HAVE YOUR SAY
Did you spend more on your classic in 2011 than the previous year?
 |
| Mini (1959-2000) |
|
Words: Chris Hope Production spanning over four decades speaks for itself. The Mini was a mainstay of British motoring throughout the latter half of the 20th century and has in that time won over three, perhaps even four, generations of enthusiasts. Genius design, impeccable handling and impressive economy are all part of its legendary appeal, but far more important is the Mini’s character – good points and bad points aside there’s no questioning that these are always entertaining cars to drive and own. Some Minis have been around for little over a decade, but buying ‘new’ is no guarantee that you’ll end up with a solid example: unfortunately things like rust protection took a step backwards towards the end of production. Most parts are available off the shelf, but fitting them in bulk gets rather expensive and explains why buying a basket-case is usually a bad idea. You can still get a nice car if you have a few grand in your back pocket though. Here’s what to look for. WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
It’s also worth noting that as these classics are renowned for being repaired on driveways at home (with varying degrees of success) that you’re not only scrutinising areas that may need fresh metal, but also the quality of any such DIY work you find. A magnet is a must as you’ll need to check to see if filler has been applied to several common rot spots, including the front wings, wheelarches and the front valance (especially near the indicators). Take a trolley jack too – while a rotten rear subframe isn’t the end of the world, the mountings it attaches to are a nightmare to replace. The A-panel (that’s the bit between the end of the front wing and the door) can be an eyesore if its metal has begun to let go. Finding it rot-ravaged obviously isn’t a good start, especially as replacing this panel can be a real pain – you need to get the fit just right to maintain proper door gaps.
Values: Values: Genuine ’60s Coopers remain the most expensive to buy with condition 1 MkI Cooper S’s topping £20,000 recently. You’ll need to realistically budget between £5000 and £10,000 for a respectable MkI-MkIII example, regardless of engine tune. Minis don’t have to be expensive though. At the moment non-Cooper MkV and MVI Minis from the ’80s and ’90s can be had for £1500-3500. Expect to pay more for Mini Coopers from this era, especially the very last ones fitted with optional sports packs. Projects can be had for a pittance, but beware as full restorations are really best left to those who have wielded a welding torch on these cars before. If you fancy the best of both worlds, the red ’96 car in our photos was supplied by classic dealer Malcolm C Elder near Bicester and was modified by its last owner (formerly a BMC competitions employee) to look more like a classic Mini complete with bonnet strap but with the convenience of the injected engine and late-model interior. The car has now been sold but shows how classic a late model Mini can look.
Factfile Clubs ● British Mini Club. 01384 897779, www.britishminiclub.co.uk Website MOC’s list of Mini Owners Clubs, www.mocs.co.uk Specialists ● Mini Spares, Hertfordshire. Magazine Mini World, look for our sister title on the shelves of most good newsagents on sale every four weeks, priced at £4.30.
To read the rest of this buyers' guide see the August 2011 issue of Classic Car Mart. |
The original Mini has yet to be bettered as an all-purpose pocket rocket. Here’s how to buy the right one.
BodyworkAdd comment
     |
