months she saved £1300 just by going which is an insane amount of money for anyone. I calculated with my own money and commute of around 60 miles I would save over £300 in a month and if I do that over 6 months I am £1800 up and the saving won’t stop there the Cooper SE is 6 insurance groups cheaper than equivalent Cooper S which another saving again for cheaper motoring.

Range aside I would still buy one as it’s finally a fun take on the electric car just like the reason why you buy an Apple product. You want the premium feel with substance, and that’s what MINI Cooper SE is a MINI electrified and yes a Nissan Leaf or Renault Zoe has a lot more range but who cares when your surround by a cheap interior which puts you to sleep. You buy a MINI for what it is a car that puts a smile on your face, and you’re wrapped in a cocoon a luxury with the world best owner group/club. I am sure over time as tech evolves the range will increase with smaller batteries with high Kwh which will probably come with the model facelift like what happened with BMW i3. However, your 4 wheel buddy keeps you in check as it creates a radius on where you can travel with your current range by creating a green circle on the sat nav screen. The only real competitor is small compact premium electric car it’s sister the BMW i3s or Honda E, which are the around the same price point with an equal premium feel and all-around performance.

Rob’s MINI Cooper SE Conclusion – Should you buy one?

My initial impression of the MINI was very remarkable; it’s an electric car that’s been packaged to tick a lot of the boxes while still maintaining the iconic DNA of the MINI character. With the lack of funds from the now ex CEO of BMW restricting the R&D department, the range of 140 miles may not be gargantuan compared to other electric vehicles currently on the market. However, it’s important to remember while lithium-ion battery technology hasn’t really moved forward in many years the software which manages the batteries is always progressing, becoming smarter and more efficient in battery management. I suspect with more development in software technology combined with improved batteries a second-generation electric MINI will rectify this shortcoming, however, for now, it’s important to remember that while 140 miles may seem insignificant, most people’s commute by car probably isn’t a 140 mile plus round trip, well not in the UK anyway. With 5000 sales predicted in the first year for this electrifying small car, I suspect most will be sold to customers who live and operate locally in their area. What I mean by this is people who commute maybe 20-30 miles to work, pop into town for shopping, which is most likely a few miles away from home and perhaps over to the next town/city for entertainment or anything that can’t be acquired locally.

So, to conclude, would I buy one? While I would miss the connectivity of man and machine, banging through the gears, upshifting or downshifting with a burble, pop and bang of a manual, I can’t ignore what this car brings to the table. It’s nippy and direct like a go-kart, quick – very quick, and oh so smooth, it’s an all-round pleasure to drive. I think I probably would buy one and use it for the exact reasons as stated, nipping into town and not having to worry about the engine warming up, commuting in and out of the city not worrying about clutch wear and tear etc, the list goes on. Then there are the cost savings, just over £5 to fully charge the car, instead of just over £60 for a full tank of petrol, no more oil costs – for those of you that burn through it. But would I swap my JCW for it? No, I wouldn’t, the MINI electric would become my daily car and that’s exactly where MINI UK has targeted this vehicle. A practical, environmentally conscious, cheap to run daily car. (With one hell of a community that comes with it).

Over the last few days, the electric MINI has made a lasting impression on myself, I just can’t stop thinking about it. The driving dynamics, the way it produces its power, the thought and technology behind the vehicle. I’ve seen a few F56 MINI’s on the road since and I keep asking myself, would I rather have an electric F56 or petrol? To my surprise and perhaps yours, I keep lusting back to the electric F56 and I think that’s where the MINI electric gets you. You just can’t ignore what it’s bringing not only to the world but also the MINI community. The original mini was created during the petrol crisis, to be economical and practical with new ideas that hadn’t been done before, like the transverse engine mounting and here we are again 60 years on, with MINI producing its answer to the climate crisis, it’s the start of something special, the next chapter in the brands history and as I said, that’s just something you can’t ignore.

Rob’s Review Score: 4/5

Ali’s Review Score: 3.5/5

The MINI Cooper SE keeps the fun alive in the MINI brand as it goes towards the electric future by evolving with voltage. The fun on 4 wheels continues on where it started back in 1959 with the style and quirkiness, but there is a limit to it with the range which comes as a premium package as either your 2nd car or my first car.

Thank you for the MINI UK Team for the hotel, food, hospitality and invite to this special event to mark the beginning of a new era for the iconic MINI brand.

Photo Credits & All the Apertures to Rob who took all the shots for this review

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The post Back To The Future: Electric MINI Cooper SE Review appeared first on JCW Adventures.

We are all defined by moments and events in our life who change who and what we are. To car people, decades are defined by cars and MINI takes the 60s with all four wheels heading to your heart, the movie screen, racing tracks, fashion, music and your driveway.

To celebrate this Icon was the only way possible to bring owners all across together for events and hear their stories for a year-long celebration. MINI UK & their marketing agency approached me to share my story early in 2019 after knowing about my website. It was an honour to share why MINI has key place in my heart, life and how it changed my life all those years ago in 2011.

