PressClub Global · Article.
ReBorn in the Netherlands.
Tue May 07 12:05:00 CEST 2013 Press Release
VDL Nedcar employees restore the first Mini built in the Netherlands in 1959.
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BMW Group
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Munich/Rijswijk.Today VDL Nedcar employees started
the restoration of one of the first Dutch Minis. This classic Mini –
one of the oldest Minis in the world – was assembled in 1959 at
Molenaar’s Car Factory in Amersfoort, Holland and is now being
completely rebuilt by a team of five VDL Nedcar employees.
They were selected from the pool of 1,500 VDL Nedcar employees
who will be involved in the future production of MINI at VDL Nedcar in
Born. The plant is currently in preparation for MINI contract
manufacturing starting in the second half of 2014. It makes MINI the
only car brand that will be in series production in the Netherlands.
MINI built in the Netherlands.
For the second time in history this British icon will be
produced in the Netherlands. From its year of introduction (1959) up
until 1966 the importer J.J. Molenaar’s Car Companies in Amersfoort
assembled over 4,000 Minis. BMW Group Netherlands initiated a search
for one such Mini built in the Netherlands.
Having found this Classic Mini, VDL Nedcar reacted
enthusiastically and put together the restoration team, made up of a
bodywork builder, a welder, a painter, an engine specialist and a
project manager.
Before the end of this year the genuine Dutch Mini ought to be
reborn in the same factory in which a new generation of Dutch MINIs
will be produced in the second half of 2014. The restoration process
may be followed every step of the way on MINI’s Dutch Facebook page.
After the start of the MINI production in Born this oldest of
Dutch Minis can be seen at VDL Nedcar. The Mini - officially
recognized by the international 1959 Mini Register – will then be put
in a prominent place in the Dutch factory as a token of the 1,500
employees’ pride.