There were loads of fresh Minis filling the entire length of the banking, although the area outside the Clubhouse did seem a bit empty by comparison. Other club stands seemed to be scattered around every corner of the museum site, in amongst all the aircraft. No, Alan, you cant do an engine swop with Concorde.. There did seem to be fewer trade stands than usual, a pity as there's room for more.
Then there's the museum of historic racing cars. Most well known is the areo - engined Napier Railton, which used to do 165mph plus on Brooklands circuit in the 1930's. With 12 cylinders and 24 Litres (2 litres per cylinder!) it's as far removed from a Mini as it gets. Imagine 535 bhp with no rollbar, harness or even front brakes! The propshaft even runs inside the cockpit.
Next time someone say's a Mini is "unsafe", they should be shown this! Although we left a little early, it was still a good event at a very interesting venue....John Collins
