[catalyst]

It took some time to research the particular characters. I'm very pleased with this choice, and with its appearance. It's a sort of tribute and "memorial".

What do you think?

[BruceK]

Quote:

Originally posted by catalyst
It took some time to research the particular characters. I'm very pleased with this choice, and with its appearance. It's a sort of tribute and "memorial".

What do you think?

A memorial? To a car you used to have? Is it based upon a 1966 registration from somewhere in the Midlands?

Am I close?

[catalyst]

Hi Bruce -

Not meaning to be coy, but perhaps this could be a bit of a mini2 mystery (although I'm certain several of the regulars have this one nailed).

It's more in tribute to a person, who once owned the car bearing that particular number.

London, southwest, if I'm not mistaken.

Your timeline is pretty good.

catalyst

[BruceK]

Quote:

Originally posted by catalyst
Hi Bruce -

Not meaning to be coy, but perhaps this could be a bit of a mini2 mystery (although I'm certain several of the regulars have this one nailed).

It's more in tribute to a person, who once owned the car bearing that particular number.

London, southwest, if I'm not mistaken.

Your timeline is pretty good.

Timeline is the easy part - the "D" in the reg number indicates 1966.

Let's see. Mid 1960's. Was the person a celebrity?

Who comes to mind immediately?

Hmmmm... Paul McCartney had a Mini Cooper that was reg no GGJ 382C. And Ringo Starr had a Mini with LLO 863D number plates. John Lennon owned a Mini registered as LGF 696D, which is just one number off what we are looking for... (getting very close )

Aha! George Harrison owned a Mini Cooper reg no LGF 695D. Later, this Mini was repainted in psychedelic colors and it appeared in the movie Magical Mystery Tour. Later still it belonged to Eric Clapton.

Here's a photo of one of John Lennon’s Mini Coopers, (sister car to George Harrison’s), with the sequential registration number ‘one’ different.

[catalyst]

You're right of course, Bruce.

Several months back, I learned that McCartney's S was up for auction. I followed a few excellent links obtained here on mini2, and tracked down a lot of interesting info on that particular plate (and car).

[Apex]

I love that plate catalyst!

And BruceK, you are truly the global guru of all things mini and MINI!

[BruceK]

Okay, my turn. The plate on my classic Mini below is not original to the car. Instead, it was designed to be very similar to a well-known number plate from that time period.

For 10 points, what is the other number plate and why was the car important?

[JonBlakeburn]

Not a clue Bruce!

Only reg I can think of that has two identical numbers and "JB" in it was the one and only "33 EJB" (Monte Carlo Rally Mini)

Other than that, I'm stumped!

[BruceK]

Quote:

Originally posted by JonBlakeburn
Not a clue Bruce!

Only reg I can think of that has two identical numbers and "JB" in it was the one and only "33 EJB" (Monte Carlo Rally Mini)

Other than that, I'm stumped!

Close.

[Shaun]

Love the plate AJB44 B
1964 ALPINE RALLY retired
1964 TOUR DE FRANCE retired
1964 RAC RALLY retired
1964 MONTE CARLO RALLY 1st overall 1st in class

Also seen being hoisted aloft a forklift for a publicicty stunt pre 64 RAC Rally.

Love Shaun full of useless information courtesy of WORKS MINIS By Peter Browning

[uua]

Very nice Shaun.
Bruce, was that 1275 motor original in the traveller?

-uu

[BruceK]

Quote:

Originally posted by Shaun
Love the plate AJB44 B
1964 ALPINE RALLY retired
1964 TOUR DE FRANCE retired
1964 RAC RALLY retired
1964 MONTE CARLO RALLY 1st overall 1st in class

Also seen being hoisted aloft a forklift for a publicicty stunt pre 64 RAC Rally.

Love Shaun full of useless information courtesy of WORKS MINIS By Peter Browning

Ten points for Shaun. AJB44B was the first Mini to win the Monte Carlo rally, beginning the streak of famous rally victories at the Monte for the Cooper S.

AJB44B is now on display at the Heritage Centre museum in Gaydon along with other famous classic Minis, including the other Minis that won at Monte Carlo. (The first production new MINI is shown there too, I understand).

Here's a contemporary (and not so good) photo of AJB44B on display after winning the Monte.

Any more quizzes on famous Mini numberplates?

[BruceK]

Quote:

Originally posted by uua
...Bruce, was that 1275 motor original in the traveller?
..

No, it originally had a 850, but that is too weak to keep up with modern traffic, so I installed bigger (non-S) engine. Back in the 60's the 1275 only came in high performance guise and was only installed in Cooper S models.

[catalyst]

Bruce -

Very cool! Thanks to you and Shaun for the insight on the plate.

I searched through my meager (but growing!) Mini-library, but couldn't find a mention of an AJB registration.

[Shaun]

Some Pics....
1964 RAC Rally

[Shaun]

In action on the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally

[Shaun]

And finally Paddy Hopkirk at Gaydon With 33EJB, AJB44B AND LBL6D Monte winners in 64,65 and 67 we wuz robbed in 66, all English teams were Disqualified on a technichal infringement. But we won the world cup that year so oh well.
Also in shot are the four Rover Coopers entered in the 1994 Monte to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the first Monte win. Thes cars have modern takes on classic number plates L33EJB,L44AJB,L6LBL AND L555GRX.
I highly recomend Peter Brownings book .The illustrated history of works minis CAT No ISBN 0 85429 967 X
Maybe it can be sourced on the internet?
Shaun

[tcunning1]

Very sweet. Dumb question--where can one get a UK style number plate in the US?

[catalyst]

tcunning1 -

There are a couple of places where you can order such plates. The only URL I have handy right now is the following:

http://www.euro-sign.com

I ordered from them, and was pleased with their service and delivery. I had to drill two holes into their Universal Plate Mounting bracket in order to match those present on my Cooper, but that was not a problem.