My MINI adventures started in 2008 when my dad brought me my first car my beloved R56 MINI One to which to this day I miss dearly. That little four-wheel wonder taught me how to drive as I had to squeeze everything out of 1.4-litre engine producing 89 BHP with keeping the momentum and speed through and out of corners. This chapter closed with a bittersweet moment as I had to let her go for the right reasons to move forward with my life. That closed chapter allowed me to move forward but 2011 brought a lot of bad to which I didn’t fully understand or wish upon on anyone else and the only thing that got me through that period is my beloved JCW.

From those ashes, JCW Adventures was born and Surrey New MINI became my 2nd family with my first of many MINI Adventures across the globe. My JCW has taken beyond my dreams and reality with all the doors it opened as both an individual and making me who I am.

The concept of MINI’s 60th-anniversary celebrations was to showcase 60 years of continuous of the brand and stories that go with it from 1959 to 2019.

Me & Rob got the ball rolling with his stories and how his life changed in 2017 and how his MINI & I saved his outlook on life and kept him going from the unfortunate life-changing accident.

This video only shows part of the bond Rob and me as the road isn’t always smooth, but we will always have each other back as JCW blood brothers.

From there was both of us submitting our stories for the Instagram posts to be shared to other fans and owners across the world and on the MINI official website.

The next part of the celebrations is the movie that spread the word of the Mini worldwide with a special screening of The Italian Job in MINI plant Oxford which has seen 105 years of continued car manufacturing.

The final part of the celebrations wouldn’t just be our moments but the whole MINI community spanning 60 years. MINI selected 60 cars to mark each year of MINI production spanning from 1959 to 2019 models.

My JCW would represent 2011 and Rob’s JCW would mark 2013 with only two years apart of one another they both the mark the factory introduction of the Factory John Cooper Works built to owners specifications from Plant Oxford.

Fun fact – R56 MINI FJCW were always made in batches as the engines were different from the Cooper S significantly which warrantied a longer manufacturing time. This schedule didn’t align with the just in time production line method resulting in the batch making and it wasn’t every day an FJCW was ordered either.

This was another event at the home of MINI at Plant Oxford with all 60 owners and Minis converging on the grounds to which they were all born. Rob & I convoyed down together as we usually do to the MINI factory with them both being detailed on the same day to mark this landmark occasion. The only difference is mine loves to drink oil while rob’s loves to drink fuel.

Arriving at Plant Oxford we were greeted by the MINI PR team as we signed in and were waved past into the factory plant past the barriers. Queueing up with other minis of different ages we waited our turn before we called to line up our cars in formation. They were all being lined up for a photo shoot to honour this little city car that is no beloved all around the world and puts a smile on people faces and brought people together from every walk of life.

We were all lined up with pinpoint accuracy and left my car on the grass infield on the grounds of the MINI factory. Leaving our cars behind we took my luggage to the coach which take us to back the visitor centre & MINI Factory Store for our assigned exclusive factory tour.

Back off the coach, we headed into the visitors’ centre to sign in and leave our bags till later. This gave us time to see and meet the others who had been chosen and some of which were familiar faces like Abbie & Ian from my club Surrey New MINI, Harry who I met a Black Panthaa car meet following the release of Forza Horizon 4 for the Xbox.

Sadly as with any car factory tours, no cameras are allowed and there was no sneak peek of the electric MINI Cooper SE or MINI GP 3. However, the only plus that we did see the new 306bhp clubman in full production and fun fact pepper white is most popular MINIs are now painted with which is a contrast from 2nd Gen MINIs days when Chilli Red was to go to paint.

Tour completed we got back on the coach and retire back to our hotel courtesy of MINI UK with the luggage and given a goody bag full of some MINI swag.

The 60th Anniversary Goody Bag included some stickers, 60th edition water bottle, limited-edition classic mini t-shirt and free tickets to IMM 2019.

From there it was a change of plan as it was going to rain so the photoshoot would happen tonight instead of tomorrow due to the rain overnight. So it was back on the bus for the Big photoshoot which us feel like school kids as we waited for the bus to fill up gaining and heads were counted.

Back to our beloved MINIs, we briefed on the shots on how the Queen of the lens Amy Shore wanted us positioned for the photos. Here are the shots:

The British Racing Green IV Cooper S is a 60th Edition MINI Cooper S which is the 10th Millionth MINI every made sitting with first-ever Mini every made upfront in the picture.

History made I took a moment to think while looking at my JCW and where this open road has taken me after 8 years of ownership. This little car has changed my life as I know with the places I have been and people I have met along the way. I glad I made a decision back on 12th March I walked into my local MINI dealership and ordered my JCW to my spec. I say with great pride she was made for me and we both share the same star sign as it Chassis was given its stamp on May 2011 making her a Tauras as well.

The dream was turned into a reality within a few months and I took delivery on the 1st June 2011 to what is the last of the N14 engined JCW but an R56 facelift (LCI) model. The N14 gets a lot of flack but mine is still going strong after 125,000 miles plus and it boils down to maintenance and preventative measures. I will dive into a later blog on how to look maintain a 2nd Gen MINI and what to look out for when you want to buy one.

