The weekend of the 21st/22nd of September saw the 10th Anniversary of Kop Hill Climb, set in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire.
Since it’s revival in 2009, Kop Hill Climb has become a well-loved National Car Event, attracting anywhere between 14000 – 18000 visitors across the weekend every year.
Our dear friend & World renowned Mini Legend, Paddy Hopkirk MBE, has been a Patron of KHC since it’s revival & continues to support this volunteer led venture year in, year out – which up until 2018 had raised a massive £647,000 (with this years monies raised still to be confirmed) for local charities.
Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Mini & 55 years since Paddy Hopkirk & Henry Liddon’s iconic Monte Carlo victory in a Mini Cooper S, the organisers invited Paddy to drive his Minis – his 33EJB replica & 6EMO, up this infamous Hill Climb, & display them in a dedicated Mini display area – to be known as “Paddy’s Paddock”!
Mini Sport were extended the invitation to join Paddy at the event & we had a fantastic 2 days! Arriving early on Saturday, we unloaded both of Paddy’s Minis – that Paddy entrusts us to maintain & house them both, also transporting them to various events throughout the year. Kicking the Weekend’s Celebrations off with a parade, Paddy behind the wheel of his EJB replica whizzed round the closed-road route waving to people who watched eagerly from the side of the road for Giant Slayer Hopkirk to pass. Taking part in 2 competitive runs, Paddy was joined in the Mini by motorcycling legend & 11 time British Champion Sammy Miller, who was overjoyed at the opportunity to sit in with the Patron.
After the torrential downpour that put a dampener on Sunday Morning’s events, Paddy set about meeting lucky fans & signing autographs, where he had also been joined by his wife Jenny.
All in all, it was another fantastic weekend at Kop Hill Climb and we hope that lots of money was raised for the wonderful local causes!
To keep up-to-date with all of Paddy Hopkirk’s scheduled appearances, please keep an eye on his Facebook page here.
You can also check out the exclusive Paddy Hopkirk Mini Collection on his website here.
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