WHAT'S small and beautifully formed, cost just £695 when new 40 years ago, launched a whole generation of boy racers, beat the best in the world on the rally circuit, became an iconic movie star and helped change the face of British motoring for ever?
The Mini Cooper S Mk1 of course. It is arguably the most desirable model that will be on show at the British Mini Fair 2005, the British Mini Club's national indoor event staged at Bingley Hall in Stafford on January 30.
The show is a celebration of everything Mini - and MINI - but while the BMW version is currently proving a best seller worldwide it is the original that retains the affections of enthusiasts.
The Mini Cooper S Mk1 delivered a new definition of what it meant to be British in the Swinging Sixties with its cheeky appeal, snappy performance and unbeatably nimble roadholding that captured the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally title for its most famous driver Paddy Hopkirk, and won a starring role in The Italian Job.
Its 1275cc transverse-mounted front-wheel drive engine produced a top speed of 96mph and 0-60mph in 11.2 seconds, and what it lacks in comfort it makes up in chic appeal, so that now a first class concours example can fetch a cool £14,000.
Mini appeal is expected to draw up to 5,000 visitors to the British Mini Fair, where they can admire the show vehicles, and buy everything from a light bulb to a full body shell.
There's even the chance to win a classic Mini at the show,
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