I was looking at picking up this classic today. Just wondering what year and model you guys think it is. What should I look for other then rust before I actually go through with buying it. I know rust is the key issue with a classic so I'm going to give it a good look through tomorrow.

 

It looks like an early '80s 998. I wouldn't consider it unless it runs flawlessly, is less than $3,000 AND you want a major bodywork project. Too much rust and it is expensive to repair.

 

Well I looked at it today and it seems to be in pretty good condition. He told us it was a 1973 Austin Mini which he had imported himself from the UK. Planned to restore it as a personal project but decided he had to many projects. Checked for excessive rust which there wasnt any just minor rust spots. Checked the interior under all the carpet and everything looked good. Only rust hole I found was on the top right fender. He said he has a new set of fenders and new front and rear chrome bumpers. We already planned on stripping the car down and getting a full paint job so everything looks good to go. It has a 998cc engine which runs perfectly not a stutter or puff of smoke out of it. It runs very smooth and quiet. So looks like we are going to add it to the Mini family :smile:

 

is it an Austin or Innocenti?

 

Its a Austin, gonna be picking it up next week as soon as all the paper work is done. I'll post more pictures when I finally take it home.

 

This is a Rover mini, made in the 80's nice project car but it needs a complete body job. I have done many classics and this is a seriuos job it needs. So I wish you lots of luck and happyness with it because ones you own a classic (drove it) your hooked.There's lot's to find on the net with info left and right but get serious on your details cause there's lots of crap on the net to. Ask around for very experienced people to give you a answer on your questions, Mistakes are expensive on classics in the states. Here in Europe it's a cheap hobby but there is no fun to screw things up.
You can always mail me with questions and I'll try and help.
Good luck and loooots of fun!!
Miniac91

 

Fill out an application to appear on 'OverHaulin', and have thm do all the work for ya.
But seriously, that's awesome. Buying a project car is like getting married. A lot of care, work, attention, love and money go into it. May the future of you and your new car be a great fun and exciting one.
Cheers,

 

Thanks for the comments guys. Im really excited about the project. I already knew that this car would be alot of work we plan on repairing or replacing most of the body panels on the car and almost the complete underbody. The motor runs perfectly so it will only need alittle tune up to be up to par. Rear subframe is going to be replaced as well as most of the front and rear suspension pieces. All in all whenever this car is done it will be a brand new car.

 

great project mini! you'll find the body panels are relatively inexpensive (I see you'll need door skins), with a MIG welder and some careful work you'll have a fun ride!

Here's my project....

 

it's not an Austin, it's a Rover.

but, very nice of you to save it.

 

hehehe... /wave to the clubman everybody. he is snubby nose now.