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Is there such a thing? Over the last 25 years or so I have built quite a few Hot Rods and have finished a few Muscle Car restorations but I know nothing about the Mini. Does anyone know of a good information resource? I’ve seen a few classics on eBay that seem to be brand-new and even have air bags and then there are others that are older, reasonably priced but are overseas. The only thing I know for sure is that I would like left hand drive. My wife has a new MCS Convertible and while it is a nice, fun car I would like to have a classic to umm, tinker on. Any direction would be appreciated, Wayne
There is no definative "bible" on classic Minis. I've built several. Best thing you can do buy and read every book you can find, do extensive web searches and, most importantly, take your time buying one. Knowing exactly what you want and what you're buying need to go together in order for you to come out ahead.
Go to amazon.com for books on mini's. Good prices and lots of selections.
Visit www.westpaminis.com These guys are honest, have good prices and will find you exactly what your looking for if not in stock.
Keep away from re-Vins. Mini's must be 25 years old or older to be here legally.
Join a mini club in your area. Most clubs don't even require you to own one for admission. Good source of information and you might even find what you're looking for locally.
I can vouch for WestPA Minis. Pete Cavallo (now in the UK) is one of the partners and is a real stand-up good guy. Always willing to give advice (and honest advice at that).
If you're on the west coast, I know there are a few folks out there as well.
Thanks for the links, great info here. WestPA has a few interesting ones, I'd love to get into one by Spring but I'm trying to do my research so I know what I'm getting into beforehand. Yeah, good luck to me.
It's an old British car. If it doesn't strand you somewhere, then you don't officially "own" it yet!
Minis are easy to work on. It's a pushrod 4 cyl engine that was designed in the 50s. They range from 850cc's up to 1300 with probably the 1275 being the most popular. The "A+" variant came with something like 72hp. It's enough to get you around, and against cars of the same era it's quick. Buying a mini thinking that you're going to compete with the "rice" crowd though... that's going to take a lot of cash!
There's no arguing that the Zcars 'busa powered Minis are quick... but I've seen too many episodes of "Junkyard Wars" to trust anything other than a motorcycle that is chain driven. ;) I think at that point it becomes strictly a track car - I mean, you're giving up the whole rear end, putting in a huge firewall, etc etc. To each his own.
Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish. -S Jobs 6/12/05
