Now I no longer have my T30 to tinker with I needed something to do.

So I bought this as a project car




Best regards
Milton

Hello Milton,

That looks interesting... and if you really miss "tinkering with a T30" that much I'll send you my address.

Do you plan any significant projects on the Mini? The original shape Mini still looks good and you do see many about - generally kept tidy. The latest Mini Countryman are big enough to rival a T30 for space, and although useful seem to have lost some of the character of the original...

Enjoy your project, and please keep us informed - and who knows I may get around to some alternative tinkering myself one day.

Kind regards, John

Looks in pretty good condition already Milton.

Thanks Gents

It is in good condition. Some slight surface rust on the front and rear lower valances and around the headlights.

30,000 miles, full service history, 6 months mot, one owner, maintained very well. I looked for a while before finding this one. It is very solid. Front and rear subframes are excellent, inner and outer door sills have recently been replaced with proper heritage panels and both doors have been re skinned. So everything that normally rusts on a mini is sound.

Engine is a sweet 1275 injection, clutch new 6000 miles ago. All in all a tidy motor with a few bits to keep me occupied.

Plan is to run it around until the mot runs out, then going to SORN it and take it to bits. Rear suspension has been done with hilo units and gaz shocks. Going to do the same on the front. Poly bush both subframes and arms, clean off underneath and waxoyl, full service and get it back on the road for May 2018 to do the london to brighton classic car run.

Other than that, not a lot

Best regards
Milton

That brings back memories, mine certainly needed a lot of very regular tinkering! I did keep it a long time and did a lot of miles though. When I see one now I'm amazed how small they are.

I really really envy you mate, when I was 17 I had one of these beauties and spent many an hour on it. One of my fondest cars ever and so much fun to drive. Please keep us all informed of your progress on this as it will be interesting to follow. Its brought back so many memories. Good luck on your venture

Cheers
Mike

Thanks Mike.

My second car was a Mini. I was 19 and had just blown up my beetle . I had my Mini for 3 years and then my Dad had it for another 4. Had so much fun with it. When I drove this one it was like being transported back, although this one is far more modern and luxurious that my 1967 mk1. Took it out at the weekend with my son, big smiles all round . Currently got the bumpers and grill off to do the rusty bits, although it is in very good condition for age. Already serviced the engine. Got a nsf cv joint going, but that can wait until I SORN it. Will keep you informed on progress.

Best regards
Milton

Hi Milton

It looks immaculate from the picture. I wish I still had mine. I only had the basic 1.0ltr model but boy did I want the Mini Cooper 1275gt, in those days that bad boy could shift and it glued to the road. My mate had one and I was so envious of him, but back then unfortunately my pockets could not stretch that far. One thing I loved was the noise of the engine, even though it was only a 1.0, because of the noise when going up the gears it always sounded faster than it was actually doing

Hi Mike
My 1st mini was an 850cc with direct change gearbox (magic wand ). Sliding front windows etc. Luckily my mates dad owned a garage in the village which was also an austin / leyland dealership. Parts were cheap and plentiful, so by the time I sold it to my Dad it had the following...

1293cc 80bhp with stage 3 head
Balanced crank and powermax pistons
Kent cam
7.5" ventilated discs with power assist
6x10 splitrims with 165 70 dunlops
Twin 1 3/4 " su carbs
4 speed straight cut gearbox with shortshift remote change
Competition clutch
And a load of suspension mods,
And cooper S driveshafts as i sheared two sets of normal ones.

3.1.1 final drive so didnt go very fast but accelerated like an exocet.

Happy days

Not sure I will do the same to this one, but you never know

Phase 1 complete

Front suspension changed for hilo's and gaz shocks
Spots fitted
Ride height raised one inch all round
Rusty paint work touched up
New front discs and pads
Debadged and new stickers
Orbital polished bodywork, claybar then 3 coats of polish
Machine polished wheel rims
Full service

Phase 2 starts jan 18

Until then, lets have fun

Best regards
Milton