20 replies to this topic

[Shane.spears.91]

eBay this!

120771795163

[matt615]

Interesting. Though if they want £3000 for it, they could have put a bit more effort into writing a description!

[Shane.spears.91]

Haha! Shame it isn't all there two

[Nathan94]

If it was a prototype surely they would have looked after it better? Seems like it's been left outside!

[richw911]

link

http://www.ebay.co.u...s&_fvi=1&_rdc=1

[mab01uk]

From: Mini - The Definitive History by Jon Pressnell

Edited by mab01uk, 22 January 2012 - 12:51 PM.

[Tupers]

If it was a prototype surely they would have looked after it better? Seems like it's been left outside!

If prototypes don't work they normally get scraped, I'm amazed it's still around even in the condition it's in.

[Wil_h]

At best it's a paperweight.

[blakie]

Door stop anyone??

[Nathan94]

There was a thread on the same topic made in September http://www.theminifo...ne/page__st__15

It's been on eBay for 4 months now!!

Doubt the seller will ever get the £3000 they desire, they'd be lucky to get £500 IMO.

[Artful Dodger]

who would want in apart from a museum??? it cant run unless you spend thousands getting a crank made and a gearbox cast etc etc.

nice find but useless

[Anth61]

Well, I know this is somewhat later than the other posts, but I saw this block on ebay and started to search for more information, and ended up here. I've had a coup[le of minis in my time and still think they're amazing.

All the posts on this and other threads got me thinking. . . . agreed that the description is a bit limited, and I agree the seller is asking a lot.
But if it really is the real deal, (and the photos posted and a bit of simple research do seem to back it up) then actually this block is rather unique.
Sure it would be great fun to get it working, and yes it would probably cost a couple of grand, and oh, the satisfaction if it were achieved, but even then it would still only be a low power engine, with very little, if anything to recommend it.
However,
If it's for real, (and presumably any buyer would do their research and speak to the seller) regardless of the condition, ( as Tupers said,"I'm amazed it's still around even in the condition it's in.") it is part of the development of one of the most important engines ever created in the motor industry across the entire world. the 'A series'.

Yes I agree it should probably be in a museum, but sadly that is unlikely unless some philanthropist is prepared to spend the money and then donate it.
Very unlikely in this day and age of greed and money-making for oneself!

It is neither a paperweight nor a door stop to the one person out there who actually does recognise this block for what it is and can afford to splash out on something for no other reason that 'they want it!"
I wish I could!

[dennismini93]

it auto declined my offer of £25

[Magnetagz]

I agree with what Anth61's point. Someone with too much money would enjoy such a unique project. I imagine it would add an amazing amount of value to a car if it were ever completed and fitted.

[mab01uk]

http://www.ebay.co.u...984.m1423.l2649

The seller of the 2 cylinder A-Series is a member of the Mk1 Forum, apparently the Gaydon museum also have one in their store:
http://mk1-forum.net....php?f=5&t=3364