Beschreibung
The Mini needs little introduction but this one is a very special highly modified car. It started off life as a Mini 850 before being converted and “nut and bolt” restored, 25 years ago. The quality of the restoration shows; it’s in more or less the same, beautiful condition today, has had just two owners since. It was featured in “Mini World” back in November 1999 having won first place in 11 out of 11 shows that year.
The body renovation was complete with new wings, door skins, front panels, sills and various repair sections. An MG Metro engine was purchased and bored to 1293cc before being rebuilt with Hepolite pistons, an unleaded Cooper head, HIF44 SU carburettor and various other mods. A Cooper gearbox was fitted with the later 3. 1:1 final drive ratio which allows better use of the cars power (which we estimate at 80-90bhp) and MG Metro 4- pot callipers and discs with 1275GT drums at the rear. The suspension was rebuilt with hi-lo’s and Koni dampers. The cabriolet conversion kit came from “Autodesign” of Kent who were acknowledged as the best (their conversions were sold through BL dealers and several hundred were made in the 80’s and 90’s) before the modified and rebuilt shell was sent off for a high quality re-paint then re-assembly. The colour is a beautiful custom green.
Completing the picture, there is a very long list of additional upgrades, too much to list here but in brief, Wood and Picket arches and stainless exhaust, full leather interior with front Recaros and matching door cards, alarm with central locking, stereo with rear parking camera, elm wood dashboard, extensive engine bay chrome-work, Revolution wheels and twin fuel tanks.
The car presents in beautiful order with an immaculate body coloured underside and inner arches and it’s mechanically strong. Perhaps the best aspect is the way it drives – it’s very quick with superb handling and a lovely exhaust note. The builder of this car was clearly determined to create something that drives as well as it looks.
We bought this car as a bereavement sale and it had not been used for some time so we have just carried out some re-commissioning including an engine service and a few test miles. It is now ready to use. It’s also unique and would cost a small fortune to build today so it offers superb value. Comes with car cover and comprehensive history file with photographic record of re-build and copy of Mini World featuring article on this car.
Viewing in Biddulph Staffs.
