N.I Mini Show & Private Collection

[ianking]

A chap that I know over in Northern Ireland has for the past year been organising a car show for which the proceeds will raise funds for the Mcmillan cancer fund.
He asked me some time ago if I would want to come over and help with his cars, enter mine and do a bit of judging for him in the show and shine.
I ended up judging the vauxhall class, German manufactured class and French manufactured class. It was a tough job as there were some great cars there.
Overall there were about 400 cars there which was a great turnout for the shows 1st year. I would say that half the cars there were minis with about 40 of them being new minis.

I went over on Fri morning so that I could get time to give my car a quick re-clean after travelling over and then help Derek and Alex get their cars ready for the show as they were both very busy sorting out the show ground. They had told me which cars were to go to the show etc. Some hadnt been used for some ime so required petrol fill ups and boost packs on the batteries and some general wipe down with detailing sprays. I was happy to help as there are some fine bits of metal in their collection.

The show ground was only 1.5 miles from the house and most of the cars I was able to drive, except the ones with delivery miles and the concours car although I got to drive the concours car back up the road.

I was greeted firstly with the garage 1 of 3

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0914.jpg

And re-united with an old friend
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0913.jpg
Alex hadnt even driven the car since he bought it from me 1 year ago. I did take it out for a wee wake up spin though.

First car I got to take out was this amazing Downton converted Cooper. Number 2 of 5 made. My god it was quick. It had been sat up for a couple of years but once it had warmed up a bit it was a real go-er. If I could have taken any car home after the weekend I think it would have been this one.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0907.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0908.jpg

Here it is in the special mini 50 years display we created at the show
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0915.jpg

Next to get ready was a Mini special 20 from 1979 that had only 38.4 miles on it. I was allowed to drive it in their yard and drive it into the covered trailor but couldnt take it out on the road as they didnt want to get any miles on it.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0909.jpg

Here she is at the show
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0920.jpg

Then I had to take the 1989 mini 30 down in the trailor. The car is actually unregistered and only 8 miles on the clock. They got it from a museum some years ago but have never put a battery in it so its just a push on and off the trailor event.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0921.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0922.jpg

Next car I took down was their mini 40 which is works converted and has the 5 speed conversion as well. Only 8000 miles. Took it for a wee spin as well and its a great car to drive with the extra gear.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0923.jpg

[ianking]

Here you can see them in the mini 50 display
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0924.jpg

Then I got to take an old friend down to the show
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0916.jpg

Next was the 1994 Rover Mini Cabrio with 22000 miles
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0917.jpg

My old boy that was with me for the trip drove their 1981 Mini Van down to the show but I got a wee chance to drive it after the show. It has only 32000 miles on it and spent its whole life running about the airfield at Prestwick airport, hence the orange paint.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0918.jpg

One car that I was really looking forward to driving was the ERA Turbo that has only 3000 miles on it but for the life of us we just could not get it to start. Derek told me that they have always had trouble with this car. It did fire for a wee second but that was the most of it. Unfortunately we had to tow it too and from the show
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0919.jpg

They also own this 2000 W sportspack that has only 1500 miles on it. It is to a Concourse level and is kept in a covered unit within the garage. It was taken to the show in the covered trailor but I was amazed when Alex said that I could drive it back up to their house as they very seldom drive it them selves. It was a very hot dry day though so the underside would remain clean.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0926.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0948.jpg

Here are some pics of other cars at the show. I never had a lot of time to take many show pics after it was open to the public as I was judging and helping out with marshalling.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0929.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0930.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0931.jpg

[ianking]

Check out this clean beauty
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0928.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0939.jpg

And look at what she received
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0953.jpg

This last 500 mini had only 280 miles on it
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0949.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0945.jpg

This car won a prize for its class. It was very well presented
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0943.jpg
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0947.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0944.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0942.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0941.jpg

[ianking]

The local mini dealer there had put together 5 cars with special 50 graphics for 5 lucky customers. They were displaying one of the cars there after a special unveiling.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0950.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0937.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0935.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0933.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0951.jpg

Meguiars UK were sponsoring the show and had a trailor there.
The boss of Meguiars UK was presenting winners with their prizes.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0927.jpg

[ianking]

After the show all the cars were tucked away which gave me another excuse to drive them the short distance back to the house.

The next day Alex took me over to his friends house where they both store more cars as part of a collection. I never expected to see so many

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0957.jpg
LAM Convertible sitting at the front.
Green Rover Convertible at the left

Mini Designer with very low mileage, cant remember how many exactly
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0958.jpg

Mini open with 7000 miles
1995 Mayfair with about 8000 miles
1985 Mayfair with 7000 miles
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0960.jpg

Rover mini cabrio that had been re-trimmed when new inside by Jaguar at a cost of £6000
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0962.jpg

This lovely surf blue woody was a real looker
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0959-1.jpg

Outside in the yard was a Balmoral, Sportspack and Woody that are all about to get tidied up for selling
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0964.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0965.jpg

Then into the next garage that contained more treasures including the Crayford conversion you can see at the front left
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0966.jpg

There was a lovely race spec Downton converted car
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0967.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0973.jpg

[ianking]

Austin Seven with only 6000 miles
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0969.jpg

Another low mileage mini 30
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0970.jpg

Front of the Crayford mini
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0971.jpg

There were several Hornets and Elfs there as well, including 3 of only 57 made Heinz models
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0972.jpg

For the Vauxhall fans there was also a Brabham Converted Viva there as well.


