Looking for a fun classic with a huge array of aftermarket upgrades available off the shelf? Paul Guinness reckons the evergreen Mini is still a top choice.

Back in 1959 the Mini was a revelation. The front-wheel drive, transverse-engined, wheel-at-each corner creation was so brilliantly packaged that it made bigger, clumsier cars look instantly outdated. It would take most other European manufacturers another decade to catch up.

The Mini underwent so many incarnations and different identities over the years that its history is complicated. From humble beginnings sprang the rally-winning Mini Cooper and Cooper S. And as the years wore on, the Mini became gradually more ‘luxurious’ (well, by Mini standards) thanks to versions like the long-nose Clubman and the later Mayfair. The re-launched Cooper of the early Nineties brought the range back to life and is now a great choice as a ‘modern’ classic, thanks to its combination of traditional looks and eager performance.

Finding a decent Mini when you have a tight budget is getting harder. Values have risen, and there’s still no shortage of rusty wrecks out there. Make sure you check the wings, A-panels, front and rear subframes, doors, boot lid and sills for rot, as well as floorpans, door pillars and just about everywhere else made of steel. Looks solid? Then we’re up and running.

And once you’ve bought your Mini, there’s no shortage of mods available from specialists nationwide. Be warned, though: it’s possible to spend a small fortune modifying a Mini. It’s not unusual to come across fanatics with 1360cc engine upgrades, turbos and a whole lot more.

How far you go is up to you and your bank manager – but if you’re running about in a smaller-engined model, why not fit a rebuilt 1275cc with maybe a Stage 2 or 3 head conversion? Moss Europe will sell you Stage 3 cylinder head for just over £700, getting things off to a flying start. Or you can even invest in a brand new gas-flowed aluminium head, allowing for bigger valves and easier turbo applications if you’re looking for serious performance. And to keep you on the road, there’s a vast choice of modified suspension, steering and brake kits available.

Or for an easier (and cheaper) life, why not buy a 1990s fuel-injected Cooper instead, invest in a performance exhaust and air filter, and maybe sharpen up the suspension a bit? You’ll still have huge fun at the wheel but with fewer complications. The sky’s the limit when it comes to Mini mods – which is just one reason why it’s such a great choice. I challenge you to name a more entertaining classic than a well-modified Mini. Not easy, is it?

PRODUCED: 1959-2000
ENGINES: 848cc / 998cc / 1071cc / 1098cc / 1275cc A-series 4-cyl
PRICES: £200 (1980s for restoration) to £20k (superb, early Coopers S)
UPSIDE: Already hugely entertaining, it responds well to upgrades and extra power
DOWNSIDE: Rust, rust and more rust – so only buy the best your budget will stretch to
WHY YOU WANT ONE: Any Mini is already great fun to drive – but you can make the best even better.
CLUBS: British Mini Club (www.britishminiclub.co.uk), National Mini Owners’ Club (www.miniownersclub.co.uk), Mini Cooper Register (www.minicooper.org)
SPECIALISTS: Moss Europe (www.moss-europe.co.uk), David Manners (www.davidmanners.co.uk), Rimmer Bros (www.rimmerbros.co.uk), Mini Parts Centre (www.minipartscentre.co.uk), Mini Sport (www.minisport.com), Mini Spares (www.minispares.com), Mini Speed (www.minispeed.co.uk), Mini Mania (www.minimania.com)
PARTS PRICES (via Moss Europe): Stage 3 1275cc cylinder head (exchange), £712.61; new alloy cylinder head (1275cc), £995.95; reconditioned gearbox (exchange), from £629.94; coil spring conversion kit, from £319.95; steering quick rack, £100.94; competition distributor, from £127.66

Published in the November 2010 issue of Classic Car Mart.

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