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Fans of the characterful car converge in Amsterdam for three days of Mini mania
The world's biggest get-together of Minis old and new, as well as Mini enthusiasts old and young, is just days away.
Thousands of Minis, their drivers and passengers will descend this weekend on Amsterdam, converging on the once famous Formula 1 race track at Zandvoort.
Here the faithful will pay homage to Minis of all shapes and sizes, equipped with all sorts of features, both factory fitted and products of the imaginative aftermarket.
The three days of Mini partying - well into the small hours - includes a round of the German Mini Challenge series, Europe's most exciting one-make race series.
There's also the chance for fans to steer their cars around the circuit, or the slalom course, have a crack at Mini driver training, or take a high-octane taxi ride around Zandvoort in a race car.
The more laidback Mini fans can soak up the scene, have their hair done or take in a typically Mini fashion show. Then there are the fun sport options down at the beach to consider.
Mini has arranged for two celebrities to be present to meet the fans across the weekend: Michael Cooper, son of the late John Cooper, and Rauno Aaltonen, who won the 1967 Monte Carlo Rally in a Mini Cooper S.
In 2005, more than 6000 Mini fans from more than 40 countries attended the first Mini weekend festival in Misano, Italy, and Mini is confident this tally will be exceeded this weekend.
And with more than one million Minis in the hands of owners around the world, there are almost twice as many potential recruits for Mini in this time round.
