MINI is out to set some new records on Sunday 24 May when the design icon celebrates 50 years.

Timed to coincide with the MINI United celebration in Silverstone in the UK, the Australian event will see, what is tipped to be, the largest gathering of Minis and customers ever in Australia.

“This is a great opportunity for all drivers of the ‘New’ MINI and ‘Classic’ Mini to get together and celebrate the heritage of this fantastic brand. What makes it really exciting, of course, is that this is happening simultaneously with MINI United celebrations in the UK,” says Justin Hocevar, National Manager MINI.

The gathering will be captured with an aerial photograph of the cars in formation at the Harold Park Raceway in Glebe. A convoy of Minis will then head north on the City West Link, which will take the convoy over the ANZAC Bridge and past the Sydney CBD, before visiting two of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks – the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.

The event is also being used to launch the new Mini Cooper D, which will demonstrate its fuel efficiency in a mammoth trip from Sydney to Perth.

All proceeds from MINI AUnited 2009 will go to the event’s charity partner: Barnados Australia, the Children’s Charity.

For more information on the event visit miniaunited.com.au