Description
I originally bought this car for my son over 3 years ago, on the understanding it was the cheapest we could find to insure for a new driver. We also checked prices and determined that this was a car that would easily hold its value, and possibly increase in time.
Having bought the mini, and noticing several areas of rust, we then decided on a comprehensive rebuild and refurbishment process, including new floor panels, the repairing and repainting of all rusty bodywork, a full suspension and engine rebuild, and a virtually all new interior refit. The work was completed over approximately 2 years, with parts costing over £3000!
The result is a rust free car that in many ways feels like a new vehicle, albeit with all the characteristics of a car that is nearly 40 years old, which will soon be MOT and Tax exempt.
The work to the car is fully documented, with numerous photographs, bills and receipts. It has sailed through the last two MOTs, with no advisories and boasts a clean burning engine that pulls across the rev range, making the most of its 998cc engine and 40bhp! Despite the relatively low power by today's standards, being a classic mini with new suspension, it goes round corners like on rails, so a new or experienced driver can enjoy a great sense of speed, whilst remaining well within national limits.
The interior is a nod to rallying, in that it includes cobra bucket seats, race harnesses and a Momo steering wheel. We have deleted the heater, not least as they are bulky items and generally don't work very well, but it can be refitted if needed. We have also removed the (saggy) headlining and painted the roof, which we think is a big improvement. Had we kept the car, we would have developed this theme further with mud flaps, a roll cage and possibly a larger engine, as well as a little more work to the paintwork, just to bring it up to a showroom standard. As things stand, however, the car is unmodified so far as insurance purposes are concerned, retaining the original engine and matched parts, where these have been replaced - e. g. timing chain, camshaft, oil and water pumps. Other new parts include the radiator, all hoses, clutch, clutch slave cylinder, exhaust, battery, shock absorbers, suspension cones and wheel bearings. The engine rebuild included all new main and big end bearings, piston rings, valves, guides, push rods, springs, gaskets, seals and filters.
I could go on, but those that are interested can contact me and I will send additional photos and documents, as well as answer any questions. Better still, I will, of course, also be delighted to show you the car and encourage any inspection. As to the value, I'm genuinely open to sensible offers, but I would challenge anyone to find a car that is as good as this one for the money!
