The search for a solid reliable donor car commenced in early 2019 to replicate a mini clubman the family rallied during late 1970s. 

Six months later, this example, a once 1000cc automatic mobility car, now turned big engine manual transmission-ed pocket rocket, was found. A well maintained 1310cc engine and brand-new rear subframe were the key qualities that sealed the deal. 

After initial purchase, the car was driven daily to bring any issues to the forefront and in November of the same year work began with a full strip down and a professional rebuild with new body panels and a full respray in Vermillion Orange. 

During reassembly, various other aspects of the car were given a going over with new or refurbished parts which we go into in more depth below. 

The engine came out last year and the front subframe was cleaned, checked and re-sealed with Schultz underbody covering, since then the car has been enjoying weekly trips to shows. 

The owner is now selling to focus on other projects. 

The owner has kept a comprehensive file on all the work done to the car and parts purchased for it, there is a handwritten specification list for the engine and gearbox and the documentation is there for all the body and paint work done recently to the vehicle. 

Whilst in this owner’s care the car has been driven most weekends to a show especially over the summer months where the car gets a lot of positive attention. 

The majority of the interior has been modified with ‘reversibility’ in mind, there has been no major changes to the metal work or major modification of any internal trim. 

The back bench is still in place and the owner is keen to highlight that the original rear bench is currently stored safely in the garage and can be included in the sale. There are rally inspired modifications everywhere you look in here and it really gives off the impression that it would be a serious machine in such an event. 

There is a communication device, additions to hold your pens and clipboards, harnesses and metal foot plates along with an impressive dashboard build with timing gear and a map light with a huge tachometer sat just above the steering wheel. 

This dashboard build again is removable should the new owner want to return it to standard or put their own stamp on the car. 

The main thing that stands out with the car is the paint, you certainly wouldn’t lose it in a car park, which is useful with it being a mini. 

The Clubman was often thought of as the uglier mini but we think and we’re sure you’ll agree that its aged just as well if not better than its ‘round nose’ counterpart. 

The car’s new body panels are as follows, front valance panel, scuttle, A-pillars, two new front wings, door skins, rear quarter panels and mouldings as well as new seam trims. 

The wheels are 12” ‘superlight’ alloys with Yokohama rubber on the front and Falken branded ones on the rear, the blue/grey colour looks perfect when mixed with the bright orange body and matter black accents around the rest of the car. 

Throughout the rest of the exterior there have been new additions too, the front indicator lenses and bumpers are new items, whereas the roof is covered in a matte black vinyl and looks superb in contrast against the bright orange paint. 

The 1310cc engine is a rebored 1275cc unit with Omega high compression pistons, ARP big end bolts and studs, a Kent 286 camshaft, high-capacity oil pump, water pump and an oil cooler kit. 

This all adds up to a package that not only sounds fantastic but is more than capable of moving the little mini at a fair lick of speed. This is all done through an MED straight cut, drop gear kit gearbox mated to a featherweight flywheel, AP organic clutch and an Avonbar cross pin diff. 

The car runs and drives well and has completed many hundreds of miles since the rebuild back and forth to summer shows. 

On the day of our photoshoot, the car started on the turn of the key and idled well on the choke, the small distance it drove we heard no unwanted noises but instead just a lively exhaust note that encourages you to drive the mini like it needs to be to get the most out of it. 

With fully adjustable suspension, the road handling set up is dialled in and can be further tweaked easily, a small coil spring replaces the rubber donut style suspension of old which results in a more linear compression. 

The car runs and drives great as it is but the owner stated that the car is running a tad rich due to a full professional strip clean and refurb of the single 45 weber, and would benefit from a good rolling road session.

This is a fantastic car, not only in looks but in performance too, the 1310cc engines are a great upgrade for the 1275cc blocks and with the racy parts added to the engine this car is sure to be an exciting drive. 

The rally look has long been popular after the mini’s triumphs at the Monte Carlo rally in the 60’s, this homage to a rally style build in the owner’s past is a fitting tribute to both those past events but with a modern twist. 

There’s plenty to love here and we’re sure the new owner won’t be able to keep the smile off their face when behind the wheel.