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Gary is a fan of all Minis, but he has a particular interest in saving the less common variants. Included in his collection are examples of the short-lived Wolseley Hornet and Riley Elf - models that were Mini-based but with an extended boot lid, which added 8.5-inches to their overall length. Paul & Harry Willetts - 1993 Nissan 300ZX Turbo

Gary Parsons has owned ‘Norman’, his affectionately named Mini Clubman Estate, for the last eight years. During that time, Gary repaired Norman’s rusty doors and floors, finishing it off with a respray in its original colour - an oh-so-seventies shade of ‘Russet Brown’. Norman is powered by the lesser-seen 1098cc A-series engine, with Gary commenting that the larger Clubman front-end allows him more space to work in the engine bay.

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January’s Coffee & Chrome was also a chance to catch up over a coffee and meet new people in what is normally the quietest period in the show calendar. Footman James caught up with several owners on the day and found out what makes their classic so special to them. Here’s a small selection of who we spoke to… Gary Parsons - 1978 Austin Mini Clubman Estate

Funnily enough, I’m not a long lost relative of Louis Delâge , the company’s French founder,” David said. “The name similarity is partly the reason why I bought it. People appreciate my sense of humour, and it’s always a conversation starter at shows which raises a smile.” Owner Paul Willets and grandson Harry arrived in an extremely well-loved example of the Nissan 300ZX twin-turbo, which Paul has owned for over 22 years. It’s a rare UK-spec car, equipped with an equally rare manual gearbox, and has only covered 45,000 miles from new. Paul added a stainless-steel exhaust and TR7 alloy wheels to replace the original steel items and visits up to 13 events a year with the Triumph TR Register. Paul has no complaints about the running costs and reliability. Despite the TR7 usually being garaged over the winter, the pair made a special exception to bring it out for our Coffee & Chrome meet – thank you Paul and Byron! I had an out of warrantee repair on my BE. Unusual grinder problem so new one fitted. Fault probably down to me. It wasn't long out. I suspect they have a fairy godmother attitude at times but wouldn't bank on it happening all of the time. The man I talked to at Sage did say things had changed there but didn't elaborate. He implied improved, maybe why they repaired it.Paul said: “I use the car on nice days and for car shows. The car is all original, apart from the fitment of newer 350Z wheels. That has enabled me to keep the original and now rare-to-source alloy wheels in excellent condition. In return for keeping on top of the maintenance, I get to run a classic that’s been cheap to own for many years." I bought it in fairly good condition, or so I thought,” Gary told us. “ But I discovered it was suffering from rot in the usual areas that affect Minis. I have it the way I want it now and can’t see myself parting with it yet; how often do you see Clubman Estates?”