MINI set to celebrate 50 years
December 19, 2008 by Matt Brogan
The legendary Silverstone (UK) racetrack will next year host the largest MINI fan event ever to celebrate the brand’s 50th birthday.
Following previous events Misano in Italy and Zandvoort in the Netherlands, MINI will return to the land of its birth to celebrate the third MINI United Festival from 22-24 May 2009.
MINI lovers, most of whom will be travelling in their own cars from countries all over the world, can look forward to the unique mixture of an exciting show programme, motorsport action and a music festival.
In addition to music show acts, stunt shows, go-karting, lounge areas and DJs, the MINI community will also be able to experience a huge exhibition which will take MINI fans through the whole history of the brand.
The MINI CHALLENGE will also be part of the festival again, moving into its third and fourth heat in front of an international audience.
Also the Mini Seven Racing Club will increase the excitement on the course by organizing a race with 50 classic Mini race cars.
In addition, it will be possible for people to drive a few laps on the racetrack, either alone or with a MINI CHALLENGE driver.
For further information please click here.
Print it: 
A realy huge cult following will see Mini around for many, many more years to come.
Yep, I’ve had mine for 24 years.
Oh, and I’m talking about a REAL one with historic roots, credibility, notoriety and design principles copied by all and sundry to date.
Still the greatest automotive design icon of the 20th century.
i drove a mini a couple of months ago and i fell in love with this tiny car. During these 50 years they kept it small, fast and with incredible handling. They deserve a mega party for their anniversary.
I used to own an old Mini, but one day, I was in my kitchen and suddenly I heard an explosion. No joke, it had somehow caught on fire and it exploded all over my garden in London! It must have set itself on fire because my house is completely gated off so it couldn’t have been vandals. But I do miss it. I know a lot of people don’t like the new one, but it is probably the best supermini as far as driving goes. It’s great fun, I have ordered a JCW version and I can’t wait to get it! I know it doesn’t have the same traits as the original Mini, but they have made an impressive machine there and I would think that the next one, after all the criticism, will probably be more like the old one, you know, space for four (just) and a bit more practical. At least you wouldn’t die if you crashed a new one, people did and still do in the old one!
I remember the 30yrs anniversary at Silverstone. I went there with my Girlfriend in her Mini 25. They had a plan to do a parade allowing people to drive round the circuit in their minis, problem was there were so many the complete circuit was full and no-one could move. It was fun though.
It’s great to celebrate 50 years of the famous Mini name, but it’s slightly hollow because there’s no product continuity between the original one and the current one, which was designed for a completely different target market.
And yes, I did have one back in the old days. Who didn’t?