2000 Mini Cooper – Project Profile

If you’ve read our track day classics article from yesterday you would have seen that the Mini Cooper featured as one of the potential weapons of choice for the discerning weekend racer. And we stand by that inclusion. The mighty Mini makes for such a good track toy because of its excellent handling and just how much fun they are to drive. Not only that but they can be picked up for not a lot of money and it just so happens we have one available via the Car & Classic classifieds. When it comes to the Cooper, the proof is most certainly in the pudding too. Winning the esteemed Monte Carlo Rally in 1964 at the hands of Paddy Hopkirk, the Mini Cooper immediately immortalised itself as a racing legend. Beating out its significantly more powerful competition the meagre Mini conquered all terrains and conditions to take the podium place. A feat it would replicate in 1965 and again in 1967.

Despite only producing a rather meagre 34bhp upon release, sports car designer John Cooper spotted the potential of the lightweight and agile runabout and set about developing a more powerful version. After Cooper had breathed on the diminutive Mini the four-cylinder engine was increased in capacity to 1071cc with its output boosted to around 90bhp, facilitating the car’s attack on the race circuits and rally courses of the day. And the rest, as they say, is history.

What is it? 

This particular car is a 2000 Mini Cooper which makes it a MK VII and places it firmly in the Rover Group era of cars, albeit at the very end of production. Introduced in 1996 these final generation classic Mini models now featured a twin point fuel injection system along with the introduction of a new, front-mounted radiator. The interior received some updates too and the car was now fitted with a full size dash and driver’s side airbag. Maintaining that distinct Mini design it was fitted with a 1.3-litre, inline four cylinder engine from the factory producing around 64 horsepower. The MK VII was the final step in refinement of the classic, iconic Mini while still retaining those characteristics that were essential in cementing the car as a go-kart for grown ups.

Why is it a project? 

Advertised as a ‘rolling shell’ it should be pretty clear from the photos that this Mini needs some parts and said parts will then need fitting to the car. Currently sans engine and drivetrain the car does have wheels, hence the ‘rolling’ part but that’s not going to win you any races and so a full rebuild is in order here. This Mini’s fate as a racing car has already been decided so it’s now up to its next owner to bring those ideas to fruition and finish things off. A lot of work has already been done including a full, bare metal respray and the fitting of a roll cage. It’s a rot-free car apparently too, which is important as the last thing anyone wants is a foot through the floorpan upon braking for that first corner. There are parts included in the sale though, so it would be possible to crack straight on with putting the thing back together. These include a choice of engines and gearboxes, new suspension and body panels as well as myriad other “bits and bobs”. It wants to go racing, it just needs a helping hand.

Five things to looks for:

1) Bodywork

Build quality wasn’t the greatest on these cars and even though it has received a bare metal respray it would still be pertinent to check for any areas where rot may still be lurking beneath that fresh paint. Having said that the car does indeed look solid and has been fitted with new heritage panels and subframes. It does. However, need a front end and don’t forget to scrutinise the parts included too – the doors, boot lid etc..

2) Engine and Gearbox
While not currently fitted the sale does include both a 1275cc and 1380cc engine block. No further information is given to the condition or completeness of either so that would be something to investigate. If nether suits then factor in the cost of a brand new motor. A couple of gearboxes are also included, along with gear linkages and pedals but again, no specific information is given.

3) Parts
As stated the Mini comes with a whole host of parts both new and used but the bulk of what you would need to be able to actually drive the thing seems to be accounted for. Engine, drivetrain, suspension and brakes are all there but would need inspecting as to their completeness and state of repair. Having said that this is a late model Mini and so everything you could ever possibly need will be readily available, as long as you’ve got the cash.

4) Roll Cage

The car has been fitted with a full safety devices multi point roll cage which is great news from a racing and rallying perspective but it is imperative that it has been fitted correctly. It appears to be a bolted in affair rather than welded, judging by the photos, so check all of the mounting points and make sure it has been installed correctly.

5) Paperwork
Along with any paperwork certifying the roll cage check to see if the car has any documentation supporting the work that has already been done which will help to verify that it has all been carried out properly and professionally.

What should you do with it? 

That’s an easy one; finish the build and then go racing. You could either put the thing back together using the parts supplied or treat it as a bit of a blank canvas and build it to the exact spec that you want. Either way it will make a cracking little track or rally toy with those legendary Mini driving characteristics and the knowledge that it’s had a ground-up rebuild. Crack on over winter and you could be giant slaying in no time. Guaranteed motorsport joy.