Reimagined 1959 Austin Minis will compete in the St. Mary’s Trophy at the 2025 Goodwood Revival for the first time ever.
For the first time in history, 1959 specification Austin Minis will compete in the St. Mary’s Trophy race at the 2025 Goodwood Revival, bringing a new chapter to one of the most anticipated historic racing events in the world.
Traditionally, the biennial pre-1960 grid at Goodwood excluded the Mini, given its motorsport fame came largely in the 1960s. This year, however, organizers have made an exception, allowing the beloved small car to join the field. To meet the challenge, Austin Cars Ltd — a newly formed company dedicated to reimagining classic Minis — has prepared two 1959-style racers specifically for the event.
The project is the work of a team well-known in classic motoring circles. Austin Cars Ltd shares management with Burlen Ltd, the company behind SU, Amal, and Zenith carburettors, as well as Austin Pedal Cars. Owens Fabrication of Wales produced the bodyshells and roll cages, while Swiftune Engineering supplied the race-tuned A-Series engines. The result is a pair of faithful recreations that capture the spirit of the original Minis while built for competition.
Each car has been designed to mimic the earliest Minis, right down to their raised ride height, single SU carburettor, “wand” gear lever, and less powerful A-Series engines. Presented in Farina Grey, an original 1959 Austin color, they differ noticeably from the Cooper S racers that have long been Goodwood staples.
The Minis will be piloted by company managing director Mark Burnett, Swiftune’s Nick Swift, endurance racing champion Darren Turner, and former Formula One driver Karun Chandhok. As with all St. Mary’s Trophy races, results will be determined by aggregate times across both Saturday and Sunday heats.
“Minis are such a popular sight at Goodwood, and I am very excited to see them racing in the 1950s version of the St. Mary’s Trophy,” said Will Kinsman, Goodwood’s editorial and content director.
For spectators, the debut represents both nostalgia and novelty — the first chance to see the Mini compete where it previously never could, promising one of the weekend’s most memorable showdowns.
