Two determined adventurers, Lewis Woodcock and Ben Kemp, approached Swiftune for some help in preparing their 1989 Mini for the Mongolian rally. But it isn't a normal rally as the route covers 18 countries and there is no route, no support crews, in fact nothing.
And the Mini isn't a normal Mini because it has a replica K6 red telephone box strapped to the roof. Great for winning the "Largest non-functional object" award but not for aerodynamics! The 998cc engine was duly fettled and a Swiftune SW5 camshaft fitted to improve performance. Everything is relative as they say.
Under the team name: "A very British Adventure" the Mini set off for Ulaanbattor in Mongolia via Germany, Hungary and Romania. Ground clearance proved a problem so the wings were hacked away to give clearance for VW Polo wheels but the four week journey was completed without major disaster. Raising money for charity the "telephone Mini" was supported many companies including: Swiftune, Kent Cams, Mini Magazine, Mondo Sport.
(Photographs by Lewis Woodcock)
06 October 2008