INTERVIEW
Techno Classica Essen
Mini-Register Welcomes a Guest from England
100 years of the English car - such was the motto of the Techno Classica which took place in Essen from 3 - 7 April in Essen. 750 exhibitors from 15 countries presented a cross-section of the world of old-timers in 16 halls.
Mini-Register Germany in Hall 7 introduced a special guest from Longbridge (Birmingham), the production works of the legendary Mini Cooper. Brian Dipple (see photo) has been working as a bodywork builder on the Mini since Day One in 1959 and has experienced all the ups and downs of this classic.
We wanted to know if they have a tea break at the Mini Works or if the Mini workers themselves drive a Mini. Here are some excerpts of the interview with Brian Dipple:
Mini-Register: Mr. Dipple, welcome to Germany on behalf of all the Mini fans here. Thank you for coming along today and taking some time to answer our questions.
Brian Dipple: Thank you for asking me.
Mini-Register: First of all, have you ever owned a Mini yourself?
Brian Dipple: Yes, I had a black Mini. My son ruined the gear box. My partner has had four and still has one at present.
Mini-Register: If you had the chance of getting one free, which one would you have chosen?
Brian Dipple: The Mini Cooper S.
Mini-Register: The Coopers in the sixties had built up an outstanding reputation for being successful in motor sport. Did those of you on the production line feel the effects of this in any way?
Brian Dipple: Yes, I was on the late shift when I heard Paddy Hopkirk had won The Monte Carlo Rally. We all stopped work, made tea and celebrated!
Mini-Register: There was a massive drop in Mini sales in the late seventies and its days seemed to be numbered. Were you concerned, apart from fearing that you might lose your job?
Brian Dipple: Yes, but thanks to the public outcry and people, such as yourself, it was decided to continue.
|
Mini-Register:
The seventies and early eighties saw a number of cars
which were supposed to replace the Mini, but none of them
had any real success. I am thinking for example of the
1275GT and Clubman series, which at least kept the Mini
character, and the Bertone stuff (Inno 90 and 120 de
Tomaso) and the Metro. Did any of you at Longbridge think
that they could really replace the real thing, our Mini? Brian Dipple: No, because to us it was still a Mini with a square front. Mini-Register: What do you think of the Concept Car based on the MG TF running gear which was introduced to the media at the Monte Carlo Rally this year? Brian Dipple: Because of my age, I'm not sure I like it, but the younger work- force hope it will be a success. |
Mini-Register: Let's discuss the Mini's character: The Mini has seen a lot of technical changes due to environmental requirements. Everything is now electronic, where it used to be all mechanical and self-serviceable. It now has a super long final drive, whereas in the past, it used to react ultra fast. Do you think that one can really compare the Minis from the various decades in question?
Brian Dipple: No comparison to the early models because of public demand for improvement which has been cleverly brought in whilst still keeping the Mini basic shape.
Mini-Register: To come back to the last question: Is the total change in the Mini's character a loss or a gain as far as you are concerned?
Brian Dipple: A gain, because the changes have meant the continuation of the Mini, thus keeping me in employment.
Mini-Register: Mr. Dipple, the end of Mini production has been in sight a few times, but has never happened. Now its days are definitely numbered. Would the end of MINI production also mean your retirement at the same time?
Brian Dipple: I expect production to cease slowly in the Year 2000. I then have another two years to go before retirement. I think I will be placed on another Rover model for these two years.
Mini-Register: What kind of insider advice could you give to those of us who wish to use a Mini every day, for as long as possible?
Brian Dipple: I can't really advise - only to tell you to keep driving and enjoying them.
Mini-Register: Should we wait until the last minute when production is running out to buy a new Mini, or do you think that sales will stop overnight and that it is better to buy one sooner rather than later?
Brian Dipple: No, keep buying them. The more you buy, the more chance there is of them being made longer.
Mini-Register: Thank you answering these initial round of questions. Our friends and visitors would now like to put their own questions to you. Thank you for being here with us today and for talking to us and answering our questions.
Brian Dipple: Thank you for making us so welcome.
This interview was made at the Techno Classica 1997 in Essen/Germany between Peter Brummund of the MINI REGISTER and Mr. Brian Dipple, who works on the Mini production line.
Photographs: Mini Register of Germany, Mini Wolrd Magazine and Classic and Sportscar
Photographic Art: Robert Webster, Mini Register von Deutschland
