Truth be told, some of us are a bit scared of Serbia. News of conflict involving the former Yugoslav republic has hit the headlines plenty of times over

the last 20 years, gaining it a reputation as the ‘bad boy of the Balkans’ and keeping it off many people’s tourist map.

With such a perception, you’d be forgiven for thinking Serbia is a pretty crazy place to take your beloved car. But in reality Serbia is nothing like certain people would have you believe. I was lucky enough to discover its misrepresented merits whilst attending a friend’s wedding last year. It instantly became one of my favourite destinations. But never in a million years did I think I’d be back there to attend a Mini event. After all, I’d not seen a single Mini during my first trip.

As it turned out, I was wrong. Thanks to Mini Club Serbia, 2009 saw the region’s first major Mini event take place in the capital city of Belgrade, dubbed the ‘Balkan IMM’ to commemorate the Mini’s 50th. The inaugural Balkanska Minijada event was a big hit, and buoyed by its success the club decided to stage a similar bash again this year. Keen to attend and without any thought for the practicalities or expense, I told everyone I would be there — and so would my Mini.

With the Bavarian IMM conveniently placed, I made arrangements with Gregor and Jolanda Obronek of the Slovenian Mini Club to leave my car at their home near Maribor after the event, before flying home and collecting it a month later. After making some light preparation to my long-suffering Mini Sprite (read: a massive

suspension and brake overhaul) I headed for Germany and then off to Slovenia as planned. Just under four weeks later I was back, on the very day England played Slovenia at the World Cup, to join Gregor, his fellow club members and a healthy quota of Croatian Mini fans on the 500km route to Serbia. Many of these people actually met in Serbia at last year’s event, so its impact cannot be underestimated.

You can read all about the trails and tribulations of our road trip, including the infamous Serbian border controls, in a future issue. But for now I’m delighted to report we made it to Belgrade unscathed. The Club had organised two hotels for us all to stay in, including secure parking. Happily mine was close to the centre, so I joined forces with a few others and visited the cool bohemian area of Belgrade,

Big in the Balkans Serbia may seem an offbeat destination for a Mini Show, but as the 2010 Balkanska Minijada proved, its right up there with the best of ‘em. Words Jeff Ruggles Photography Jeff Ruggles & Georgios Donios

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Show report

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Skadarlija, for some food and drinks.The following day was to be the big

one, which saw all the Minis line up around a picturesque garden in the shadow of the City Assembly. Last year there was comfortably enough room, but this year it was a struggle to fit all the cars in. Serbian, Croatian, Slovenian and Greek Minis were best represented. But there were also more cars from Hungary, Bulgaria, Poland, Bosnia, Montenegro, and, of course, one from England — in fact, we’d brought the first British Mini to ever attend a Serbian Mini event. Several other classic British cars were on display including an Austin Healey 100/4, several classic Triumphs, an MGB and a mint 1100/1300, together with a MkII Jaguar and even a Reliant Regal van in Only Fools and Horses livery!

Whilst the cars were parked up we headed to a nearby car museum, where we got a good look behind the scenes and caught up on a bite to eat. Then it was off to the Autokomerc Karting Centre just outside the city, which is the only professional kart circuit in the Balkans. This would be the venue for a static show, but not before we all stopped for the free 10-litres of fuel that the organisers had kindly provided for us (can’t imagine that happening at an English event!).

A Yellow Serb Machine Mirko Divac is joined by pals Branko Jankovic and Nebojsa Vladzic alongside his 1977 Mini 1100, which has covered just 40,000km from new and remains in great condition.

You’ve been Vlad, mate Mini Club Serbia president Vladimir Kovacevic and his family with his 1971 Mini 1000.

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Driving in convoy through Belgrade.

Bostjan Lukezic’s Hayabusa Mini looked awesome on the kart track

Once at the kart centre, the cars were lined up much in the style of a traditional Mini event. There was a barbecue to keep everyone fed, while the club were doing a roaring trade selling some excellent merchandise.

Our travel companion, Gregor, was also having a busy time selling Mini parts with friend Filip. You can imagine how difficult it is to obtain spares in this part of the world, so Gregor is seen as something of a lifesaver.

Racing on the kart track was also promised, which I thought meant racing in karts. In the Balkans they do things

differently though, and it soon transpired it was the Minis that would be doing timed runs around the twisty circuit! Mini Club Slovenia president Ale Glavan was quickest overall during a hugely entertaining session, but my Mini also won an award for fastest female driver. And no, it wasn’t me driving...

The evening saw a return to Belgrade, where the drinking and partying went on until the early hours. But that wasn’t all, for the following day we made our way to a nice restaurant for a large group meal.

It was a fitting conclusion to a fantastic weekend, which went largely without

a hitch. Sure, the local Police failed to provide the expected convoy through the city, but otherwise everything was great. When you consider that it was organised by just six people, it was a real credit to Mini Club Serbia president Vladimir Kovacevic and the rest of his team.

Best of all, politics were pushed aside as the event united the former Yugoslav nations in appreciation of everything Mini. If you’re looking for evidence of the power of our favourite little car, then look no further than this event. Here’s hoping we get to see it all again next year.

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Getting interviewed for Serbian TV.

Show report

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