1964 ’33 EJB’ Mini Cooper S Replica
Belfast native Patrick Barron “Paddy” Hopkirk is one of Northern Ireland’s most successful sportsmen thanks to his illustrious rallying career. Paddy was a professional racing and rally driver in the sixties and seventies. He has tasted success in many motorsport events worldwide but gained notable acclaim for his the momentous victory as the winner of the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally in 33EJB, a Mini Cooper. 33EJB Paddy Hopkirk’s winning Mini Cooper S has become an illustrious icon, which defines both the success of Paddy Hopkirk and the significance of the Mini in the golden era of Rallying. This exact replica of the iconic car was completely built by the late Graham McConnel to the original specification of the 1964 Mini Cooper ’33 EJB’ . The car is now owned by Paddy Hopkirk himself and homed at Mini Sport, where we preserve the fantastic work of Graham McConnel. When reunited with this replica, Paddy described it as ‘…better than the car at Gaydon’ and lead the parade in it at the 50th anniversary gala of his Monte win, in Belfast last year.
Monte Carlo Rally Victory
The Monte Carlo Rally was opened in 1911 by Prince Albert I and organised by the ‘Automobile Club de Monaco’ who now also organise the Monaco Grand Prix. Since its grand beginnings the world famous stages have seen many famous cars come and go. The Monte Carlo Rally was often seen as a benchmark for good cars to reach with the winners receiving not only credibility but exceptional publicity too – 33EJB being one of the most successful and recognised Mini’s across the World.
In the 60s it was the turn of the Mini to take to the forefront of the Motoring world, clocking up 5 wins and several class wins, with this period of heavy success the Mini became synonymous with the Monte Carlo Rally and will always be remembered for being the underdog that took the crown in those challenging, icy conditions.
33EJB for Hire
Now homed and maintained at Mini Sport, the 33EJB replica is available exclusively for hire. All profits made from the hire of 33EJB will be donated to Paddy Hopkirk’s charity which provides motor vehicle education and training accessible to young people facing unemployment throughout the UK.
