Event
82 June 2019 MiniWorld
rather than to mourn its loss.
The event takes place in Cofton Park,
Birmingham, opposite the historic
‘Q Gate’ and CAB1 where many of
our Minis were built. The rest of the
site has been demolished and rebuilt,
with new housing all around.
The weather this year was bright,
with a chill in the air but, compared to
some previous years when we have had
snow and fl oods, it was a brilliant day.
Cars were able to spread out through the
Words: Kay Drury. Photos: Jim Jupp and Kay Drury.
Pride of Longbridge 2019
I
n a special Mini anniversary
year, it’s always good to pay a
visit to Longbridge, the BMC
plant where it all started. Things
are very di erent now of course, Mini
production ended in October 2000,
and the plant saw the demise of MG
Rover Group in April 2005, with the
loss of 6000 jobs. Pride of Longbridge
is a commemoration of that day, with
its aim being to celebrate the cars
and the company’s achievements,
park without getting stuck in the mud.
The event is still free to attend, thanks
to the generosity of the local council,
sponsors and charitable donations.
Plenty of Minis turned out, as well
as other BMC/Leyland/Rover cars of
all ages, and it was noticeable how
welcome the newer post-2005 MG-
branded cars are. In fact, MG and
Roewe vehicle development takes place
today at Longbridge as SAIC Motor UK
Technical Centre is based there.
Cofton Park in Birmingham
is the picturesque venue
for this annual event.Great to see these
Paul Smith LEs!