In this week’s show, Quentin Willson looks at the vast history of a fast appreciating Great British icon – the MiniAutomotive archaeologist Chris Routledge uncovers a rare coachbuilt Ford Capri convertible in barn-find heavenJodie Kidd turns her hand to rallying in a Mini Cooper, with the legendary Paddy Hopkirk as her mentorBruno Senna laps a Touring Car Championship-winning Mini Cooper S on the handling track, while Alex Riley tours London’s banking district in a BMW E24 635 CSi
See the Episode 8 preview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gxsu0qDq4M
Quentin Willson takes a step back in time to when the Mini was first conceived to uncover exactly what it was that made this tiny four-seater into a legendary British icon. Quentin also discovers how a royal PR stunt made it the must-have accessory for so many celebrities during the ‘60s.
Taking on a Mini adventure of her own, Jodie Kidd takes a look at the Mini’s incredible motorsport heritage. Famed for its handling, the original Mini has chalked up a number of motorsport victories since its inception, including winning the Monte Carlo Rally three times. With the legendary Paddy Hopkirk at her side, Jodie discovers first-hand why the Mini is so special.
Looking at another icon of its decade, Alex Riley heads back to the ‘80s - an era of opulence, fast-paced fashion, finance and cars. Alex’s affordable classic ‘pick of the week’ is the BMW E24 635 CSi, once the car of choice for affluent city traders, today the 218bhp straight-six cruiser can be found in the classifieds for less than £5,000. Alex explains why you should buy one now, while you can.
Meanwhile, Chris Routledge heads to a classic car collectors’ cave full of gems to take a look at a coachbuilt Ford Capri convertible. Built by Crayford in the 1970s, the company took the original Ford Capri and replaced the traditional roof with a fold back canvas top. With fewer than forty cars ever built, Chris explains why this is a barn-find dream.
To wrap up our tribute to the classic Mini, Bruno Senna takes a 1965 British Saloon Car-winning Cooper S to our handling track. Tune in at 7pm to see how it fares.
