30 years of MiniWorld

摘要

This issue saw one of the most unusual MiniWorld covers ever, featuring female models, wearing the latest fashions while posing with a Mini. Editor Nigel Fryatt could see that MiniWorld was unique in the car mag world as it had (and still has) a strong female readership. Nigel explained that the models were not there to be exploited, but they instead showed that the Mini was the ultimate fashion accessory. "Sexism will never have a place in this magazine. The Mini is too important for that," wrote Nigel. To this day, MiniWorld is proud to be inclusive of everyone who loves Minis! Elsewhere in the issue were articles on some wildly unique vehicles, including a wooden-framed, plywood-bodied trike built on Mini mechanicals and a Reliant chassis turned back to front! Joe Petty named his automotive concoction 'Gemini' and it was powered by a 998cc engine. He also utilised many other Mini parts that he and his family had accumulated over the years. Design and Moulding of Norfolk was well known for producing its Mini Minus fibreglass bodyshells but the 4R2, which took four years to create, was a step further into the world of modified cars. Keith Lain of D&M explained: "We had the ordinary basic Mini in glassfibre but we wanted the two extremes. Where the market is, I don't really know, but I wanted to build the 4R2 for my own satisfaction," admitting that he took inspiration for the mid-engined car from the MG Metro 6R4. "Starting with the Minus body, he created new panels and adapted the originals to take a rear-mounted engine." The engine used was a 1275cc A-series and a kit to make your own was available for £4,000.