Later that day Alex took us over to Belfast to see a man that had some more Minis in a barn. These cars are not as clean but the owner did say that they intend on getting the shed sorted and the cars nicely on display

Mini 35 un-registered with only 20 miles
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0974.jpg

Last 500 model registered with only 8 miles
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0975.jpg

2 more last 500s. Both registered. Green one with 9 miles and blue with 100 miles.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0976.jpg

Mini Seven with 7000 miles and another low mileage 30 in front of it
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0977.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0978.jpg

These cars however never really get moved or open to display. A bit of a shame as they really needed a good clean. Not like the other collection. However I was very grateful to see them.

All weekend I was like a kid in a sweetie shop.

[baptie]

WOW, what a collection.

Saw a couple of those at the Dash in previous years.

The Downton Cooper S and the sports 40 are stunning.

[Craig]

amazing collection :clap::clap::clap::clap:

bet his road tax bill is big.... :thud::Whistle:

[N12 JLK]

what a collection but it does make me feel slightly sad that some of the cars haven't been really driven, can I have one maybe. I will defo come next year with you to judge:thumbs up:, wish I had taken you up on your offer:argh:

[AndyP & Lenore]

Fantastic collection there Ian.;)

You'd be spoilt for choice on where to look next.

Great write-up too. Glad the thread posting all worked out.:thumbs up:

A.:D

[Bumble]

wow ... that's some collection!

[GCA3N]

Can't remember enjoying reading and looking at a thread as much as this, would love one of those classics. Very nice.:thumbs up:

[MINI William]

All very nice Ian and a great right up:thumbs up::smilewinkgrin:

[audrey]

Brilliant really enjoyed reading your thread some lovely cars there :cool:

Looks like you had a great time.

Well Done for winning a prize too :clap::clap::clap:

[ianking]

Glad you all enjoyed the write up.

I am back over that way in about 4 weeks so I am going over to see the cars again as they will have the 2nd of 3 garages sorted out by then.

[Burple]

holy crap!!!

Pure Mini porn!!! :eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::cool::cool::cool:

amazing collection. Every picture I thought couldn't get better until the next... just wow! WANT!!! Although I'd end up ruining the collection cos I'd HAVE to drive them all! :D

Love the Choppers on the back wall in this one too.. and is that a cheeky wee Radford conversion at the front right?

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0957.jpg

[ianking]

So many that I would want to drive as well. However the first 3 sheds all do get fired up every year or so (appart from the un-reg 30) but he is planning on getting the mechanic round to get it fired up so that they can drive it onto and off of the trailor for shows. There are about half a dozen out of the 3 sheds that are taxed up as they get out and about and the rest can have trade plates displayed as they have their own set.

The last shed with the dusty minis that is owned by the farmer never get moved. :sad:

[Crombers]

I will defo come next year with you to judge:thumbs up:, wish I had taken you up on your offer:argh:

You'll be able to go in yer own MINI next year (after you do what you know is right ;))

Superb post Ian, stunnning cars

[The Guru]

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0976.jpg

I want the Blue one!! :smilewinkgrin:

[Smitty]

Cracking write up and pictures Ian! :smilewinkgrin:

I'm not sure if I agree with those mini's being locked up and not used though :frown:

I think that cars should be kept clean and shiny, but at the same time they should be used. There would be a lot of classic enthusiasts out there dying to get there hands on some of them and take them out for a proper drive. :yes nod:

Congrats on winning the prize :thumbs up:

[ianking]

Congrats on winning the prize :thumbs up:

Thanks fella

[D3 JDA]

What a great collection of cars ian the pictures were amazing.:clap::thumbs up::cool::bigwave:

[Audio Advice]

awesome collection and very well put together wee report and pics.

A true fanatic eh? Would be lovely to have a collection like that :thumbs up:

Hope Billy doesnae see this thread or he'll be adding to his collection :smilewinkgrin:

[MrMischief]

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF0976.jpg

I want the Blue one!! :smilewinkgrin:


I'll take the green one then - reminds me of my 1st one :cool:

Great write up Ian, you must've been fairly busy preparing them before the show. Looks like they're kept to a good standard though - apart from that farmer locking them away from daylight :sad::ragin:

At least we know where most of the good ones have gone :rolleyes:

Do you know how much the Woodie's selling for? I wonder if Audio Advice would like another challenge? :laugh:

[ianking]

I think he needs just over £3k for the white woody.

[Duncan Stewart]

:D Fantastic collection :cool:

[Audio Advice]

I'll take the green one then - reminds me of my 1st one :cool:

Great write up Ian, you must've been fairly busy preparing them before the show. Looks like they're kept to a good standard though - apart from that farmer locking them away from daylight :sad::ragin:

At least we know where most of the good ones have gone :rolleyes:

Do you know how much the Woodie's selling for? I wonder if Audio Advice would like another challenge? :laugh:

I would love that wee woody! Sounds so wrong but hey ho.........

Wood is good :thumbs up:

[Audio Advice]

The three outside.........

Any idea how much money is in the Green one??

Cheers

Iain ;)

[ianking]

Just a touch over £2k i think. The red one is £5k with 25thou miles.
Cant remember the miles on the Balmoral but he generaly likes to deal in low mileage things.

I can find out more details if needed?

[illegalhunter]

Thats a great car collection

[Gismo]

Stunning Ian and well done on another cleaning prize :thumbs up:

[ianking]

Stunning Ian and well done on another cleaning prize :thumbs up:

Thanks Alan. Trophy sitting proud in my hall for all visitors to see.

[badwolf340]

well done Ian,some really nice cars there.can understand the bit about not using the cars,but think it is great that someone has taken time/effort to build this collection up so they can be enjoyed when they do come out.when was the last time you saw a nice old mini on the road.:thumbs up: