November 18, 2024

MGB Engine Bay

Chris has been applying primer and seam sealing the engine bay our 1973 MGB Roadster. Once this was complete, he painted the area.

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MINI Cooper Convertible Returns To Oxford Plant

It’s almost a decade since a MINI Cooper Convertible was produced at MINI Plant Oxford. However, that changes today as production of the open-top icon starts again!

Production of the convertible Cooper will run alongside the MINI Cooper 3-Door and 5-Door models already produced at the plant. With the convertible now joining the lineup, Oxford can be considered the home of the MINI Cooper lineup.

โ€œWe are thrilled about the start of production of the MINI Convertible, which is now being produced again at the Oxford plant, the home of MINI. Unique in its class, the MINI Convertible offers unparalleled, brand-typical driving fun, combined with boundless freedom and great emotions: The iconic design combined with modern technology and connectivity makes this vehicle an unmatched open-air experience for our customers”

Stefan Richmann, Head of MINI

Since the convertible version was released back in 2004, more than 100,000 units have been sold in the UK alone. This new version has an updated exterior design, sustainable materials in its interior, and advanced in-car technology. British production is a significant focus, with contributions from three UK-based BMW Group facilities. Plant Swindon handles body pressings and sub-assemblies, engines are manufactured at Plant Hams Hall in North Warwickshire, and final assembly takes place at MINI Plant Oxford.

โ€œWe are delighted with the launch of the new MINI Cooper Convertible at our Plants in Oxford and Swindon. Itโ€™s an amazing achievement for our team to launch three new models at our Oxford Plant this year, and I am proud of our exceptional workforce. Weโ€™re delighted to welcome the MINI Cooper Convertible back home to Oxford, the home of MINIโ€. said โ€œWe are delighted with the launch of the new MINI Cooper Convertible at our Plants in Oxford and Swindon. Itโ€™s an amazing achievement for our team to launch three new models at our Oxford Plant this year, and I am proud of our exceptional workforce. Weโ€™re delighted to welcome the MINI Cooper Convertible back home to Oxford, the home of MINIโ€

Markus Grรผneisl, Head of Plants Oxford and Swindon

MINI Plant Oxford is among the worldโ€™s oldest automotive facilities as it celebrated its 110th anniversary last year. The site is considered a leader in sustainable and innovative production and it produced over 20% of the UKโ€™s total car output in 2023.

The latest MINI Cooper Convertible offers two petrol engine options, delivering 163hp or 204hp, and starts at ยฃ26,200 RRP.


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500SL Power Steering Cooler

Technician Jonn has been continuing his work on Craig’s 19897 Mercedes 500SL. After removing the front valance and fitting the power steering cooler into position, he secured it with new bolts before refitting the valance.

He then disconnected the power steering pipe in the engine bay and fed it through the chassis and secured it. Once the hose was cut to length, Jonn fitted it between the pipe from the chassis and the cooler and secured it with new clips.

The engine bay wiring cleaning and prep work has also continued.

Weld Repair

Clinton has been repairing parts of the body of our 1963 Rover P4.

MGB Engine Bay

Chris has been applying primer and seam sealing the engine bay our 1973 MGB Roadster. Once this was complete, he painted the area.

Aston Martin DB6 Assessment

Technician Jonn and paintshop manager Chris have been assessing our 1969 Aston Martin DB6. Here are their notes:

Nearside wiper blade split. Drivers door lock and boot lock stiff. Nearside front fog light cover missing. Coolant low and rusty brown colour. Offside front sidelight not working. Reverse lights not working. Drivers quarter light seal split. Drivers seat worn soft and frame loose. Exhaust has various signs of blowing. Both front brakes binding. Nail in offside rear tye. Front pads 20% worn, discs ok. Rear pads 10% worn, discs ok. Handbrake pads 80% worn. Nearside front lower ball joint rubber split. Oil drips from rear sump/rear main area. Spare tyre different size.

Fiat 500 Wheel Bearings

Jonn has now finished the wheel bearings on our 1970 Fiat 500 and has refitted the offside wheel. Both front uprights have been greased and the car is now almost ready to be won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.

Goodbye Bristol

Our 1956 Bristol 405 has been with us for many many years but this week we bid her a fond farewell as she heads off to a new home. We made the decision recently to sell the car as the queue for restorations doesn’t seem to be getting any shorter. The car is now at it’s new home and the restoration will begin very soon we believe.

Maybe we’ll see the car at a show some time in the future. We wish you all the best with the restoration journey.

380SL Delivered

Tony recently delivered our 1985 Mercedes 380SL to its new owner, Kevin, who won it through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.