Well I was bit by the mini bug when I was about 14, and I have been ill with it ever since, but lately I have been relapsing to a point that I can't get enough of these things on a daily basis... I don't have one yet but I am trying to buy one by the end of this summer. Anyway, the point of this thread is to find out:
1) What other sites do you guys use to research, find parts, cars for sale? And what other sites have good forums dedicated to the classics?
2) What would you say is the most enjoyable experience you have had with your little classic? I'm just trying to look for something to read about (I have no T.V. for a week, and I don't start my new job for a week either) and I want to get to know the mini community better.

Thanks guys

 

We've got the same affliction. I'm an Anglophile anyway, and the Mini is just too cool to not own. I grew up watching the BBC, and Bean's Mini reinforced the love.

If I want to find cars, I go to eBay or MiniMania classifieds. There's also HanksHelper and CraigsHelper.

Of course, I haven't found exactly what I want, which is understandable considering I have exactly what I don't want in my shop.

I've read every page on here, on MiniMania, and on the Mini Pickup website, and am still working on britishminiclub.co.uk. I have a folder with about 100 printed pages in it, and am typing up a Mk I and Mk II Cooper and Cooper S buyer's/spotter's guide to help me out in my quest.

 

I found my Mini on the Mini Mania classifieds. I think one of the coolest moments you get when you're driving the Mini is everyone is staring at you and taking pictures. I've had a camaro drive past me honking and waving at me because I was driving my Mini. If you take it to a show with a bunch of Porsche's and Mustangs everyone has to go check out YOUR car. And they a boot-load of fun to drive. Even the 998cc ones are pretty quick. They just want to motor. They don't like to sit still for very long.

Oh and about parts. I know a guy in KC that helps me work on my Mini (MiniDave on NAM) and I buy most of my parts off of www.gbcarparts.com

 

Thanks for all the help guys. I still look forward to hearing from all of you guys on the sites about your best experiences and what-not. I went to our local car show the other day and there was a mini there and I flipped out. haha. It's a guy that lives in my home town and he had an Innocenti Traveler. And you're right, MINIxB, it was a must see item at the show.

As for the sites, I already have a mild base of sites I visit regularly:

NAM (of course)
MiniMania (I'm on there DAILY looking for new things.)
GB Car Parts (I've already got a wish list set up on that site just in bookmarks alone. haha)
DJMinis (Recommended by BigNorm)
and Mini Sport World

I'm looking for more sites based in the States. I mean, any forums are completely welcome and wanted, but I'm really trying to get into the Stateside mini sub-culture.

Thanks again for the tips and stories so far.

 

Minicreations.net

sunshineminis.org

 

Found mine in MiniMania's classifieds. Be prepared to look at half a dozen or more (literally to the point where yopu're ready to make an offer) before you find one - I had several bought out form under me while i was getting photos and asking questions like I'm supposed to. In the end though I was VERY pleased with my purchase, a 1992 Mini SPrite (1275cc, single carb) for only like $6000... persistence pays off.

And yeah, the best thing is when you look over on the highway and people are plastered to the glass of the minivan or car beside you, and people are smiling and givingyou the thumbs-up and taking pictures of you with their cell phones. Just be careful - a few people have drifted into my lane while snapping photos of my car, so drive carefully.

It's also glorious when you whip the car through some hairpin turn at what feels like impossible speed... just don't expect to outrun almost ANYTHING in the straights...

 

This should occupy a week for you...

For cars:
sales page at www.MiniCityLtd.com
http://www.vancouverminiclub.ca/forsale/ads.html

Added parts places:
www.BMC.on.ca
http://www.7ent.com/
http://www.heritagegarage.com/
www.minispares.com

Other sites:
http://www.minifinity.com/
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?act=idx
http://www.miniresource.com/index.php
http://www.austin-rover.co.uk/index....neaseriesf.htm
http://mini.startpagina.nl/
http://www.ausmini.com/forums/index.php
http://www.britishcarlinks.com/index.htm