Greg’s experience with the Mini brand stretches back over the years to when he was an 8 year old when the Mini was first released in New Zealand in 1960/61. His hometown BMC Austin dealer was Andrew and Andrew Motors and he recalls seeing the first models in the windows of the showroom.

Greg’s father owned a few BMC vehicles including an Austin Seven, and Austin Eight models. Older brother Shayle, purchased an Austin 1100 in 1964, and other family members had similar vehicles.

As a 14-year old, he learned to drive in his father’s light blue 1965 Austin Mini 850. On passing his driver’s licence test, it wasn’t long until the hubcaps were removed and the car was being driven on a regular basis, and it is here that the Mini-affair began.

After leaving school in 1967, Greg secured a Motor mechanic apprenticeship at BMC’s Dominion Motors Ltd Newmarket headquarters. At this time, the dealership was already specialising in Mini tuning of old Mini race drivers such as Hugh Kettlewell, Peter Levet, Ron Brown, to name a few.

Greg purchased his own first Australian Mini 998 around this time and started the hotting-up modifications. After joining the Northern Sports Car Club, he competed in hill-climbs, sprints, and club circuit races in this car. After a race skirmish, he discontinued his driving in race events.

Work colleague Peter Levet de-tuned and sold his race Cooper 997 to Greg in 1969. Soon after Greg lost his driver’s licence for three months. He allowed another colleague to drive the car in some events. However, the impracticality of driving a race-prepared car on the roads was soon realised and the car was sold soon after.

At one time a Mini Utility with an aluminium canopy was in the stable. Alas only a two seater, someone had to ride in the tray. This only stayed around for a couple of months.

Greg volunteered to be a race mechanic for a friend Richard King (sponsored by Spear Racing) for a couple of years, and travelled to various events in NZ. Many after-work and weekend hours were spent helping prepare this car. The car was powered by a 1310cc Cooper S engine sourced from Australia by King who fitted it to a standard Mini to bring into NZ from Australia.

Around this time, another variant was purchased, a Mk 1 Mini 850 that had been repainted two tone purple, with chrome mag wheels. This car was not in the stable for very long either.

Around 1972, Greg purchased a 1966 Austin Cooper S 1275cc, which he further modified with weber dcoe carburettor and works exhaust. Originally Red with black roof, the car was repainted white and Mk2 grille and tail-lamps were fitted. A Union Jack flag was painted on the bonnet by a local signwriter. The car was sold to finance the first house and land in 1974.

As a motor mechanic Greg worked for a number of garages, including Mini dealers Moncrieff Motors Onehunga and NZ Motor Corp Howick. In 1975 a light blue Mini Mk 1 was purchased with a faulty gearbox, fixed up and painted yellow.

Greg continued his interest in Motor Racing while employed as a Retail Store Manager for Goodyear Tyre Service between 1976 and 1981, and assisted with merchandising promotions at Racing events and through the Graeme Lawrence Race team.

From November 1981 until June 1987 Greg worked for Mazda NZ, who at that time were involved in NZ Rally scene with their RX models. At this time two Austin Allegro cars were used for family transport.

After joining BMW NZ in 1987, the Mini connection was re-established in 1995 with BMW’s takeover of the Rover Group and the Mini marque. Greg is the only person working for MINI NZ that had previously worked for the BMC importership in NZ.

In late 1997 an MG Midget Mk1 was purchased at a Classic Car auction as a project and some restoration was done before on selling a few months later. In 1998 a damaged 1967 Riley Elf was purchased as a project and restored. This was on sold to a work colleague. Shortly after, Greg purchased a yellow 1980 Mini 1000 for his oldest son Tim, continuing the mini-saga. This car was fitted with minilite style wheels, a free-flow exhaust, and a union jack was added to the bonnet. Alas, Tim had an accident and the car was written-off by the insurers.

In 2003 Greg purchased a mint condition 1974 Mini 850, and after some minor work, resold the car to an enthusiast. It had been owned by a lady since brand new and travelled only 67000 kms.

In 2006 a red 1981 Mini 1000 LE was purchased with the idea of refurbishing but it was decided that the car was not worth the effort required and resold. Shortly after, another opportunity arose to purchase a mint red 1980 Mini 1000 from a Palmerston North owner, and this was acquired and now is being refurbished for longevity. Various improvements have been made already and will continue over time.

Greg continues his passion for the MINI brand, and drives a MINI Cooper fleet car on a daily basis, combining work and pleasure.