Paddy Hopkirk & The Mini
'My relationship with the Mini began in 1963 with competitive outings in Alec Issigonis’s latest creation on the Tour de France Automobile and the world-famous Monte Carlo Rally. On the former, we found ourselves sharing the road with some formidable opponents, and although they outshone us on the straights, they were no match for the Mini through the corners and curves, and as a result a ‘David and Goliath’ situation developed – the plucky Mini endearing itself hugely to racegoers and television viewers in the process.
'A year later, and with the invaluable support of the diehard mechanics, engineers and support crew that made up the BMC Competitions Department, Henry Liddon and I took 33 EJB to victory on the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally, and although the Mini had already cemented its place in the public’s affections, it was this success on the rally stage that confirmed the little car as a must-have for everyone from midwives to movie stars.
'That win helped shape the rest of my career, but it’s also fair to say that it was further confirmation of just how capable the groundbreaking Mini was – an essential ingredient in automotive design if any product is to enjoy longevity... and what a well deserved life it has had: 60 years so far, and thanks to the latest incarnation, there are no signs of the Mini bloodline passing into folklore any time soon.
'I know that I’m not the only one that holds the Mini in great affection,
and I hope you will join me in raising a glass to a true motoring icon.'
Paddy Hopkirk MBE
