I'm considering this car, but live in the Boston area so I can't go look at it. He says it has some rust in at the bottom of the doors and the rear storage bin. Also the 1275 engine was swapped for a 998 single SU carb version.

Do you guys know anything about it?

http://www.minimania.com/web/id/6237...ale_Detail.cfm

More details here:
http://www.minifarm.eu/1966/Cooper.htm

Thanks!

 

I wouldn't buy a car without seeing it. If you do you are taking a real gamble.

 

You can at least make a deposit on a car sight-unseen, but only if you get LOTS of photos of ALL the potential trouble spots FIRST. The stickied Buyer's Guide at the top of the forum gives lots of suggestions as to where to look - it's what I personally used in my search. The trick is getting the seller to shoot all the photos and send them, when it's easier for them (usually) to just sell to the first offer they get. I lost three cars I was ready to put offers on that way, but I ALSO passed on several other ones because the pictures showed more hassle than I wanted to deal with.

People here can help ID the photos and offer suggestions (they helped me a LOT), but be sure to put into the agreement something to the order of "Buyer reserves the right to refuse the sale if, upon inspection, additional damage/rust/corossion is discovered that was not disclosed. In this event, the seller agrees to return the deposit in full". I'd think a legit seller with nothing to hide would agree to this.

You still might get all the way out there to pick it up and find something wrong, but at least you'll only be out your time.

That said... I agree that it's BEST to find one locally - nothing beats an eyeball-check. But my car is proof that if you're cautious, you CAN find a good classic and have a pretty good idea of what you're getting into, even at a distance.

Also note that there may be a local NAM member that can do a check for you - anyone in the Boston area??

 

Well the car is actually in Atlanta, Georgia area. I am the one in Boston.

Anyone in GA that knows anything about Spencer at the Mini Farm?

 

Oh, there should be people there that could look for you... I misunderstood.

 

I've met Spencer. I have a friend who has purchased a Mini van and 1275 used motor from him also. Prices were fair. If he had something I was interested in, I would certainly consider it.

As far as this Mini, first find out what it is. There were 998cc Mini Coopers and 1275cc Cooper S's. It could be the former. It doesn't have the S emblem mounting holes or brocade interior, for example. The serial number will tell you what it is.

As far as rust. Unless you find one completely re-done (and likely mid-upper teens in price), you will have rust on a 60's Mini. Bottom of the doors is common, but the doors can be re-skinned or replaced.

I would be concerned about the sills. I believe the Mini has later sills on it as the photos show 6 flutes instead of 4 for a Mk1. It may have 9" oversills on top of the original. If it has rust in the bottom of the rear pockets you may need new inner & outer sills and posssibly end repair pieces where the rear subframe mounts. Only a comprehensive set of photos of the underside and inside of the floors will tell you.

That doesn't mean this is a bad car. 998cc Mk1 Mini Coopers are getting rare. You just need to figure out if you want it, how much it needs, and at what price. As far as being in Boston, hell, drive to Logan get a cheap Atlanta flight and inspect it yourself. Money well spent.

Need help, call the classic Mini people around Atlanta. You can find them on Minimania's message board. Good luck

Remember, the GBP is now $2.08 so the value of what is here in the US is effected. Shipping will run $1500 or so. As always, caveat emptor.