Hi all --

I'm starting to consider buying a classic mini and would like some help. I read through the buyer's guide checklist so I know what to look for as far as rust and issues with a prospective vehicle purchase. I live in the SouthWest where rust is not typically a problem on used vehicle purchases, but I realize that this is not a typical used vehicle.

I would _love_ to find a classic Cooper S with a 1275cc engine. Is this even possible to find one? Can larger engines be swapped in to Mini's that came equipped with smaller engines? I've found a couple of very nice Minis.

One of my thoughts is to buy a classic Mini to transform it into a track vehicle. Are there certain types of classic Mini's that I should avoid, or try to find?

Any comments would be helpful. Thanks in advance,
Jeff

 

you can modify classics just about as much a bmw mini.......i have one for sale right now that is 8500.00 .its a 1979 Mini saloon, 1275 metro engine,alloy wheels, tires in fair condition, car was recently restored in the uk, seats are from a mini sprite, grey interior , alloy door handle kit.... 3.1 Diff gears(Hwy car 90mph +)
centre speedo clock ,all gauges are working.......you can view mini here https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=122676

just added a white roof....white bonnet strips are going on it as well

 

i also have a project mini roadster im willing to part with...1500.00....you can pretty much build it how ever you want.....autocross or a cruiser

 

I think your going to be hard pressed to find a original cooper S, even if you do, your going to be paying a pretty penny for it. If your looking to make one into a track vehicle anyways, I would look for a more run of the mill mini, rather than pick apart a rare model. Just take your time looking for the right one, dont be in a rush to find one.

 

To answer some of you questions. Finding an authentic 1275 Cooper S will be hard and probably expensive. But many cars had a 1275 engine swapped in (like mine).

Classics can make fun track cars, but you will need to think about a few extras. First, look at the gears in the car. The standard gears are only good for 70-80 mph, so plan on being passed on the straights. Cooling is an issue with the side mounted radiator. A bigger radiator and an oil cooler will help keep temps down under hard loads. A roll cage and proper harnesses would be highly recommended (if not required) because the car itself has no crash protection. Make sure you at least have front disc brakes. Drum will not last more than a few laps. If you plan on vintage racing you will have to be very careful about what you do (no alternators, keep the original generator, etc)

 

Norm has some really nice cars and I have heard good things about him and Norm I like that picture where you can see all your other Mini's there. If my heart wasn't already sold I would look to you and your Minis.

 

thats my mechanics shop....he is prob one of the most knowledgable mini mechanics i know.......(next to minimad )

 

Thanks, that's kind of what I was thinking. Yes, roll cage, harnesses and safety equipment will be the first things that are fit into my purchase.

Thanks for all the replies. I believe that will just start looking for a classic with the color and style that I'm looking for.

Are there certain years that I should try to avoid? Coming from the Jeep world, there are early years that are excluded from nearly all aftermarket and upgrade parts, making a build-up more for restoration value than performance increase.

Oh, one more request - please post your favorite web links to classic mini resources.

Cheers,
Jeff

 

Get whatever year you can find that meets your needs. The basic parts for the Mini remained unchanged for almost the life of the car with the exception of changing to fuel injection in the 90's. Since the car was so popular there are plenty of parts for all cars. There are several websites that have almost any part you could need. Just get what you want and go motor.

 

Why would you want a Cooper S? You pay a premium for it when a Mini can be modified to S specs & better.

Secondly, why buy an rare S to make it into a track car? Why abuse/waste a car that has historic value?

Third, if you want a track car, buy a track car. You can always buy a race prepared car for less than it costs to duplicate the specification.

Fourth, a really good track Mini is a really horrible car in traffic. What will the car be mostly used for. Build/buy it for that purpose.

Sounds like you need to sort how you intend to use the car, then search for a car of the correct specification.

 

First of all read this http://www.hermit.cc/mania/tmc/articles/lucas.htm

here are some mini links for ya....just for starters

www.minimania.com
www.minisport.com
www.djminis.com
www.minicreations.net
www.minispares.com
www.minifinity.com
www.abloodymini.com

 

More:
dealers, sellers:
http://classicminiautos.com
http://westpaminis.com
http://turkys.com

parts:
http://www.gbcarparts.com/

 

Just buy mine and be done. All of the hard part has been done.
You just need to drive it...
http://www.minimania.com/web/id/7578...ale_Detail.cfm

Travis

 

Gee Wally, that was the intent of the thread. I intend to use the car for track purposes as I originally stated. I posted the thread to gain information that wasn't obvious to me. Thanks to all of the replies, I have better knowledge of what I'm looking for.

Cheers,
Jeff

 

Just posing some questions that needed answering to help suss it out. Not everyone has the same definitions for their ideas/words. If it is to be a "track car" what do you mean? Full time racer and no street use? Historic racing? What series? You haven't been specific in defining how you intend to use it. That helps us point you in the right direction...just trying to help save you time.

There is/was a classic Mini racer's website here in the US, but I don't have the URL. There, you can get excellent advice on prepping a car and possible leads. Also, there are several classic Mini road racers that hang out at www.minimania.com who could give valuable advice.

MiniMania, Heritage Garage, 7 Enterprises are are involved in classic Mini racing and racing supplies.

 

I've always wanted a car that I can take to the track for weekend racing (NASA or SCCA). After going to the track with my friends a few times I thought it would be a good way to become a better driver as well as have some fun racing. I can take my MCS there, but I have some (lots of) hesitation about taking a $30k+ car to the track.

I agree with you and others here that I can buy a track car if I want a track car. Maybe I'll do that. Maybe I'll buy a stock classic and do the modifications myself ... I'm not sure yet.

One thing's for sure. I'm not going to buy a classic to drive in Phoenix. The driver's here are aweful and I can't imagine being t-boned by an SUV running a red light while I'm in a classic Mini . I've got two other vehicles so I don't need it for a daily driver.

Thanks again for the info and the company names. This was the information that I was looking for.

Cheers,
Jeff

 

Good luck on your search. Let us know when you find it....