I've always drempt of a project car, and maybe this is it. My parents had a mini while I was growing up, and I've always wanted a classic. Problem is, I have little mechanic skills, but know friends that do. (beer and pizza pays them for the afternoon )

SO... I found this little guy online




I'm Selling my 1964 Austin Mini Copper, Right Hand Drive 5 Speed BRAND NEW motor that is mostly installed, needs all the components installed, alternator and accessories....
He's selling for $3000, which I'm sure he'll come down a bit... do you guys think its worth it? (I do have garage space, and a partner that is interested in a project car as well)

 

OH!! I think I'd have to go for it if I was you. Some day I hope to get a classic....:impatient

 

It depends on what you want. This car is the definition of a project car, i.e. one that will probably see very little driving time. A Mini that is rusty or has a mostly complete engine will quickly eat up your money and patience. If that is your idea of a project, then I think you found your dream. Good luck.

 

I would love to get it on the road, and don't want it sitting in my garage forever.. should I wait for one that has the engine all the way built, and I just have to do minor repairs on it?

 

Classic Mini engines are relatively easy to work on, being purely mechanical with no computers, and a design from the 1950s. It's even easier if you have small hands (I don't) and the Haynes manual (I do).
Parts can be expensive but at least you're fairly close to some of the better US Mini suppliers. It's hard to tell the body condition from those pictures. Mechanical stuff can a snap compared to trying to fix or replace rusted panels. That's about where I am with my classic now. It's registered (actually, I've driven it to work every day this week) and I have to get the rust taken care of then it gets painted.

It looks like the engine is mounted in the car and needs the bolt-on bits installed. That's not a bad place to be in, if the parts are all there. If you have to locate the correct starter motor, or brake servo or whatever, that can be a major pain in the neck.

If the body is in decent shape, and the engine parts are there, and you can afford the cash, why not? Even if you get stuck, you can probably get $3k for it at a later date without too much trouble.

Bring it to AMVIV next year.

 

sounds like a project car if its going for 3k........be prepared for gremlins from every direction............or you might just get lucky.....

 

This Mini looks like a controversial Mini that was "restored" by Monte Carlo Minis in Shelby NC a few years back. (I'm 80% sure it is). The jist of the issue was what a seemingly poor job was done and what an exhorbinant amount was paid for it. The car earned the moniker "The Hair-Lipped Mini" as it had mismatched grill surrounds among other things. The bonnet stripes and gap on the wheel arch are my telltale signs. More info might be garnered from the message board at MiniMania.com

OTOH, there aren't many $3,000 Mini to be had, so just be careful. Seems it could be sold for parts for more money. A 5-speed trans is a bunch of bucks! Caveat emptor.

 

Agro, I knew you were crazy mate, but I didn't think you were that crazy

Well, I've asked the seller a couple more questions, and this is what he came back with:

The interior is in need of some work I have the new carpet kit and all interior kit, and speedo/cluster gauge.
I bought it needing the motor, we are moving so needed the garage space, it's been outside about 3 days. The motor is in, it needs all the accessories, Alt, radiator, starter, Cv's and then the fuel lines hooked up, It's all there it's just we don't have a garage and I won't want to leave this car outside to long, theft, vandalism and weather.

There are a few rust spots, I have a guy quote me $300 to weld in new floor pans (there area a few small spots) and paint them back to original, then I also bought a complete carpet kit.
It is regestered in Wa.

What is needed: Brakes, Fuel Lines and Alternator, Cv's. and then there is all the little cosmetic stuff.


And then he says make him an offer.

I'm not so sure about jumping into this all so fast without knowing what I'm getting myself into, do you guys have any more suggestions after reading this? (thanks)

 

You guys freaking ROCK.

 

Where is it on minimania message boards? I can't find the post..

Oh, wait.. you're saying I should post it over there.. hmm

 

If its one thing Iv'e learned , especially, in the Classic Mini world, is that you get what you pay for. $3K seems awfully low, so I suspect, like the others have noted, that you'll spend a lot of time and possibly $$ getting the car in decent shape to be considered even close to a daily driver. And be very cautious with on-line purchases. You definitely should inspect, or have someone that is "Mini-wise" inspect, before you make an offer. Good Luck!

 

There are several Mini owners in WA and OR likely within driving distance of this Mini. They also post on MiniMania.com You could solicit their help. There is a Mini club out there, too.
http://www.oregonminisociety.com/mambo/index.php

There used to be a Seattle Mini website but no link now. Maybe Oregon owners can give you a contact.

 

I see chelecker (Chuck Helecker) has responded that this is not the infamous hair lip. Good news. He has also posted the Seattle Mini owners website. Chuck is a great person and a Mini guru. He and the club are an excellent resource for you.

Another place to look for a Mini is just north of you:

http://www.vancouverminiclub.ca/forsale/ads.html

good luck!

 

Agree 100%

 

Based on some recent projects in the midwest, I would say that without decent mechanical skills and doing most of the work yourself, you will end up putting a good additional $10,000 into the little puppy. Just be prepared and don't go in blind.