MED Coffee Meet 2024 - a Super Sunny Saturday

September in the Midlands is always a gamble, weather-wise, but our annual coffee meet was once again graced with glorious sunshine as we opened our doors on Saturday 14th.

Around 40 Minis arrived of all shapes and styles, and it was a great chance to meet many valued customers that we've previously only spoken to via email or over the phone, plus a catch-up with old friends.

Also, a warm welcome to many new faces who popped over for a coffee and chat. Alex our friendly barrista (from Cafe2U) was on hand to serve tasty coffees and bacon rolls, and we had some new products on display, including a very fresh set of 998 roller rockers and new rocker cover caps.

We always shy away from choosing a favourite 'car of the meet', as there's only one winner, and so many lovely cars to see. Minis are more pricey than in years gone by, but on the flipside, the standard of preparation and care is really quite remarkable. 

One of the more unusual Minis on display was this Innocenti Cooper 1300 Export, a French-registered car originally, that the Milan-based factory once produced to rival the UK Mk3 Mini Cooper S. 

Like our own Project 63, Minis built overseas were all slightly different to their UK counterparts, with locally-produced parts to satisfy customs.  

But we actually had two Innocenti Minis arrive, with this stunning MkII example, recognisable by the 'i' bonnet badge, round repeaters, stylish interior and steering wheel on the 'wrong' side. 

Andrew's Clubman Estate looks like the ideal road trip Mini, and he was handing out flyers for next year's IMM in Sussex, which looks set to be a highlight of 2025's Mini show calendar.  

Talking of long-wheelbase Minis, this metallic red Pick-up had power to match its looks, sporting a supercharged A-Series engine and deep-dish 13s.

This carbon-fibre-clad custom also had some ooomph under the bonnet, with its Honda Vtec conversion - a bit more unusual these days as the A-Series engine regains its popularity. Still cool though!

Our friends from Southam Mini Metro Centre kindly brought along one of the fastest A-Series engined Minis going with Ryan Taylor's Mini Miglia, which is out racing at Castle Combe this weekend.

These Minis are spectacular on track, cornering as fast, if not faster than modern racing hot hatches and Caterhams. At around 130bhp they seem top hit the sweet spot for grip and power in a racing Mini. 

Mind you, driving a Mini Miglia down the road would be an emotional experience. Something more like Dudley's Mk3 trackday car would be better suited.

By the look of its lightly melted semi-slick Yokohama tyres, this A-Series propelled Mini is very much enjoyed on track, as well as on the road. The engine is apparently full of MED goodies, and it sounded rather cammy at idle!

 

Steve's modified 1980 Mini 1000 arrived early for pole position, a very tidy build that drew much attention. We quite like the MED polished alloy rocker cover!

Geoff's long-term project Mini has a similar style under the bonnet, albeit with a Weber 45 DCOE carburettor instead.

Everyone seemed to favour Revolution wheels at one time, but these days it seems to be more Minilites and Rose Petals. It's good to see some variety!

Next door was this equally '80s style 1275 GT, joining Jon's meticulously rally car, below, with the square-front Mini fans.

Prefer your Minis more round in style? We had two Mini-based Cox GTMs there too. These rear-engined sports cars have a fibreglass body that was apparently inspired by the Ferrari Dino... 

...unlike Avelino's Riley Elf, an upmarket '60s Mini with fins. The Elfs (Elves?) and Wolseley Hornets have a dedicated following within the wider Mini scene, quirky luxury Minis with leather interiors and wooden dashboards. They're cool little cars.

Brian has been to visit our coffee meets before, his Almond Green MkI sporting an Arden 8-port head and fuel injection.

The detail on this MkI Mini is incredible, from the custom brackets and swirl pot to the period-correct interior, it's 'just right'. 

The modified Mini from our cover pic, below, was also a stunner, with colour-coded bumpers and arches, Innocenti grille and funky headlamps.

We also loved the '80s rear window louvre, 'Autoplas' we think, on this customised show Mini en route to Stanford Hall for the Mini Day concours. 

And we couldn't not mention the MED racing grille on this early '90s Rover Mini Cooper...

 

A later arrival for Ian and his Island Blue and White MkI 1275 Cooper S, which he's aiming to keep as original looking as possible. It's a stunning car.

In a similar hue was this retro racer, complete with Britax Cooper graphics and Dunlop D1 alloys.

And with 10-inch wheels still very much in vogue, this Rover Mini Red Hot shining in the September sun.

1970s Minis more your flavour? How about...

Nice! So thanks again to everyone who popped in for the morning, and we look forward to arranging another meet for next summer.

Keep an eye on the website and social media for more details closer to the time.