The photoshoot was done we headed back to the coaches to retire for dinner at the hotel which was courtesy of MINI UK hospitality. It was nice to sit down and have dinner with my club again as it had been a while and talk about our tenth-anniversary celebrations which include a trip to the Nurburgring and autobahn.

I did get a chance to sit down with the now infamous owner of Ruby Roadster aka Petrol Ped. There may be something at a later date will do together as a collaboration as I decided to give Youtube side of the blog to grow then retired for the night.

Breakfast the next day was courtesy of MINI UK we headed back to the visitor centre on the coaches again. This time it was to grab lunch and for the MINI UK team to talk to us about how far the brand has come from its history and BMW being under the helm. Rob and I were asked to be filmed post his video shoot so it was nice catching up with the team we met a few months back now.

With everything wrapped up, we head back to our sweet chariots to load up and head out to the International MINI Meet (IMM 2019) in Bristol but first, there were a few more pictures then some video shooting as we all left.

From there me and Rob convoyed down to IMM but it wasn’t the best of weather as it was down on and off heavy downpours all along the way. The main reason why I was heading down was to meet friends who had come down from the US who I met on my previous adventures for MINI TAKES THE STATES back in 2014. However, another plus was the free t-shirt one-off made by MINI events team and swag I got in the goody bags did make it worthwhile.

If I am honest IMM wasn’t a good experience at all and disorganised which left a bad taste in my mouth personally. It’s gonna be one of those events I can say I did but I won’t be doing it anytime soon in hurry…

I guess this celebration sums up MINI ownership in a dime as it’s a mix of highs, lows and oh I love this thing as it puts a smile on my face & taken places I would never have thought of.

I appreciate the invite, opportunity and hospitality MINI UK has given me and making mine and rob’s JCW forever written in the history books.

Thank you dear icon for changing the world as I know it and for the millions out there with a MINI story and their own parked on their driveways. So here’s to the next milestone of 70 years in 2029 and always it’s a MINI Adventure try to keep up!!!

p.s. MINI if your reading this bring back MINI UNITED…

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The post 60 Years Young: Celebrating The Iconic MINI appeared first on JCW Adventures.

The Italian Job movie was a box office hit and catapulted the British icon even further into the stars with arguably one of the best cliff hanger endings of all time. The movie drove more sales for the mini in the dealership, whilst the swinging 60s was in full effect! It cemented this car as a legend on and off the silver screen. This momentum carried when it the rally and touring car racing series as it won the Monte Carlo rally and touring car races against mustangs.

This four-wheel legend created a cult following with the silver screen debut with the now infamous driving scenes and stunts such as driving through the sewer tunnels with the gold bars in the boot. The movie set the standard for stunt car scenes given manoeuvrability of the Mini’s short wheelbase as it darted through a shopping mall, over rooftops and down staircases.

Later in 2003, there was a Hollywood remake which was more of cheap knock off and fell into the category somethings should be left alone. If you have only watched the 2003 version, you need to back the old school version as it still holds up today 50 years on.

2019 marks 50 years of the movie and 60 years of the MINI! When MINI UK emails you saying you have been invited to a special screening you assemble the crew for Mr Bridger and head to MINI Plant Oxford.

Rob and I headed to the MINI factory for the event which is a homecoming for your MINIs. Queue the obligatory pictures for the occasion…

We headed inside the MINI factory for the screening of the movie. We were greeted by a MINI Cooper S with Polizia livery of the Italy police cars in the film which was an Alfa Romeo Giulia TI.

Greeted by the MINI Events team we heading into Italian movie mood set with all original cars from the movies all line up in their trios.

The 3 MINIs in the movie all arranged next to the stage.

On the other side were the fast support cars used in the film – Aston Martin DB4 Convertible, Lamborghini Miura & Jaguar E-Type

All of those vehicles have been hard to find as many exchange hands over the years and many of lost or hidden away. It was first for a lot them being all together since the movie in 1969. The Miura had only just been certified by Lamborghini in being the actual one in the film as it disappeared shortly after the movie wrapped up…

There was an exciting mix of people there from motoring journalist, well know Mini/MINI owners, cast members of the family and various MINI UK faces. Two people caught my eye and the first was Amy Shore, who is a fantastic photographer, so lens and apertures talk was had. Along with this, we spoke about her Mini aka Mayo and the BIG Mini adventure from Athens, Greece to Bristol, UK for the International MINI Meet 2019.

The second person being some who you might know well from EVO Magazine & Carfection Youtube channel and he is Henry Catchpole. I have liked the way he writes and talks about the essence of driving pleasure in the driving roads imaginable while giving us all the technical and fun stuff you want to know. Thank for keeping the fire in me and wanting to push myself future with the blog & YouTube channel.

We took our popcorn and ice cream for the movie and settled down for the movie as the MINI team introduced did a small introduction about the movie, the car and what it means to the brand after all these years.

