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As we begin a new year we are full of anticipation of what 2014 will bring. We know that there will be some fantastic feature cars built, some amazing Mini shows to attend and great fun had with Mini friends. But everyone is talking about the IMM – and it won't take place until July! Highlight 31 July to 3 August on your calendar now! The IMM (International Mini Meeting) takes place in England every fifth year to coincide with a fifth anniversary year of the Mini's birthday. So this year we are celebrating 55 years since the Mini's launch in 1959. Southern Mini Owners Club promises that the IMM will not only be a fantastic meeting but it will also be a worthy event for Mini 55 – no pressure then! We know, however, that the club has a great reputation for organising events such as its Southern Mini Days weekender and we know that the core members are putting all they can into organising a fantastic celebration for Mini fans. We wish them the best of luck with their planning. In the meantime there are plenty of other Mini events before the IMM. Turn to page 24 for some more diary dates. Inside this issue there are some brilliant feature cars, ranging from a restored Mk3 Cooper S to a full-on Z Cars build. Plus we are pleased to include a Garage feature from Mini engineer extraordinaire AC Dodd on fi tting unleaded valve seat inserts. As if that wasn't enough we are chuffed to have interviewed Stan Field, one of Alec Issigonis' original Mini design team. He has some great memories of working with the team at Longbridge and we're grateful to him for sharing them with us. I hope you enjoy the issue.