Wow, that car does look a lot like the one from ebay. There are a few differneces though, like the light blue leather seats on the one from ebay, and they seem to be made by someone differnt because the car show one had a differnt emblem on the front than the ebay one. I would like to either get a car like that, or a BRG with a white roof.

 

I am looking for someone in the San Francisco Bay area that could identify a classic mini compared to a European later model mini. Anyone out there?

 

Don't go classic. I have a 73 MG midget which is essentially the same thing. It's a 1275cc "A" series motor with 1-1/2" S.U. carbs. I actually bought a spare motor, and completley restored them both. I drive her about once a week, and even at that, it's constant work. Not to mention getting the carbs sync'd in the first place. The older 1098cc and 948 are harder from what I've been told. I'm lucky enough to have a classic british car nut about 45 min away that deals souly in old A series motors, so my parts supply is limitless. Otherwise, aftermarket and OEM or NOS parts are getting really expensive!! You'll not only have trouble keeping her on the road, but unless you're independantly wealthy, you'll spend your last penny on parts/up keep. Good luck whatever you do.

 

Geez some of these people sound like parents Get a classic and never look back. Ive had my mini for the past 3 years all of which have been college years. There were times I was driving the mini 120 miles aday for 5days a week for an entire semester. The car is as reliable as you make it. In the 3 year ive had mine its left me stuck twice, which is not something I can say about my much newer toyota pickup. If you understand how a basic engine works and basic automotive ignition system works you have most of it covered.

As for parts and service. Most of the basics can be gotten from any auto parts store IE: oil filter, plugs, wires, gaskets, thermostats ect. Other parts can be purchased from djminis.com or minimania.com amoung others, DJ has about the best prices around. All these places have great stock of parts.
Of corse as years go by prices fo parts will go up. But right now and for the neer future prices of parts arnt bad. I can get a starter for 50 bucks a starter for my toyota is 200 dollars. So it just all depends.

My best advice is get on a diffrent board go to minimania.com and hop on the classic board and ask questions. There are a ton of people on it, see if anyone lives neer you. Get involved with a local british car/mini club even if you dont have a car yet, chances are they wont mind.

Most important get what you want.

 

check www.gomini.com. they offer new classic mini shells complete with Honda vtec engines starting at around 20k. Get the best of bothe worlds, classic looks and honda reliability, plus it with 160hp, it's got to be fast as hell. someday I will HAVE to own one of these.

edit: they're saying 175hp, so they must be using a euro spec B16 engine. even better!