We had a special message from Sir Michael Caine before the movie started as unfortunately he wasn’t able to make it.

As we know, the rest is history as I sit back and enjoyed the movie all over again like it was the first time…

When the movie ended the light came back and we welcomed by some of the original cast of the movie on stage for Q&A along with Matthew Field who wrote a book on the movie with all the information you would want to know including interviews with the directors, staff, cast and family members.

There were so many funny stories and memories when the movie created, and when it wrapped up, which was blessing and insight that not many will ever know.

For example, Sir Michael Cane didn’t know how to drive a car, and he learnt on the set of the movie in a Mini, so it has a special place in his heart.

Another was after the movie wrapped up one of the stunt drives drove the Mini all the way home to the UK from Italy which landed him in jail. One thing he totally forgot to remember a few things – it wasn’t insured, no tax, gold bars in the boot, never registered and was on fake plates not to forget he was only pulled over because he was speeding…

I will let the videos do the talking and enjoy some snippets from the night courtesy of MINI UK bringing everyone together for this special 50th Anniversary of the Italian Job.

Special Thank You to MINI UK for the invite and hosting the event and Rob with the epic picture of the 3 Minis all together : )

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The post The Original Heist: 50 Years Of The Italian Job appeared first on JCW Adventures.

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The summer marks days were car covers come off, supercars are fired up and modded car take off their winter wheels for what is show season. Droves of car lovers all converge on Goodwood: Festival of Speed to what is the Mecca of all car shows. Lord March opens his gates to his estates to all car manufactures to take on the hill climb, rally stage and build the show stands for their latest greatest models for the general public and super elite to order.

My Journey to this Mecca began with a message from MINI UK saying they would like to reward me for being a dedicated MINI Fan.

A message later and I was sent tickets for the FOS and packed my JCW duffel bag towards London for my overnight stay.

I arrived at the Goodwood estate in good time and missing the morning madness rush plus I was allocated nearby parking next to the super car paddock courtesy of MINI.

The car parking is always full of eye candy

To my amazement there was a Mclaren P1 amongst them all adoring this lustrous candy red paint with black and carbon accents

Have a guess where my 1st stop was…

Yes straight to the MINI stand to meet the Team and see what was lurking on their stand

The F56 JCW concept first shown in Detroit was sitting proud behind its own area with glass window showcasing its key features such as 6 pot brakes.

I was given permission to go over the barrier to look around the JCW concept in detail. The more and more I looked at it the more I love it especially given the 2.0 litre engine will be pumping out at least 220 bhp.

There were alot of GP2 nods with the rear diffuser & spoiler, lowered suspension and  winglets on the rear arches. My eagle eye spotted that the concept was riding on KW coilovers which I highly doubt will make it production (we can all live in hope? But I have driven a lowered F56 S with the JCW Tuning Kit with JCW Suspension).

I am just hoping the paint scheme comes to production or something similar with a matte/satin finish for my dark knight presence.

Whilst I was mesmerised by the JCW concept and turned around to see Rally legends Paddy Hopkirk and Ranni Roma to stroll on by. The MINI team told me to come over to take picture with them to which I declined saying ‘ I am just a bloke with a car ‘ but they still persisted in making me have some photos with them (I am not moody the sun was in my eyes).

Two of my good friends & loyal supporters Mr &Mrs Thomas arrived for us to catch up and take some more pictures with rally legends (The own a GP1 & GP2 – Fun fact – Their honeymoon was driving their GP1).

Moving inside the MINI Stand were two F56s with three flat screens ahead of them playing the Goodwood Hill climb on Gran Turismo 6 using the F56 wheels and pedals!!!!

You can kind of guess what happened next as waited my turn to put in a time. It was slightly surreal playing GT6 sitting in a MINI as I am used to playing GT6 with GT Wheel sitting in my gaming chair coupled with 5.1 Dolby surround sound.

I awaited the count down of timer on the screen to see that I would be driving a R56 Cooper S up the hill climb to a course I am very familiar with. I roared off the line and pressed the flappy paddle to catch second and held the revs near the redline for the first corner and snatched 3rd as I left the first small corner leading across the back straight going past the Goodwood crowd stands and estate.

There was time for concern as I pressed the brake pedal as there is no feedback from it given the break servo was switched off! Yes I know I was in the digital world but it was eye widening for a moment as you had press your foot all the way down to get the digital MINI to break without embarrassing myself in front of woman who I told I am good at this game. I finished the course in good time with a respectful time of 54.241 seconds in a bone stock R56 Cooper S on comfort hard tyres (Gran Turismo players will know how shockingly back those tyres are).

Back to the real world there was a whole raft of models with the JCW Roadster, Facelifted Countryman Cooper S & JCW Paceman and the all new F56 Cooper S

The LCI Countryman in Jungle Green just looks amazing!!! I am waiting for someone to buy one and HULK theme it

To the right the countryman was the Dakar trophy for MINI winning with an 1,2,3 podium finish in this gruelling off-road endurance race which runs through Argentina, Chile and Bolivia with 13 stages (each stage is about 500 to 560 miles). I need to add MINI was won this event 3 years running not bad for the Countryman rep worldwide.

