Mintex launches brakes for entire classic market
Global leaders in brake friction technology, Mintex, gave attendees at Goodwood Revival Festival an exclusive first look at its new range of brake pads and shoe linings, which will service the entire classic car market, ahead of its official launch in 2016.
Mintex, which is one of the most famous brands in motorsport with more than 90 years of race winning experience, has been manufacturing brake systems for over 100 years. As one of the pioneers of the brake discs and pads that we know today, Mintex will extend its racing range to ensure parts are readily available on a wide range of classic cars including AC Cobra, Ford GT40, Jaguar D-Type/E-Type, Aston Martin and Ferrari.
Mintex Classic has been specially designed for the classic rally and circuit racing industry as the pads reach a higher temperature and torque rating than standard cars. The brakes will use modern materials on historic back plates to refashion pads from the late 1950s and shoes from earlier, helping Mintex recreate a period of racing dominance.
Lawrence Bleasdale, Strategic Sales Director of Mintex, said: “Many of the classic vehicles at Goodwood Revival were braking with Mintex. Up until now, the classic market only makes a fraction of the parts for vehicle owners, which means they have to have their brakes bespoke made. This often takes time and comes at a higher price. Our new Mintex Classic collection builds on our already recognised reputation in the classic racing industry, and will offer a complete service to the classic race market.”
In addition to its extensive range of classic brakes, Mintex can make one-off bespoke brakes for any type of classic car.
Mintex is a brand synonymous with historic braking, documenting a long line of racing successes stretching back to Le Mans’ famous “Bentley Boys” of the 1920s. The brand further enhanced its reputation after fitting Supermarine Spitfires with brake liners during World War II’s Battle of Britain, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.
The 1950s saw Mintex aid Jaguar to an unrivalled level of supremacy, changing motor racing history with the introduction of a new revolutionary and innovative disc brake technology. Ultimately, the disc brake proved to be a success, helping Jaguar become the first car in Le Mans history to win using disc brakes. The pioneering disc brakes progressively became standard production fitment on all cars from the late 1950s to the present day.
Lawrence Bleasdale added: “Le Mans is world-renowned as one of the toughest endurance races, and between its inauguration in 1923 and today, Mintex helped aid more than 30 victories, ranging from the famous “Bentley Boys” to Jaguar’s 1950s dominance, putting us at the forefront of racing history.
“Alongside the Le Mans victories, Mike Hawthorn used and praised Mintex after his 1958 Formula One victory, and Jack Brabham drove the Mintex-equipped Cooper to win the Formula One World Championship in 1959, proving our excellence when it comes to racing brake technology.”