Scrambler May Mini Meet at Bicester Heritage - 28/05/23
Words and Images by Mitcham Media
For more than 60 years the Mini has been an instantly recognisable and widely loved car, be that for it’s styling or for it’s driver experience. We Are Scramblers honoured Mini and the enormous following across the UK by hosting a Mini May Day at Bicester Heritage.
The original Mini was designed by Sir Alec Issigonis to be a car for the masses and launched in 1959 by the British Motor Corporation (BMC), quickly gained popularity for its innovative design and compact size.
Throughout the 1960s and onwards, the Mini gained popularity, becoming a cultural symbol. In 1994, BMW acquired the Rover Group including the Mini brand. Guided by BMW, the Mini underwent a transformation in 2001, with the introduction of the new Mini Hatch.
The morning at Bicester Heritage included everything from prototype 2 cylinder engines and early MK1 Mini’s right through to brand new Mini E’s and GP editions.
Starting with some of the more modern Mini’s, there was a full range of R53, R56 and F56 chassis, some immaculate as they left the factory, others turned up to 11 including one with a chopped rood.
A huge group of GP edition Mini’s congregated at one end of the avenue which was a rare sight to see.
The GP editions of Mini were a limited-production designed for peak performance. The styling, was made more aggressive with aerodynamic upgrades, and a bold colour schemes. The engine was upgraded along with the suspension, and lightweight components.
In true Bicester Heritage style, as you wander round you’re greeted by random gems dotted around the site. Today included a V12 Vantage, a Daytona Cobra and a Porsche 992 GT3.
The 911 GT3 is always an eye catcher, and it seems to be rare to see one with the swan neck wing rather than a GT3 Touring. Getting up close into some of the details was great, this included seeing the fracturing on the brake discs.
The Vantage is a car which has aged phenomenally well, phasing in during 2005 to replace the DB7 the shape is approaching 20 years old but without seeing an age appropriate number plate you would think it.
Back walking round the avenue it was time to give the original shape of Mini some more attention, from 1959 models through to the later SPi and MPi models from 2001. Mixed in to the crowd were some sleepers with Honda K20 swaps and even an original Mini Police car from the 60’s.
Personal highlights are always the original Mini’s, to be specific the Monte Carlo Rally inspired iteration.
Thank you to We Are Scramblers and Bicester Heritage for organising and hosting an excellent morning. And thank you to all who attended bringing some amazing cars.
Check out some more photos from the time at Bicester Heritage below.