Moving outside the MINI world I had seen this concept car on fast lane daily and on automotive websites called Eau Rouge Concept. Its name alone is sexy but let me tease you more as this Infiniti model (Nissan sub luxury brand) with an a candy red paint which hides underneath its hood a 500 Bhp Nissan GTR engine with four-wheel drive saloon madness. Yes I said Saloon! Its GTR with four doors and a boot

Now you take the wife and kids and scare them senseless on the family trip to the Zoo

I love the F1 nods on the bodywork and aero and especially the carbon fibre trimmed bodykit with 21 inch forged wheel filling the arches

Now Just build it!!!

Moving on to a first with no pun intended is the Koenigsegg One:1 which weighs only 1340kg and has 1340 Bhp making it the first full megawatt of power production car. Top speed is around 273mph, it’ll go from 0-100km/h in 2.8 seconds, 0-300km/h in about 12 seconds and 0-400km/h in 20 seconds.

To achieve this neck braking speed the One:1 is made virtually all from carbon fibre from the bodywork to the wheels with titanium throw into the mix for the exhaust system. Yes you heard me right the wheels are made from carbon fibre with them only weighing in at just under 6kg (13lbs) even though they are 19 inch wheels with a 10 inch width.

Only six are being built with them all sold at a cool £1.67 million each with two coming to the UK & four heading to China (Finally a hyper car that wont live in the middle east instead turning up your rear view for you to wet your pants)

Hybrid supercar of the moment the Porsche 918 Spyder in lustrous deep blue paint

Next up was a concept from the digital world of Gran Turismo which I drove before seeing it. Lets says the short wheelbase makes it frisky little car on the limit but a hoon to drift around bends. The Golf GTi Vision concept has a twin turbo V6 churning out 500 bhp which is delivered to the road via four-wheel drive which rockets it to 62 in 3.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 192 mph.

I saw the new M3 in hardtop & droptop form and I have never felt so underwhelmed by an M car which is supposed to pinnacle of BMW brand as the M Division pump up the normal 3 series to be weapon for the track. Then they went and destroyed the name of the M3 making the four saloon version called the M3 and the coupe version the ‘M4’.

It feels the M division had their hands tied back this time around with emission laws, accountants and board member dictating on what could and couldn’t be done. To me it doesn’t look or feel special enough and the M3 was never meant to be a sleeper car ever!

Now to star of the moment as Jaguar, It seems they can’t do no wrong as they went and built the Project 7 car.

The F type is stunner anyway and giving it the racer D-type look is just asking for people to lust after one and that’s all before you fire the beast up.

Now off the land of the rising sun and GODZILLA!!!!

Nissan brought along their GT3 GTR with a V8 nom nom

Away from the because race car was the future concept version of the GTR

From what Nissan PR guy was iterating in his talk that GTR wont be much more powerful but instead be a lighter car with a raft of aerodynamic madness to defy the laws of physics.

This is another car which will be available in Gran Turismo 6 to drive

Now off to see Ze Germans who brought a whole raft of AMG madness and their concept car for Gran Turismo

The Mercedes Vision GT seems to be more design study with its Tron like appearance as the grill is all LED lights which change to different configurations with the body being constructed from aluminium and carbon fibre.

Stance nation will rejoice with rims on the concept are forged centre locking concave wheels that bulge out then come in. These marvels are wrapped in the tinnie tiny tyre profile of 10 with fingers gap between the arch and tyre.

That poke tho

Next up is an acquire taste from Lexus which is the RC F which is a follow-up to the underestimated gem IS F

I have soft spot for the IS F given its pedigree, understating looks and V8 block – Its good be different

Back to the RC F is unmistakably a Japanese designed car which seems to be styled using a samurai sword with its angular and pointed lines.  The side flanks and rear end are unmistakable which gets me all amped for getting older in life as the kids and wife turn up meaning I don’t have put away the need for speed.

This coupé houses a naturally aspirated 5.0 L V8 producing over 450 bhp with 520nm of torque on tap. The RC F will come in two specifications:  standard RC F at £59,995 or the RC F Carbon from £67,995

The carbon edition is one to get as you get a carbon fibre hood, roof and rear spoiler with more go faster parts such as a diff and forged wheels

WELL DONE LEXUS!!!! Ever since the IS F i have taken notice then you built a car that I want in my dream garage the monstrous V10 LFA

Who ever you have employed or listened to keep at it!!! Wait for me to get old as I am getting one

MURCIA was present with the all new Mustang which will be available in Ford dealers in UK as an official car instead of being grey imported

Its gonna be interesting seeing a mustang in my rear view then seeing him be tiny dot when I hit the bends : p

Pistonheads brought along the fan specd M4 for the petrol heads

A special but seemingly unstated BMW M5 30 Jahre edition which marks 30 years of the M5 so it has bumped power to 592bhp with competition pack upgrades but comes with a batman approved Frozen dark silver paint (only 300 will be made).

