or way out of line? He gets most of them from New Zealand and some from Australia.

I have always admired the classic and wanted one desperately but know that I need to get into a 'project' mini to be able to afford one.

This local guy has around 20-30 at any given time but some of the prices seem a little too much and other times they seem reasonable.

The other problem I have is that I am not educated on all the different brands of mini out there. I have always know of the Austin or the Morris.

Can anyone shed some light on these? Thanks!

http://www.turkys.com/mini.html

 

As far a brands, I say look at them and pick the one you like best. I love the classics but some just look better than others.

Earl

 

Earl,

I agreeit will come down to taste. I just was not sure if one was better than another for their design and reliability from the original build.

Chris

 

A solid daily driver - restorable - will be in the $5,500-$6,500 range. No difference between an Austin or Morris except badge & trim to the novice. Buy the best body shell you can find ,don't worry as much about the mechanics.

check listings at
minimania.com cars for sale - private sellers
Vancouver BC Mini Club
MiniCityLtd.com
westpaminis.com
http://www.tryusfirst.com/id21.htm

remember the price of a Mini must reflect not only its condition, but the exchange rate (less from NZ or OZ, more from the UK), plus shipping expense of about $1,500 per car. So a $2,000 UK Mini ends up being a $4,000+ Mini in the US.

 

hey guys im selling one here in CT!!!

 

look in the marketplace here ... i have pics and a price and everything and it's really good.....let me know!!!!

 

I appreciate the offer. But I guess This is out of my range right now.

I think that if I were to do something it would have to be a project car that needs a lot of work that is in the garage for the next year or two getting worked on....

If anyone knows of anything like that let me know.

Your white 1970 looks sweet and is right up my ally but I can't afford it right now.

 

Thanks for this info as it is valuable! I think I want a restoration project that does not necessarily need to be running so that I can work on it slowly and get it together.

 

You may want to compare these to what's available in Hemmings Motor News. www.hemmings.com. It's not the final word but they're a good place to get a feel for what's available.......................mgg

 

As someone who has built several classic Minis, I will tell you to save your money until you can afford a really nice car. If you buy a "project", it will take you time and space and considerable $$ to bring it back. You will always come out ahead by buying a car someone else has rebuilt. As an example, buy a car now for 3 to 4K. Spend 2 years and 9 to 10K redoing everything. In 2 years you'll be driving a nice car. Or, put your money in the bank and go play, wait 2 years and go buy a car someone else has poured their soul into for $12K. You save money, time, blood, sweat and tears. You win.
Trust me on this. I have a really nice 1959 Morris Mini for sale now. I will likely take a loss and someone will drive away with a really sweet deal.

 

Take it from a person who just sold a Mini for $13,500 that I had over $23,000 invested into - save money, educate yourself, buy the best you can possibly afford. As the previous person posted, the most important thing is the body. Look for very little or no rust, good paint, complete, no sagging doors, and good subframes. Disk brakes are a big plus. The interior and engine/gearbox combo are a dime a dozen. If it is a MK1, make sure it has at least the headliner frame. If you are patient, something will pop up. Lots of people buy them and have them restored then get bored and then sell them at a loss. I've done it four times now. I like the project but get bored when it's finished.

Oh, and get these books: http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2....rd=mini+cooper

 

One other caution is your local EPA.

I purchased an Australian car that was legally imported (Federal epa / dot) as it is over 25 years old. HOWEVER my STATE EPA called it in for a pollution check. Seems here in Illinois any car 1968 or later has to pass the test if you live in a testing zone. I now have to either pass the test, switch to antique plates, move out of the testing zone, or prove I sold the car, or my Drivers license will be suspended in a couple of months. I have heard even worse stories from California.
John

 

Good advice so far....from all.

It really depends on your particular situation, how much $, time, space, skills, tools, etc you have to devote to a longer term project. Also, your idea of a suitable "restored" Mini may be far different from any of ours.

Patience and Restraint in the search is the key. Be on the lookout constantly but only act when its "right" for you. For example, I wanted a Mini wagon. I obsessively monitored the above websites plus eBay (US & UK) and several UK mini sites including the British Mini Club, the Clubman Register, Hubcap's Mini Site, London & Surrey MOC, Portsmouth & Southampton MOC, and many others....One Thurs evening a 1979 Clubman Estate showed up on BMC site @ 1,000 pounds. One owner, 22,000 miles. It also appeared on eBay UK in "Other Makes" (not in "Austin", "Morris" or "Mini" or in the "Classic Car" listings) on a three day auction. I called the owner and (fortunately) it gained no bids. The owner had the Estate gifted to him from the elderly owner's will and wanted to dump it before the MOT and tax were due a week later. I arranged thru Phoenix Cargo to have it picked up & issue payment. Bada-bing...one clubby estate off to the US for $1,500 plus shipping (another $1,200)....right time, right place....it can happen for you too, just hang in there.

 

Minimad,

Thank you for the advice! Patience is not a problem as money spent on this will not be done with haste. It HAS to be the right setup for me.

My skill set is decent and I am not afraid to tackle anything. I am also willing to get a car that may not be road ready and have to spend a year in my garage before it is. I undserstand that it will cost me more in the longrun but I want the blood, sweat, tears and money expense of doing it myself! If and when I do this it will be permanent. I will buy to keep for life (of the car if possible!) as I want this to be something I can be proud to say I did the work.

That being said... if anyone sees anything out there don't hesitate to let me know! sorry nbame786 but I can't spend that kind of cash right now.

 

That beiing said, go forth my good man and join the ranks of those with bloody, scared knuckles. If it's the pride of the rebuild you want, then the stories here won't matter. But do find a clean, rust free shell what ever you do as that is truly of utmost importance for your satisfaction in the long run.

Good luck, Ripley.

 

here's a starting point for the ambitious who want to learn to weld....


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...sPageName=WDVW

 

bought my 79 last year

started welding classes last week!

 

Ripley....Check you PM...I sent you a message re: the Morris!