I'm new to old Mini's. How do they handle?
 

Hey guys!

I am familiar with new mini's (i own a salvage yard and I have plenty), but have never been around or driven a classic.

I have been kicking around the idea of building a british EV race car. Right now I currently race a 1977 Rolls Royce, and thought it would be fun to put together another small, light, nimble, EV race car.

I guess my main questions is, how well do these cars handle (or can be made to handle) compared to modern cars purpose built for road racing?

I currently compete with the Rolls in a really competitive endurance race (24hoursoflemons.com) and they offered a 50k price for whoever could win the overall race with an EV.

I have been kicking around the idea of what kind of car I would build it off of if I were to build it. It would have to be something really small, light, could handle well, and had to be british.

Thanks!

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Watkins Glen is the spiritual home of post war racing in the United States. Racing in “the Glen” has undergone many changes over the decades, evolving from a street course to purpose built Grand Prix circuit. The weeklong festival honors the racing roots of Watkins Glen, with the downtown festival, and original course race reenactment. This year, the SVRA Vintage Grand Prix’s Feature Marque is Mini Cooper.

Doesn't this say it all?

...and 4 time winner of the Monte Carlo. (4th time disqualified because of a very minor complaint.)

I lived in England in 1969 and 1970. Just happened to be next door to an F1 mechanic who drove an original MINI that had been well "massaged." I'll never forget the first time I rode in it and he went into a roundabout at 70mph. Scared the ever loving hell out of me but never even screeched the tires. They can be made to handle like nothing you've ever driven before.

How are you planning to run an EV 24hrs, lots of spare batteries to swap out?

I've seen the Rolls on the track, hilarious!

a local guy converted his Alpha Spider to all electric

says he got plans on the web someplace

it is wall to wall car batteries ....

he's told me his range is about 50 miles

just sayin'

he comes to car shows ...... in the immediate area ........

article about a 63 converted to electric in the "spring 2019" MiniWorld ...... got mine last week so if you can find a store that carries should be available now or soon . . .

They're definitely small and nimble. However, with all the batteries you're going to have to add I think you're going to be under tired for the weight and run out of suspension travel in a hurry without serious modifications. They were so successful in the past because they were small and light. Not because of superior suspension geometry.

the one in the article is on standard cones and 6x10 JBW alloy (MiniLite clone)

40kw motor in the front, batteries are all in the boot

range is 125 to 150 miles

http://www.electricmini.nl/