"When the press first got their hands on BMC’s new car on the 18-19 August 1959 at the Chobham Test Track in Surrey, they were not shy to praise it; the Mini’s unique personality, exceptional space efficiency, relatively good performance and tenacious front-wheel-drive handling meant that it was a sure fire hit with the critics. It swept aside the conservatism that was rife in the corporation and the perception of BMC in the public’s eye was changed indelibly"
"Launch day itself was the 26 August 1959. This was also the day that the car the Mini was replacing, the Austin A35, went out of production. Perhaps this was because launch day had been brought forward from the 2 September at the last minute."
http://www.aronline....history-part-1/
Chobham Test Track is located on a former airfield located in Chertsey, Surrey. Chobham offers a unique driving experience with one of the only circuits to have a forest track simulating a rally experience. The 2 miles circuit re-opened to the public in 2009 and offers a range of driving experiences and track days.
Length: 2 miles
Turns: 14
"The super fast testing ground of Chobham Test Track is A.K.A. Longcross Proving Ground, and re-opened in 2009 having spent a few years in the wilderness without operation. Many motor sport enthusiasts were once again delighted to be driving upon the 2 mile circuit that has proved a popular choice over the years, combining many bends & corners with lengthy straights. Chobham test Track is also considered to be so popular largely because of the beautiful countryside of the surrounding area, running through forested areas and giving a certain Rally-esque feel.
The track is an old base that has been under Ministry of Defence control since WWII, and has been used to test tanks such as the Chieftain and Challenger - with great slopes and a 3 mile surrounding driving area."
http://www.experienc...bham-test-track
Edited by mab01uk, 23 August 2014 - 09:11 AM.
