*THIRD PLACE* Alex Mills - 1998 Rover Mini Cooper

It’s more than six decades since the Mini was launched, and in that time it’s become one of the world’s favourite classics. This sixteen-year old owner certainly loves his, and it’s one he got his hands on five years ago after Dad, Ian, got first refusal should it come up for sale.

“It was local to where I lived and it had a good shell, so I knew that with a few improvements it could be turned into a great example. My Dad has taught me how to strip and rebuild cars, and I’ve learnt a lot from him, so when he bought this one for me I couldn’t wait to get started on the work.”

One of the first jobs was to remove and completely clean the interior as Alex says it  an excellent job of refreshing the Mini’s small but surprisingly roomy cabin. But there was more work to be done.

The mechanicals have also come in for attention, including an overhaul of the suspension, and it now runs and drives very nicely. The engine is still the original unit and boasts a full service history, and as this proud owner explains: “it runs like a watch and starts at the first flick of the key.”

Work on this cracking Mini hasn’t quite finished yet, but there’s still plenty of time to make a few more improvements before he can take to the road once he celebrates his seventeenth birthday.

“I’ve been to plenty of car shows with my Dad and love admiring classics – especially Minis – but I’m absolutely thrilled to be able to display my car at this year’s show. I can’t wait to be able to enjoy it properly.”