Next up is most ridiculous jacked up marketing derived car ever the Infiniti FX Vettel edition. I say this because it’s a normal FX with a new exhaust, 30bhp more, F1 inspired carbon trim and badges which bumps the price from a normal £58,000 to £100,000. Just go buy the new Range Rover Sport or Porsche Cayenne GTS

Fresh from the nurburgring is the fastest front wheel drive car around the green hell the Renault Megane RS Trophy R. It set a blistering time of 7min 54.36sec which is mind-blowing given it’s a hot hatch with 271 bhp with plenty of space and practicality.

Here are some details on this track weapon:

Its 100 kg lighter than normal car with most of sound deadening gone, rear bench removed, no air con or radio, rear wiper delete, single piece recaro bucket seats, new Ohlins adjustable dampers, front composite springs by Allenvard, a new, lightweight Akrapovic titanium exhaust system, mechanical differential and a set of super-sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.

Renaultsport will offer an optional Performance braking kit (larger discs, 3kg lighter) and a lithium-ion battery which saves another 16kg.

I am sure you get the picture

Here is an Abarth to worry the GP2 on track the italian scorpio the Abarth 695 Biposto this sub tonne is lethal with 190bhp being developed from an 1.4 litre engine which stings 0 to 60 in 5.9 seconds!

The Italians have gone mental with this one thinned down the doorskins, carbon door panels, polycarbonate windows, titanium roll cage,  lightweight bucket seats, sticky compound tyres, forged wheels, four pot brakes,  removed the rear bench, Akraprovic exhaust, racing dashboard, carbon cold air intake and dog ring gearbox.

The 595 Biposto is the only street-legal production car fitted with a quick-shifting ‘dog-ring’ sequential manual gearbox.

Makes you thing twice how hardcore the GP2 actually is actually scrap that it makes the GP1 look like a lazy boy chair with wheels

It’s a sell you kidney price of £30,000 base and you can spec certain things like the racing dashboard which add to the price

But think of it this way, its one of those car that will never be built ever again

The mad hatter pike peak cars

Rallying legends of different generations but all around giant killers

Some because race cars

This arguable the best part of Goodwood as it makes the uber exotic cars which you will never see or hear

Jay Kay’s Green La Ferrari which was delivered to hit two days before and he ran it up the Hill climb

LEGEND!!!

F12 not special enough for you?? Why not tell Ferrari and they will build you a one-off roadster based on one

Ferrari F12 TRS

Its been reported it cost the owner £3 million to commission the vehicle meaning he could have 3 La Ferraris

The underwhelming Lamborghini Huracan in Matt Black which is a reverse from the sexy Gallardo which I drove when I was 19!

My dads mate brought one and let me drive it!!!

It was a rare one given it had a open gated manual gearbox (only 300 were made with a manual of the 14,000 built)

Pagani Huayra in candy paint red with carbon touches

Spyker B6 Venator – One of the best interior ever making it another car for the dream car garage

King of the hill Nissan GTR Nismo made its official UK Debut with 591 Banzi horses with G Forcing neck breaking 2.7 second 0 to 60 time.

This  put the GTR in hypercar league making it quicker than McLaren F1 to the dash to 60 while its one of fastest production cars around the green hell at 7 minutes and 8 seconds (It’s the fourth fastest  – Two Radicals  and the Porsche 918 Spyder).

All this madness comes in at only £120,000 still making it a bargain compared to the 918 Spyder or any other super or hypercar

I went weak at the knees for the Lexus LFA – One of my favourite cars

Track only Lotus Elise Cup-R

The crowd controlling G63 AMG 6X6 an utter-pointless car which makes it even cooler

This year was Maserati’s centenary celebrations so they brought along a fine selection of present and future models

The Ferrari Enzo based MC12 with airbrushed paint job

Maserati Alfieri Concept

The name Alfieri is homage to the engineer who founded Maserati – Alfieri Maserati

This design concept is actually looking to into production and will be future design language for all new Maseratis

Maserati Gran Turismo MC Stradale

A forgotten but dear to my heart the TVR Cerbera Speed 12 – This is the only road going model ever made!

The Speed 12 weighs in at 950kg and has a 7.7 litre V12 churning out 820bhp & 650 ft lbs of torque, which means a power to weight ratio twice that of a Bugatti Veyron. It was detuned and restricted to 820 bhp as it deemed unsafe for the road by Peter Wheeler who was TVR’s owner at the time and then cancelled all orders for the car.

The actually output is 1,000+ which broke TVR’s dyno as the team was aiming to beat the McLaren F1 into a plump as they bolted together two V6 engines hence the name Speed 12. Not bad for a car that was built-in 2003

I secretly wish TVR would be brought by someone who could bring it back to its former glory days

Something for my American followers

Dodge Challenger T/A

Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

AMC Mark Donohue Javelin

Thats marks the end of what I saw on the day as I spent around Goodwood: festival of speed.

