Joint celebration as Mini Cooper and E-Type are 60

There are 2 major birthday’s this year and will have a joint celebration as Mini Cooper and E-Type are 60. The trend-setting Mini Cooper will be celebrating its 60th anniversary at Shelsley Walsh Hillclimb in June alongside the Jaguar E-type as part of a spectacular weekend paying tribute to both game-changing British icons.

The Mini, in all its forms, will feature throughout the fun-packed weekend, from exciting racing action, star cars, demonstrations and movie-scene reinactments to music, op art, films, fashion and more!

First launched in 1959, the ground-breaking Mini not only revolutionised small car design forever, but became a British style icon of the Swinging Sixties. No other car has become such a huge part of the fabric of our society, fashion, popular culture and film in the way that the Mini has. From scene-stealing lead roles in The Italian Job to boasting the likes of the Beatles and Peter Sellers as ardent owners, the Mini has enjoyed unrivalled success.

In motorsport, the Mini Cooper shot to fame winning countless trophies in the hands of legends such as John Fitzpatrick, Sir John Whitmore, Paddy Hopkirk, Rauno Aaltonen and Timo Mäkinen. Six decades later, it continues to be a popular competition car thanks to its diminutive size and its ability to be tuned to make the most of its handling qualities.

Philip Porter said: ‘We are delighted that rallying legend Paddy Hopkirk will be joining us along with former racer John Fitzpatrick. The E-type 60 weekend will celebrate both the Mini and the Jaguar E-type anniversaries with a super display of historic and special cars. Add to that some great 60s music from tribute band The High Tones, hillclimb action on both days, Mods and Rockers scooter fun, top-notch specialist exhibitors, fashion, dancing and much more… we are gearing up to having one hell of a celebration.’

Paddy Hopkirk said: ‘I know that I’m not the only one who holds the Mini in great affection, and I hope you will join me in raising a glass to a true motoring icon’.

Mini mayhem on the hill – want to take part?

Shelsley Walsh is the oldest motorsport venue in the world still using its original course, and is considered the jewel in the crown of hillclimbing. Entries are now open for hillclimb classes, giving you the unique opportunity of driving the challenging 1000-yard hillclimb course in your classic Mini! 

On Saturday 12 June, there will be an action-packed day of Mini mayhem on the hill, with practice sessions in the morning and timed runs in the afternoon, plus Mini demos throughout the weekend.

Notable entries already include a 1964 Austin Cooper S that was taken to victory at the Snetterton 500 in 1965 by British saloon-car legend Gerry Marshall. The car has recently been beautifully restored to its original 1964 Aurora Gear Racing colours. There will also be a delightful Mini van affectionately known as ‘Miss March’ – the first commercial vehicle to race competitively since the 1960s.

Visiting Mini car clubs welcome

Mini car clubs are actively encouraged to take part in the 60th anniversary celebrations.

All registered car clubs can reserve their own designated club display area right in the heart of the event and brand as their own.

“Hang on, lads – I’ve got a great idea”
The cult movie The Italian Job will be fondly remembered with a recreation of the robbery scene. The ‘getaway run’ will feature red, white and blue Mini Coopers, a coach, a police car and the original Jaguar E-type Roadster ‘848 CRY’, which played a starring role in THAT scene with a digger and a mountainside!

The High Tones to play at ‘Swinging 60s Shelsley’ 

As seen in Liverpool’s Cavern Club – the birthplace of the Beatles! The four-piece band The High Tones will pay homage to the fab groove of the greatest musical decade, performing countless hits from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Monkees, Van Morrison, The Hollies and The Small Faces to name but a few. The show is guaranteed to take you on a magical, melodic journey through the Swinging Sixties

In addition, there will be a fashion competition for the best and most authentic vintage outfit. Why not don that Mary Quant-inspired outfit or flower-power clothes, and visit the on-site hair salon and beautician for a period makeover.

Charity partner
The event is actively supporting charity partner ‘Hope for Tomorrow’, dedicated to bringing cancer care closer to patients’ homes via Mobile Cancer Care Units that they provide to NHS Trusts across the country.

For further information, please visit www.etype60.com