"Three New Zealanders have converted a 1964 Mini Cooper S into a racing missile and are now out to set a new speed record in the USA. Their goal: 250 km/h.

Garry Orton, Guy Griffith and Garry Grand have named their unbelievable sounding mission “Project 64″, as they look to demonstrate to the world just how much power their modified Mini Cooper S possesses. The trio hopes to push the boundaries of speed with the classic Mini at the “Bonneville Speedweek”, which takes place from 8th to 20th August in the US state of Utah. They have set their sights on a speed of 150 miles per hour – that is just over 240 km/h. However, they believe the Mini might be capable of even more.

It goes without saying that numerous modifications had to be made in order to take the Mini to a fifth of the speed of sound. “We had a guy in England tell us we’d need 250-horsepower to make a body shape like the Mini’s go at the speed we wanted,” said a grinning Garry Orton. “We have more horsepower than that.” In order to achieve this performance, the engine was modified, the aerodynamics of the chassis were optimised, special tyres were fitted, the undercarriage was tinkered with, and so on and so on. Despite all the technical modifications, the 1964 Mini has retained its classic appearance – a feat the team is very proud of."
More here:
http://www.motoringfile.com/2012/08/...le-salt-racer/

 

Ultimate sleeper?

I can't wait to see some video footage of this on the Salt Flats!

 

Latest Update below from Mike Wilson in the US:

"We've just got through tech inspection after backing up our record run - we did 142.103 and 151.087 so the record is 146.6mph."

We are now lining up again to see if we can break our own record. The run was completed on mile 2 of the course and the times are the average speed over that mile. The tactic for these runs was to run for only two miles, accelerating quickly then to shut down after the 3 mile makers to conserve the engine. On both runs the car still had spare speed at mile three so we are now going back to see how it will go over mile 3. If we break our own record then the car will go into impound overnight and then attempt to repeat it on the same section of course in the morning.

It's pretty nice to be lining up knowing we've got the record. Everyone is a lot calmer! Will get some photos to you later today.

Listen out this morning for another Radio NZ National interview with Nelson Hartley on Morning Report and tonight's news on TVNZ.

Mike Wilson - Project 64

The team is in the US (until August 18) and return to NZ (after August 20).

 

Video here:

http://www.3news.co.nz/Kiwis-break-l...2/Default.aspx