Thank you to MINI UK for the tickets for Goodwood and the whole social media team making me feel welcome

Just before I go here is a little video for you guys

My friend and fellow MINIac Philip Casper aka The Blue Ghost who I finally met during my travels of the US for MINI TAKES THE STATES 2014 called me out to ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

Here is my twist on the challenge

The post Summer of Speed: Goodwood Festival of Speed 2014 appeared first on JCW Adventures.

Two months later she was born to take me on my MINI adventures far and wide. It has been over 2 years on I still love her like the day I first picked up her. 2013 was year for celebration for MINI & Plant Oxford as it marked 100 years of car making at plant Oxford and the MINI brand celebrating 50 years of the Cooper S and 250,000 Countryman left the factory.

The MINI brands has taken leaps and bounds since his it rebirth in 2001 when BMW release the R50 to the world. That famous badge and brand power drew in old and new consumers to the brand for nostalgia and the infamous go karting handling. Now in 2013 the brand has expanded with the hatchback not being the only variant with the Clubman, Clubvan, Convertible, Coupe, Roadster, Countryman and Paceman.

There is a lot more choice when you buy your MINI with over a million combinations of parts and accessories no real MINI is truly alike which is big difference from 1959 when only 3 colours were only available Clipper Blue, Cherry Red and Old English White for the first 3 years of production.

Lets bring the lime night back on to me I am always been firm believer that you should always give back to the world. I have saying ‘The way you treat people is the way you feel inside’ and I have searched long and hard to find a charity to work to make a real difference to people’s lives.

I came across the Action for children charity as I was applying for graduate roles. I put my name forward to volunteer for an event called Byte Night which is a sponsored sleep out to raise money and to remind yourselves what millions of homeless people feel every night. The big IT companies employees and high-ranking board member were there for the sleep in with over £1 million being raised that day with events across the UK. After learning more about the Action for children from Kim I will be organising a MINI event in Birmingham which will be my own take on the London job which will happen in April.

Details will follow soon…

Modding bug isn’t too far away too far away from me and I finally picked up the carbon fibre boot handle for my JCW to finish the carbon touches to the outside of my JCW. Installation took 5 minutes as it was just a few torx screws. Too match my shiney new carbon fibre goodies I clayed and waxed the JCW ahead its homecoming to the Factory. Time to bring out the SNOWFOAMMMMM It being ENGLAND it rained on the day : / But on the journey there I spotted a camouflaged Land Rover. He tried to get away from me taking piccies but I was having now of that!! POOOOOWWWWAAAAAAAA!!!!! The closer I got to Oxford the more MINIs I began to see on the motorway and normal roads. As soon as I went to turn right into the plant I spotted the Surrey New MINI (SNM) convoy at the lights and so I slowed down for all of us to roll in together

: D

There was an addition to the SNM family as Vickie had trade in her JCW Clubman for another new JCW Clubman to her spec NOM NOM

She went for the Reef Blue paint previously a exclusive paint to the Hampton edition and then specd the Harmon Kardon system, Chilli and Media pack with championship leather with red door and dash trims.

It is a REAL STUNNER with the colour coded arches in the Reef Blue paint and its been given awesome name of ‘Squidward’

I was filled with excitement as it has been a long time coming for me to do the factory tour as I had watched the National Geographic channel Mega factories documentary on the production of the MINI Coupe & Roadster.

I wanted to see in person how machines and people put all the millions of parts and billions combinations of options together day in day out. It was made clear from the outset that MINI was proud of the factory that plant Oxford had been producing cars for 100 years given the number of banners and logo plastered everywhere. I gave my autograph at the desk to sign in and grabbed the MINI black overalls for the factory tour and placed all my belongs into a locker, as no cameras or phones would be allowed into the factory. Do not worry! Where I was allowed to take photos I did. First up was the MINI museum which housed all the R56 onwards concepts and other models produced at the Plant Oxford. It was the breath of models and manufactures that stunned me and how tastes, culture and customer demands have shaped the automotive industry over the years. It funny how what once was an option extra is now standard in alot of cars. This hall of fame of how the MINI brand has evolved over the years is amazing from the marketing, advertising, production and worldwide success has brought millions of consumers in to buy that infamous badge. The factory hasn’t just produced car as during the world war parts for machinery and even planes were made. Me being me I decided to take on the robot for a dance off to see who could the best robot dance moves. Sadly robo arm is retired, Pssshhh Excuses. The SNM crew were all called up and bundled into a van to which would take us into the MINI factory to see how this four-wheel pocket rocket was made.

We were honoured to have Ian Cummings as our factory tour guide for the day. You may not know who is he but he has worked at the plant for sometime so he has seen different cars and models begin and leave the plant under his leadership.

The factory is separated into 3 sections:

Body in white – This is where the panels and exterior shape is formed

Paint – This where every individual car receives it colour

Assembly – This is the final stage where all the components come together

A MINI rolls off the production line every 68 seconds Every MINI life starts out in the body of white where robots apply 4,000 points weld to each body shell including adding the roof.

Once the welds are complete a random check is done by a specialist auditor to ensure the body weld are correct.

