For 2010, Goodwood added Mini-based specials to its Revival race programme, and to mark the occasion we thought it would be fun to run through some of the options. All these cars were built in tiny numbers but, like their progenitor, remain incredibly exciting to drive.

More so than with most classics, there’s a huge difference in value between a usable road machine and a top-notch pre-’66 race car with FIA papers, yet either will guarantee you a lot of fun – on road or track.

£75,000
DEEP SANDERSON
Possibly the most interestingly named option, the Deep Sanderson 301 and 302 were designed by former Morgan racer Chris Lawrence and followed a similar formula to the Marcos. They packaged Mini-Cooper running gear in a streamlined body, and were conceived with competition in mind. Examples ran at Le Mans in 1963, ’64 and ’68, and that makes the 301/302 a prime candidate for FIA historic racing. If you can find one – the last one to sell went for 0,000 in the USA.

£10,000
OGLE SX1000
Produced by a design company responsible for products as diverse as the Reliant Scimitar and the Raleigh Chopper, the Ogle SX1000 possesses much more style than its contemporary Mini-based rivals. It wasn’t cheap to buy, though, doubling the price of the original car. Around 66 were made between 1962 and 1964, but it’s being built again by Nostalgia Cars. Finding one is tough, so expect to pay from £3000 for a rough, original car.

£25,000
MINI-MARCOS
Like the other specials, the Marcos was made in the Mini’s golden era, between 1965 and ’70. However, it has continued to be built to this day by various operations, and that means there’s a relatively ample supply. The pre-’66 FIA-approved cars stand apart in values, costing much, much more: the earliest kits are the most desirable and so are valued accordingly. The Marcos has good Le Mans provenance, being the only UK car to finish in 1966.

£30,000
UNIPOWER GT
The Unipower GT was first shown at the 1966 Racing Car Show – fitting, because competition-oriented drivers were the target market for Universal Power Drives Ltd’s car. By 1970, around 75 had been built. It was a clever thing, with the Mini’s engine/gearbox unit mid-mounted for optimum weight distribution.  It’s still in demand as a circuit car thanks to amazing handling, and commands big prices in concours condition or with FIA papers.