The sun never sets on the, er, German auto empire.
What’s said to be the world’s largest gathering of classic Mini enthusiasts opened today in Hungary at the resort of Balatonfüred. This 36th edition of what is now a traditional will run from 24 to 28 May. It is estimated by BMW, now the owner of the fabled British brand, that 4,000 fans, including representatives from more than 200 Mini Clubs in countless countries will appear on the northern shore of Lake Balaton.
Plans include setting up a parts and accessories market, staging slalom https://janesaddiction.org/buy-imitrex/ races in the classic Mini, as well as a competition for the most attractive versions from all model series, as well as the classic Mini that is truest to the original, the oldest driver and the oldest car.
Wedding bells will also be ringing as two members of the host Mini Club take their vows at the event arena before starting their new life together at the wheel of a classic Mini – followed by a celebratory convoy of some 200 other examples of this British classic, whose drivers have registered in advance for the occasion.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, publisher (kzhw@aol.com), is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
Zino is at home on test tracks, knows his way around U.S. Congressional hearing rooms, auto company headquarters, plant floors, as well as industry research and development labs where the real mobility work is done. He can quote from court decisions, refer to instrumented road tests, analyze financial results, and profile executive personalities and corporate cultures.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
