Highlights
- MED 1275cc racing engine, modified to maximum bore 1380cc
- Extensively restored
- Impeccable condition inside and out
- Extensive collection of invoices
- crank, rods, pistons and flywheel all balanced and output around 110 BHP
The Appeal
Is there a more iconic British car than the Mini? From its racing pedigree to its impressive movie career, these nifty little motors are a bona fide legend in automotive history. From those very early MK1s back in 1959, the Mini shot from success to success and resulted in a horde of special editions, one of the most famous being the Mini Tahiti. This was a special car in its own right, with a special pearlescent paint scheme, alloy wheels and bespoke decals - however, this one goes even further.
Modified and restored at a cost of around £22,000, this Mini is nothing short of incredible. With a specially-modified racing engine, body kit and exceptional bespoke paint job, this certainly stands out from the average Mini and for good reason. This must undoubtedly be one of the finest custom Minis on the market today, and will make a welcome addition to any Mini enthusiast's fleet.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 21/01/1994
- Accompanied by an extensive collection of service history and invoices covering around £22,000 in expenditure
- V5 registration document present, highlighting this to be a genuine Tahiti Mini
- MOT records indicate incredibly limited mileage covered in recent years
- Current owner purchased the vehicle in 2018, at which point the car was stripped down and subject to a rigorous mechanical and aesthetic restoration with a series of custom touches
- Dry stored throughout current ownership
The Interior
- Incredibly clean, well-presented interior
- New walnut dash fitted during restoration
- Two-tone black and grey seating in excellent condition
- New black headliner fitted
- New dial faces
- Smart collection of switchgear nestled in the front dash panel, all reported to be in good working order
- 3-spoke leather Cooper steering wheel
- Stylish black door panels, extremely clean with metal finish and billet-style door fittings
- Sony head unit
- Dash mounted speakers
- Cabin-mounted fire extinguisher in the driver-side footwell
- High-quality walnut and plastic interior trim
- Clean and simple boot area, with solid, body-coloured floors
- Pop-out rear windows
The Exterior
- Exceptional white paintwork
- Union Jack roof motif
- White paint of a marvellous standard, distinctly lacking in wear, it's a true testament to the quality of the restoration and the aftercare the car has received
- Subject to highly extensive respray during restoration
- Custom front and rear valance linked into flared arches
- Brilliant chrome trim throughout
- Clear rear light lenses
- Triple fog lights mounted at the front end
- Four anthracite deep dish superlite alloy wheels
- Absolute marvel from an aesthetic perspective, a real head turner
- Panel gaps and shut lines appear concise and consistent throughout
- Bullet-style side mirrors
- Good quality glass with new windscreen and door rubbers
The Mechanics
- A truly special Mini from a mechanical standpoint
- Fitted with a 1275cc Mini engine extensively rebuilt by MED Racing Works
- Overhauled by Lowman racing engines during the car's restoration
- Extensive restoration included:
- Reportedly rebuilt to maximum bore with racing pistons, upping the engine capacity to 1380cc
- Crankshaft regrind and balanced with all new shells
- New oil pump
- New camshaft and timing chain
- Cylinder head and block both skimmed
- New larger valves / valve seats and valve guides
- New rockers with race springs
- New water pump
- New exhaust manifold
- New twin DCO 40 weber carburettor with ported manifold
- All new hoses
- New sports radiator
- New sports fuel pump and regulator
- Gearbox fully rebuilt with new balanced flywheel and borg & beck clutch
- Crank regrind with new shells
- Larger valves and new rockers with race springs
- New water pump, hoses and radiator
- New manifolds with Weber DCOE 40 carburettor, sports fuel pump and regulator
- Gearbox fully rebuilt, balanced flywheel and new borg and beck clutch
- Suspension refreshed with new shocks all round
- Fires into life with ease, with a brilliant tone bellowing from the rear mounted exhaust
- Owner reports a truly excellent driving experience, incredibly raw and endlessly fun
Summary
As classic Minis go, this one certainly does take some beating. A specially-modified racing engine, rebuilt gearbox and extensive aesthetic restoration make for a truly epic little car. Having been dry stored and seen very limited use since its restoration, L740 TTR still presents in an exceptionally clean fashion and must undoubtedly be one of the best custom Minis out there.
Small, stylish and incredibly quick, this Tahiti Mini is the very definition of a pocket rocket and will most definitely bring endless fun and smiles to its new loving owner.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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