So I've found this really clean British Racing Green classic Mini, RHD with 1275 cc carb engine. The car is titled in CA as a 1972 Mini, but after a thorough inspection, it looks like the car is 90s Japanese spec Mini with some changes to make it look like an older Mini. But no airbags, no AC etc. and the dash still looks like Mk2/Mk3 era. Apparently it was imported from NZ in early 2000s and has been titled & registered in California ever since without any issues (He is the owner for the last 6 years).

The owner is willing to sell it for around $12k. Good Price? Is it something that'll bite me later? Or nobody cares about VIN shenanigans on classic Minis anymore?

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- it is a used car that's WAY outside of what any of the books will give you a price on ... Do you want the car? Do you like the price? If so, buy it . . . .

- Hard to make a lot of judgements from one picture but I see rear seat belt mounts so that ain't no British 72 ..... actually the "Cooper" stickers on the side say this as well (unless unwisely added after a repaint ... a "real Cooper or S" never had this BLING - those are Rover items) not to mention the real Cooper and S was a model from 61 thru 71 .... there is no such thing as a 1972 Cooper . . . Later Rover sold a Cooper but .... well IMO it is NOT the same thing, anymore than a current MINI is a Cooper of old .. .

- wheels are wrong for a 72

but you already suspected this was a re-VIN so no surprises here, huh?

Or nobody cares about VIN shenanigans on classic Minis anymore?

Oh, I would not agree with this statement ....... some folks know what they are looking at FOR SURE.

- on the plus side it is legally registered and titled in CA? This can be a biggie when trying to buy a 'classic' in CA so give it points for that.

- is the motor stock? or are there mods???? For a stock 1275 that's a higher end price IMO unless the car is a TRUE Cooper (S)

Just my two cents . . . have owned my 79 for 13 years now ....

you can buy mine for $12k






but I'm SURE CA would not like the car!

 

Cant_bj, Thanks for the reply.

Price - I understand it's hard to appraise to classic car, so I'm going to research much more on it.

Cooper - This car is NOT a Cooper and the seller is upfront about it. The Cooper stickers were apparently added later along with the driver side (RHD) rallystyle number vinyl sticker. (I have no way of verifying if there was a paint job involved).

Engine & Wheels - It has a 1275 carb with 12 inches.

Make no mistake, this car isn't a true Cooper S and it is 'restored' to early 90s Japanese spec (from the looks of it). It is registered and titled in CA as '72 which is a huge plus. The owner had it for a good part of the last decade.

Apart from the usual mechanical and rust issues, I'm just a little concerned with the legal issues related to the VIN. There is always an argument that Mini panels are easily interchangeable between regenerations and this can be classified technically as a 'reshell'. I'm not sure if those issues resurface after 10 years of title and registration.

Anyone else have any experience with 'reshelled' cars in CA? If you're an owner are you worried about future issues with title/registration?

On a side note, really nice classic mini you go there. Unfortunately, if it's a '79 I have to deal with smog in CA.

 

let us then move to step two>>>>>>

(btw when I was buying my 79 and the seller asked me these questions I was incensed)

- this is NOT a car you are taking to the dealer 'cuz it runs funny. You either have the ability to fix it yourself (space, tools, knowledge, support group) or you PAY a mechanic A LOT OF MONEY.

Apart from the usual mechanical and rust issues, I'm just a little concerned with the legal issues related to the VIN. There is always an argument that Mini panels are easily interchangeable between regenerations and this can be classified technically as a 'reshell'. I'm not sure if those issues resurface after 10 years of title and registration.

IME ... once you gots a title, no one does a back check. If you have a title you are good to go IMO.

Panels ...... how panels fit is a TOTALLY different story. I taught body repair for a time at a VO-TEC HS. There are panels .... and there are panels. For THIS discussion ... not an issue.

when I bought my 79 ... within a year I found myself in classes for welding and body repair and painting .... spent about $3000 on equipment

Want details ... PM

***************

Minimania.com is a place where people post their cars for sale

or find some copies of MINIWORLD which was on the rack at major book stores .....

you can see what people are asking for similar cars (but not what they are getting)

 

take some photos so we can ID this mini an engine bay and interior

 

It is no longer available for sale :(

 

mine is

 

CA Smog check, so no go.

 

DAMN

my Dr says I can't get into the 79 anymore without risk to a dislocation ......

 

That's a shame! Hopefully you'll find another classic mini enthusiast from a different state.

 

So

I have a VERY modified 79 Mini for sale

search my posts and see the car

$12,000 cash takes it

 

Thought about selling my vtec mini recently. Florida title. Legit 1985. (Tho it has a steel clubman front). Hit me up if you want details

Good luck finding one you really like.