Watch Charles Rainford hit the hill at Chateau Impney Hillclimb in the John Rhodes Mini Cooper S.
VIDEO: John Rhodes Mini at Chateau Impney Hillclimb
John Rhodes Mini Cooper S at Chateau Impney Hill Climb
We had a cracking weekend at one of the UK’s best little events. In it’s 5th year the Chateau Impney Hill Climb had a lot to offer. The weekend was pleasantly relaxed with great camaraderie between competitors and a party atmosphere in campsite. A fantastic range of historic vehicles took to the hill. From the Edwardian aero engined to prewar sports cars. From V8 Can-Am cars to the Mini Cooper S and everything in between. We were invited to bring John Rhodes Mini Cooper S as part of the Mini 60th Anniversary celebrations. Charles Rainford was behind the wheel and going quicker with every session. Hopefully we’ll get to go back next year.
Charles Rainford blitzes Goodwood hill in John Rhodes Mini – in car video
We had the pleasure of running the John Rhodes Mini Cooper S at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed. John is 90 years old now and asked our Charles to drive it up the hill for him. The times got better with each run. His best time of 62.3 was in the Final Shootout on Sunday afternoon beating the Alan Mann Escort by a tenth of a second.
Period photographs and build specs. John Rhodes, Special Tuning etc.
A chap named John Astill got in touch recently claiming that he had a photograph of John Rhodes Mini at Snetterton from 1966. He also said he had build specs from Special Tuning and various letters from Downton Engineering as well some photos of his old Mini’s from the 60’s. He asked if I’d like copies, which of course I did, and a few days later a large envelope arrived. This kind of information is vital in our industry as a historical reference. Thanks very much John, the pictures are great and the information is greatly appreciated.
London to Brighton
A good turn out of classics yesterday despite the rain. Shaun and I met plenty of people and made a few of them jump when we fired up John Rhodes Mini. Over 250 cars attended the 24th London to Brighton classic car run.
