Geoff's love of the magic Mini
Classic cars come in all shapes and sizes. Some were from small production lines or even hand built in expensive workshops for the elitist brands.
However there are also the mass produced, iconic models of which the Mini is probably the most instantly recognisable, and it was immortalised in the film "The Italian Job".
Modern Minis have a different pedigree and look to the original classics. One such admirer of older Minis is Geoff Lowe, after sales manager at Greenhous Vauxhall in Telford.
He has had a long term relationship with the Mini as his first purchase came at the tender age of 13.
Geoff, from Market Drayton, has worked in the automotive trade most of his working life spending the last 19 years with Greenhous. He began as a technician and advanced through the ranks attaining his master technician status before taking up the role of workshop manager at Greenhous Vauxhall in Trench Lock, Telford. He is now the after sales manager with responsibility for the parts and servicing departments.
Geoff started grass track racing in his Mini at the age of 14, spurred on by his father, a transport manager for a commercial business in Shropshire. They have both been involved in automotive projects particularly with Geoff's interest in Minis. Geoff raced for many years in his youth but now attends more as a supporter than a competitor.
Ten years ago he bought his wife Lesley a Mini Mayfair that was accident damaged and in need of repair and some tlc. Geoff refurbished the Mini and it is still used today.
The couple have driven to Germany and driven at the Nurburgring as well as at the Spa race track in Belgium. They also attend Mini events in this country in the car.
Geoff also has a 1989 Mini 30 which he bought from new. It only has 287 miles on the clock from appearances at the 30th and 40th anniversary Mini celebrations at Silverstone. It is in pristine condition.
A third Mini in his collection is a Mini Lamm Cabriolet built in 1991. It is a prototype and forerunner of the Rover Mini and is one of only 75 produced. This is Lesley's car which she uses all of the time.
Geoff does most of the work on his restorations himself and designs adaptations to modify the car, as is seen in his seven year project to build his pride and joy- a modified 1969 Mk 2 Austin Mini called "Zippy" (pictured). It is all Geoff's work apart from the bright orange paint job.
Geoff made special modifications to the car that are unique to his Mini and it has won much praise and publicity in car magazines and at shows like the British Mini Club at Uttoxeter. Geoff was delighted to be presented with the Miniworld "Car of the Show" at the National Mini Club event at Stamford Hall in Leicestershire, by the legendary Mini rally driver, Paddy Hopkirk. "Zippy" also won the "Car of the Show" at Castle Coombe in Somerset where Geoff takes the car out on the track.
Like many people Geoff has a hobby that keeps him interested and active, and the products of his labours are classic reminders of a bygone era.
