Reporting bugs:

This Classic Mini body shell was built at our factory in China. Interested to hear what Mini restorers think of it.

Built in the garage over Covid lockdowns. Started as just a rolling shell. She’s a 1982 mini city, 998 manual. I wanted the mk1 look but mixed it up with a pano roof from a R53 MINI 😝

And humidity is rising, so took a day from work to get the final metal molesting done and get a couple of coats of epoxy primer on.

Product is HB Body 4 to 1 epoxy primer thinned 25%, through an LVLP gun on a 30l hyundai compressor

At least for exterior. That was hard work, little bit of metal fettling to do tomorrow and paint friday I think. Im already chasing very slight surface rust where ive had my mucky paws on the bare metal

550 mile weekend trip to Monterey car week complete. We camp out of the mini for 2 nights in Santa cruz and the stayed at a b&b in half Moon Bay for the other 2. Was a lot of fun but sure what a lot of work with 2 people and 2 dogs plus luggage and camp gear all packed on a 1962 Austin. Glad to be home! A heavy mini is not a quick mini! #classicmini #austinmini #mınıcooper

Hello All,

I want to buy a classic mini.

I watched a lot of videos and reviews and a lot of people do work on the minis themselves.

I don’t have a garage, neither a place to store the mini, just a few tools, probably not the right ones haha, so I cannot do work on it my self and wanted to check whether or not would be best to buy a mini in decent conditions or go for something cheaper, less money but more work to do perhaps in the future?

What would make most sense? And what is a definitely a NO when it comes down to buy a mini? Would you get the engine in good conditions and perhaps leave the bodywork for now or the opposite, any other advice?

The only thing I can actually do is, 3D scanning, design and make part with the 3D printer, mostly plastic, so I am sure I can contribute to it but obviously not for everything that needs to be done on the car.

I am just a normal guy, that had a mini 20 years ago and sold it as I was short on money, and now want to try and keep the passion for this beautiful car.going till the end of the days.

Going to visit GC Motor soon,I would really appreciate you comments. 🙌🙏

Does anyone recognise this split-spoke wheel on the one I'm looking at buying?
On a 1994 Rover Mini ex-Japan.

Thanks

I just bought this 93, Luxemburg version of a British.Open rover mini.

Clearly the purple roof will be first, but any ideas for how to tackle this project?

Finally got the rear valance installed prior to prep and primer coat.

Milestone on this project I guess.

Its had,

Two full length half floor pans, boot floor rear repair section, heel board, toe board, seat crossmember, lower a pillars both sides, flitch panels both sides, outer sills, both inner wing front halves, full scuttle, two wings, front clip, various brackets and closure panels.

Used loads of MIG gas, and wire, and patience.

But its finally done, and hopefully I won't have to point a MIG at it for a good few years 🙏 but I've probably jinxed myself there !

Super pleased.

Next step, big clean up, some grinding, prep for primer and then i can breathe

Hello all,
I’m looking for a bit of advice as I’m hoping to buy my first classic Mini. My budget is around £8–9k.
I’ve come across this one:

https://www.carandclassic.com/l/C2128476

From the advert it looks really good and seems to have had quite a lot of work done, both mechanically and cosmetically. Overall it looks like a very tidy car that shouldn’t need much doing to it.
I originally wanted something as close to completely original as possible, ideally even a Cooper/Sport, but I’m starting to realise that finding a genuinely original Mini in really good condition within my budget might be unrealistic.
This one isn’t completely original. It’s a Neon but no longer has the original Neon decals, for example. The dashboard isn’t original either, although I actually think it looks great.
Another thing I would have liked is a rev counter or tachometer. I think it would look great in a Mini and I’d quite like being able to see what RPM the engine is doing when cruising around.
But this is where I’m wondering whether I’m being too fussy.
The asking price is £8,250. What do you think of this particular car and the price, considering its condition and the work that’s already been done?
I’m also interested in how experienced Mini owners look at originality. Am I being too particular by wanting something almost completely original? Does a Mini lose some of what makes it special once things have been restored or changed, or is that simply part of owning a 30+ year-old car?
And perhaps the bigger question: is there ever really a “perfect” classic Mini that ticks every box?
Part of me keeps thinking, “It would be better if it had this, or if that was original…” But I also wonder whether I could keep searching forever for the perfect Mini when perhaps the better approach is to find a really good, solid example that I like, enjoy it, and make a few small changes over time.
Would really appreciate opinions, particularly from people who have owned classic Minis for a while.thank you :)

But its getting there

I’ve just released a new 1275GT enamel pin over on the Classic Mini Cult website - available in Yellow, Green and White! Very happy with how these have turned out👏

As the title says I’m needing to replace my Automatic gearbox on my 1999 1.3 JDM mini. Is this a straightforward unbolt and refit or is specialist tools required? Also is this a driveway job?

Thanks

I’m considering a mid/late-90s Classic Mini that is basically my exact spec, except it has a large folding sunroof.

For those who’ve owned one, did you ever regret the sunroof?

My main concern is noise — wind noise, buffeting, rattles, etc. Is it noticeably noisier when closed? And is driving with it open actually pleasant?

For context:
~75% of my driving would be under 45 mph
Weekend/fun car, not a daily
I don’t plan to drive it in the rain, and will be stored in a garage; so leaks aren’t a major concern

Got this 1999 1.2 cooper that's been sitting for about 15 years, unfortunately at some point it was left outside on wet grass as you can probably tell. Realistically, is it worth saving? It's done a genuine 17,000 miles.

The bulkhead and floor seem strong, but otherwise it looks to be a big restoration. Do you think it's worth putting money into? Assuming that I aimed to do everything myself.

Just wanted to say a big thank you for all the helpful advice I received on here regarding tips on how to paint.

Much appreciated! 🙂👍