I've been fortunate enough to be offered an original '91 Japan Spec ERA turbo.

I'm fairly up on the values of classic Minis here in North America but this one is hard to nail down as it's a scarce breed.

Can anyone suggest a good resource to appraise the car? Maybe a Calgary local contact?

Does anyone know of an ERA on this side of the pond?

Cheers

 

I don't think you'll find any valid source this side of the pond to evaluate the car. Try looking at what they bring in the UK and go from there. As far as I am concerned, I would think there are maybe a couple in NA (I've seen turbo'd Minis but not ERA's), and its value should be relatively high compared to other Minis of the same vintage if it is kept in good original condition and not mucked with... I'd love to have one... My guess if I had one in good nick would be $15K-$20K USD (God knows what it'd bring in Loonies )

The most knowledgeable Mini owner (especially on rare models) I can think of is Chuck Helecker in Seattle. You can find him as cheleker on www.minimania.com message board. The board members can also give you an estimate.

 

Thank you Minimad

I'm going over to Minimania to look up "cheleker"...

Please, if anyone knows of another ERA is NA I'd be tickled. There's not much more than a couple articles floating on the net for this little monster.

www.eraturbo.com which should be a good dedicated site is not running

 

HI all.
Just joined the Forum to make my extensive Classic Mini Knowledge available to you.
Regarding the ERA. My son runs the website for this model and we own a red version of the same.
The site previously had a dut com suffix, but unfortunately, due to a bit of hosting error and kiting we lost that domain. The site, which is yet to be updated, is now http:www.eraturbo.co.uk (just the suffix has changed from .com to .co.uk)
We have the original factory drawings and register details for all uk market ERA's but only ERA register numbers (located on plate attached to slam panel) for all Japan Market versions. Unfortunately, most ERAs imported from Japan have been altered cosmetically, with very few now sporting original wheels. This is a pity.
Any advice required will be freely given via the website, or alternatively direct to me on pkay@(antispam)ntlworld.com after deleting 'antispam' from address.
In order to answer previous question, value in UK depends on condition, but poor state currently brings UKP 4000 and pretty good about UKP10000 to UKP12000.
A UK version car, that has been stored from new, was recently sold on e-bay for UKP25000. Uk Model had sunroof but no air con. Full details of production numbers on website.
Regards
Pete Kay

 

Thanks Peter,

I have tried your site but it does not want to load??

The ERA should arrive in Canada by the end of January. I expect it on my driveway then mid-Feb. I hope we can chat a bit over email at that point.

And yes, this one was modified ... new alloys and bodykit. A pity ... I agree. But it's solid and original other than that. Documented original 60,000KM (~38,000Miles)

Sean

 

you could also talk to Don Dunlop from Mr.mini here in Ontario. he is a registered appraiser (also he owns the only mini specific parts shop in Canada) and could possibly help on this side of the pond his website is http://www.mrmini.com

 

Great, I will do that once I have the car. Thanks mate

 

no problem! please post some pics when you get it!
Tamer