If are doesn’t meet this checks it scrapped and recycled to begin the process again but a lucky few are given a chance again as they are turned into track cars for the MINI Challenge series.

The body shell continues it life in the body of white assembly line where the bonnet, boot and doors are added.

Each are car is inspected by human using their hands to find any blemishes and to address them if need be. If each major faults are found this information is relayed back to see what caused it and to stop it from occurring again.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1vWr2ufSbo

After passing inspection the body is continued on a conveyor belt to the paint section. The MINI body which has a chemical bath and a rinse shower to ensure each MINI is dirt free of anything especially including oil and dust before it receives it colour.

An Human inspection is done again to see if they are as clean as possible before the coat dip (primer). Next up is the sealing process where every hole and joint is made water tight by hand (Fun Fact – Every week 4 tonnes of sealant is used).

The sealing continues with the undercarriage is seal with a plastic coating to protect the body of stone, road grime and salt.

The body is then cooled for one hour then dusted by ostrich feather which is strangely still the best way to attract dirt, dust and oil. Now the paint can be applied which is done by both human and robots to ensure every corner of body shell/panels gets painted.

A final clear coat is applied to protect the paint and to give that gloss finish.

Off to the oven the for the MINI to make sure the paint is dried then inspection begins to find any imperfections. If any problems are found they buffered out and once there aren’t any a final buff and wax is done.

Now beings the final production stage at the assembly plant which has 5 major stations with a workforce which is spilt into 2 crews which fix on around 2,000 parts to each MINI.

Each worker has a specific role to complete in a 68 second deadline and 850 individual MINIs leave the factory every day!

Once the MINI hits the production line its given its VIN number and the doors are removed to allow easy access to the inside of the car.

Now the wiring harness of car is fitted which is 1 and half km long and runs from the boot to the engine bay.

Once the wiring has been fitted the dash-board and interior panels are installed, elsewhere whilst this is going the engine is simultaneously being built every minute. Once the engine is complete the engine is loaded on to pre assembled front suspension frame.

The marriage of the body and engine can now begin where robots and human install the engine together. Now all the other major components such as the seats, rear suspension, exhaust and wheels are added on.

The doors come back to the car to be reinstalled and last few touches are now the final touches and badges are applied give the MINI is identity.

All the fluids are added to drive the newly born MINI off the line to be tested to find any squeak or rattles before its put on to trailer to sent to the customer.

Now that I have gone through the process of how your MINI was made its time to let you guys and girls know how it felt to be there and extra surprise for me to see the F56 in production in both 3 door and 5 door variant.

It was a shock to see them there and were told not to look?? So I leaned against the guard rail to see the interior, the finish and to see what options were fitted on to the models.

They were a few Coopers and Cooper S in that Volcanic Orange and Deep Blue which were probably be press and demonstrator cars leave the factory to go around the globe. I am still not sold on those rear lights and lower bumper intakes on the S as they bigger than my head & ego combined. However everything else is on point with increased plushness in the cabin, more toys and options to be had.

Will I buy a F56? Yes but It’s another few years before I take the plunge again on purchasing another JCW as this powerhouse is coming in 2015 and it will be at least 2017 before I put my hard-earned cash down again for one. I will be requesting a custom paint for mine…

Some might moan about the increased sizes but I welcome the longer wheelbase as that extra few inches in the Clubman makes the car handle better on handling and ride comfort front. I fell in love with the Clubman when I had a fully loaded JCW Clubman from MINI UK when I was having a nightmare with mine.

Anyway back to the factory floor, tucked away in the corner were a few camouflaged MINIs which were the 5 door variant Hatch and what is the forthcoming Clubman. Another thing that caught my eye was the lack of the JCW models being made on the production line as I only saw 2 JCW being made which both were going abroad given the different front plate mount.

The tour was finished by Ian Cummings leading us back into the Van to head back to the Museum to gather our belongs. After this we lined up all our MINIs across the 100 years anniversary banner outside the Museum for piccies : D

But where ever I go the press isn’t far behind with their cameras and tape recorders…

But seriously the local paper had come down to take photos of the SNM clubs but sadly the finish article was the total opposite to what we expect.

But sad news was later heard as the R56 Hatch had officially stopped production marking an end of era and but the beginning of another…

After leaving the factory behind I had this sense of pride that manufacturing still occurs in the UK and MINI brand is very much still deep rooted in every generation in the UK. Its one of the reasons why the Fast Five had British flags attached to their aerials with pride at MINI UNITED. No matter where we have gone the red, white and blue flag is our home and those famous 3 colours were donned on the Minis in the Italian Job, which arguable the greatest car film ever!

The R56 will always be the greatest car ever to me given the personal and emotional connection I have my MINI as its more than a piece of metal but an extra of my personality.It has taken me on a journey of a life of lifetime and introduced me to people who I would have never met whilst put a smile on my face.

Thank you R56

Next Blog Post: Is MINI the new Porsche??

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The post MINI Factory Tour: The Last R56 appeared first on JCW Adventures.