PressClub Global · Article.
Back to the 70s with Mr. Bean’s classic Mini.
Thu Sep 26 09:00:00 CEST 2013 Press Release
Mr. Bean's classic Mini to star in Creme 21 Youngtimer Rally.
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Author.
Andreas Lampka
BMW Group
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Munich. Automotive legends from the 1970s and 1980s
will line up for the start of the twelfth 'Creme 21 Youngtimer Rally'
in Spa, Belgium on 25 September 2013. Taking central stage will be BMW
Group Classic’s classic Mini Mark III, conspicuous not just because of
its vibrant 'Citron' yellow paintwork but also because of its
colourful TV history. It is one of the classic Minis driven by actor
and car enthusiast Rowan Atkinson in his role as Mr. Bean in the
British comedy series of the same name.
The participating Mini was built in 1974, but it wasn’t until
the 1990s it became famous as a central character in the Mr. Bean
series. A total of 14 episodes of the series were filmed between 1989
and 1995, in which the character played by Atkinson had several comic
adventures and near misses behind the wheel of his distinctive
black-bonneted yellow Mini.
The car, which is one of the few Minis featured in the series to
survive the on-screen antics, is powered by a 4-cylinder, 1.0 litre
engine with an output of just 27 kW or 34 bhp. During its TV career it
also had a detachable steering wheel and a padlock, vital to Mr. Bean
in ensuring that he never became separated from his favourite
four-wheeled friend.
The Creme 21 circuit, Europe's biggest annual 'youngtimer'
rally, is named after the 1970s cult cosmetics range and each year it
leads participants through some of Germany’s most spectacular
countryside. Seven stages covering 1000 kilometres are planned for
this year's event, which takes place 25-29 September. The route
remains a closely guarded secret until the start flag is waved,
however the entrants know that they have to complete a number of
stages over the four days, in which they will have to demonstrate
their skills with the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals.
The starting grid of this year's event will see 180 cars built
between 1970 and 1990 line up. When choosing the participants, the
rally's organisers make sure that there is a diverse and eclectic mix
of cars on display. As a result, Mr. Bean's classic Mini will line up
alongside much larger and more powerful contestants including several
BMW 6 Series models and even a legendary BMW Z1 roadster.