There is a nice classic mini near me that the owner is classifying it as a Mayfair Edition - what does this entail or mean? Sorry - I am a beginner at this myself

From what I can tell it is simply a packaged Mini with some nice additions - but I do noit see these as super rare - this particular one is a 1991 edition.

 

Mayfairs just have nicer trim. Being a 91 model it probably has a 1275 engine and it's probably the last of the carbureted models. It's also in the US illegally as it doesn't meet the 25 year rule.

 

it's most likely a re-vined car

 

Mayfair models were "special" in that it was a limited edition. I am not sure of the year (years?) of production - see article below :

http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z...r/default.aspx

I would suggest contacting a local classic Mini Club http://www.comp.glam.ac.uk/~Minis/volume2.htm

http://www.ime.org.uk/ might be of help.

or, call Mini Mania, Mini City (Rochester, NY) or Seven Enterprises

 

Even tho its "illegal", as long as you have a valid title & registration you should be okay.

 

But knowing it is 'grey' there are some intersting questions you could ask....like what else is BOGUS in the description and (any) documentation....and you show the seller you are not ignorant (not a dis' term .... it means you don't know.....show him you DO)

 

Hey Capt....still looking

Anyway, this one is located near me and the owner now tells me that it is a 1991 Mini and titled as a 1977....which is an indicator that things are very odd. Tell me what you all think - here is the descript:

***
1991 Mini Mayfair--Georgia Titled as 1977. 998cc, 4-spd, LHD, AMFM/CASS, 12" Minilite wheels (5), only 26,000 miles, new brakes, recent complete tune-up. This car is in exceptionally good shape inside and out. Runs great--ready for show or use as a daily driver.
***

Car looks mint and in great shape.

 

It is not unusual to have a backdated Mini. Many have been brought in over the past five years, or so. Do you have any Mini owners locally who could help you inspect it? There's a Mini group in Atlanta, I believe.

 

I think the mini group in Atlanta is mostly MINI's - I used to belong to the group when I had my 02.

Does anyone know of a local Classic Mini group in Atlanta?

 

Beg, borrow, or steal a copy of either the Mini Restoration Manual (Lindsay Porter), or Mini Performance Manual (Tim Mundy). Both have sections on what to look for when shopping for a good Mini. The Porter book is especially thorough. Then inspect the car - plan on spending a lot of time around it, under it, and in it. I spent a half day getting up close and personal with the one I ultimately bought.

 

I don't think I saw .... what's he asking?

post some pics....

is he willing to let you take it to a mechanic to be checked out?

do YOU think it is a good deal? if so, little else matters but we'll try to help you not make a HUGE mistake.

you've seen the VIN decoder here? tried that (just to verify what we 'know' - its a revin)?

Does he say where he got it? Is it a Turky's car? (turkys.com)

If the miles are true and the car is 'mint' - he must want a bundle - if asking price was under $10k it would sound like a steal - IF IF IF ....

If no Mini club around ... find the MG or Triumph club ... they can help and will know the Brit-smart mechanics.
(I googled 'mg club atlanta' and got http://peachtreemg.dnnsites.com/default.aspx ond others....pics from their Brit Car Show includes a couple of Mini's)

 

ah yes ... but there are ways.

 

if re-vinned who cares as long as title's good.