I have been a regular attender to the British Mini Club‘s Mini shows at Stanford Hall near Rugby for many years, but always arriving in another marque, never a Mini. This year, it was my goal to go to Mini Fest with a classic Mini. The only one on the road in my fleet of vehicles is “Bluebelle”, my rare coach built Mini cabriolet by Auto Design. Taking her would allow me to raise the profile of the Auto Design Mini Cabriolet Register that I run, and hopefully more of these rare Minis may come to light and be added to the register.
Bluebelle
“Bluebelle” is a 1988 (registered 1989) Mini Mayfair Automatic, converted by the coach builders Auto Design in Kent from a saloon into a very attractive cabriolet, sadly they’re no longer in existence since Dave Champion retired.
The biggest problem with “Bluebelle” is that she is slow. Having only a completely standard 998cc engine coupled to a four speed automatic gearbox and a low final drive makes motorway driving not only tedious, but, there is a real concern for the constant high RPM that the engine would need to achieve in order to keep up with modern motorway traffic.
Planning Ahead
With such a good summer, apart from two days, the mohair soft top had not been down since April, so there was a film of dust in all sorts of places. A thorough clean, inside and out, so that she would be presented at the show immaculately.
These things take time, and a full Saturday was earmarked for her cleaning the week before the show.
As I have my own car transporter trailer, the plan was to take “Bluebelle” to the show on the trailer. But, in true Mini style, there was a problem, not with the car, but with the trailer. About a month before the show, the trailer brakes would snatch and lock on. At first it was intermittent, then manifested itself to be every time you applied the brakes. In stripping the brakes down, it was a broken adjuster. However, parts were not available in time for “Bluebelle” to be a trailer queen for the day. My friends from North Shropshire Trailers kindly stepped in and I could hire their transporter trailer for the weekend. “Bluebelle” will go to the ball.
So with the hire trailer booked, tickets were purchased for not only the entry, but also the show and shine. I even booked some sunshine for the day, alas, this must have been out of stock for the morning of the show.
Mini Fest 2026
On the day of the show, I was excited, up early, car loaded, flask of coffee made, double checked I had my tickets, and my flask. I need my coffee. Despite setting off a little later due to the torrential rain, I had an uneventful trip, and Stanford Hall is very easy to find, and well sign posted with those brown tourist signs. The marshal’s had everyone flowing, and I arrived at 10:15am with only a five minute queue. I was directed to the trailer park so that I could unload, in the rain. All I needed to do was to drive my Mini around to the show and shine through all the mud. “Bluebelle” was a mess outside, but, I quickly got her cleaned again.
Stanford Hall
The British Mini Club hold Mini Fest every September on the banks of the river Avon in the excellent grounds of Stanford Hall near Rugby. Stanford Hall, built in 1697 is a grade 1 listed building, and home to the Fothergills. Set in 700 acres, the grounds are large enough to cater for very large car clubs, like the British Mini Club, which is good news, as there are many trade stands that are included, as well as the parking, concours, show and shine, mini clubs, food vendors, and of course Mini fans with car trailers.
Show and Shine
The format of the show and shine, is exactly that, you can polish your car, and show it to the general public. You can even be judged in a decade category, and prizes are given out at around 3:45pm for the best in the categories. If you win a category, you can go on to the concours for the following years show. The full results of the show are on the British Mini Club’s website. Here are a selection of Minis, both new and old, along with variants at the show.
Mini Fest 2027
So, was it worth all the effort in taking “Bluebelle” to Mini Fest? Yes, definitely. I managed to talk to many people and raise the profile and interest in Auto Design Mini Cabriolets, which was my goal for the day. Will I come back next year? Yes, and probably for many years to come, perhaps bringing both “Lippy” and “Bluebelle” the two Auto Design Mini Cabriolets I own. I just need to persuade the wife that a lorry transporter is necessary.
Mini Fair 2027
The British Mini Club have already announced the date for Mini Fair in 2027 will be held on Sunday 31st January 2027 at Bingley Hall. This is an indoor event with a very large auto jumble. Check their website for up to date details.
More Event Photographs
There are more photographs that are royalty free for download at the Smith Photo Library along with some from previous years, search for “Mini Fest”.
Mark Smith
“The Rambling Motorist”