The Mini-List International Mini Mini Meet

And we were also joined by Ellie, who ended up being the most photographed, after the cars, that is :)
First prize for colour co-ordination with her car.

Then it was 'bonnet off' time - since Scott was there, it was up to Spag and Ade to do the honours.
Spag was first...

...closely folowed by Ade with his recent flip-front.
(Or Lamb 'chop' :)

Showing how the bracing bars are fitted and how the front itself was 'chopped':

As soon as we could we formed up for the group photo.

Before setting off for the RR around 12:40.

On arrival Spag discovered that his headgasket was history - off to the local Halfords (more on this later)

First on the Rollers were the Hill brothers.

Result: 50BHP

Next it was Paul Tucker's turn:

Result: 57BHP and a blown headgasket!
This was gasket no. 2 - how many more were we going to lose?

The crowd was getting excited as the casualties fell and the competition hotted up.
(Actually, they were just standing around chatting and listening in trepidation.)

Andy's Designer was next - another first-timer on the RR

Result: 47BHP

Tiff was next - how would the old girl compare?

Result: 49BHP

Ellie's car was next - the first 1275.
It was going to be interesting to see what the big bore blocks would produce.

Result: 63BHP

And what about Ade's LC?
The last of the 998's to go - who was going to take the prize?

Result: 56BHP

By a whisker (and a headgasket) Paul Tucker wins it for the 998's.

Meanwhile, outside...

The rumours of an affair developing between a Micra and a Mini prove to be a little exaggerated, although they do appear to be interested...

And Spag has enlisted Ade's help to get the headgasket fixed in time to have a go on the RR.

And Nigel is helping Paul to recover from his session.

Just in time! After a warm-up and run around the block Spag is ready to test his handywork.
Gently at first - just take it up to 4000 rpm - it's holding.

What? Me worried?

How far dare we take it?
All the way - there's always the AA to get me home :)

Result: 75BHP

No contest! Spag wins the 'bravest driver' award for putting the two hours of hard work to the test.
I think everone enjoyed the RR session, but soon they were feeling hungry and thirsty, so off we went to the pub I'd scouted out earlier on the day - the pub originally planned turned out not to be open 'all day'.

Off to the Sixfields Tavern (just behind Northampton Town FC) in convoy.

Al lined up neat & tidy. Just fixing up the bonnet straps and then inside for that pint!

Good company, warm food and cold beer - perfect way to finish the day.

 

A chance to share out the photographs from different events and cars in various stages of restoration.

Meeting (just) friends...

And making new friends!