16 replies to this topic

[RichardL]

I had a mini 850 ('64 model, I think) briefly in the 80's and loved the driving experience.  My daily drive is a practical car and I think I'd like to get back into minis again with a second car for weekends.  I was thinking about getting a Cooper S from the 60's but was then seduced by a late model JC Works I saw parked in the street the other day, so I started doing some research, and the dizzying array of options just leaves me with absolutely no idea which to even test drive.  Looking at the specs, the current range (I have the means to buy new, if it turns out to be the best option) are almost a full metre longer than the classic 60's mini, higher off the ground, and almost twice the weight.  But they have the turbo 1.6 so I guess the power to weight is still quite good. I did test drive a Cooper around 10 years ago and remember being a bit underwhelmed, but I don't remember which variant it was. 

 

So anyway I loved the 'go kart' feel of my old 850 but it wasn't very powerful.   Can anyone comment on which variant really has that down best, would it be a restored 1250cc 60's model, a late classic mini, or - I doubt - a more recent - larger, heavier Works?

[JackF]

I guess this forum will be a little bias towards the classic mini, as this is mainly what the forum is aimed at. Having said that, there are many members with both!

A 1275cc engine in a classic mini I think hs enough power to keep up with modern day traffic, and there is no way anything handles better down the small roads and lanes. I guess they are two very different cars actually, one a classic car that will need constant TLC, but can really only go up in value, the other is a modern day hot hatch. It really depends what you want it for...

Someone will be along to give some more opinions.

But welcome to the miniforum

[surfblue]

If you already have a modern reliable daily car why buy another?

I have '63 850 mini as my weekend toy, its a world away from my daily driver and yes it is slow, but I dont mind that its just a recreational car and doesnt need to get anywhere in a hurry.

The enjoyment I get driving it is fantastic.

But ...it is over 50 years old, it does like and need to be maintained which Im happy and able to do. Bear in mind if you go for a classic a little mechanical ability is a benefit otherwise you'll need to find a garage able to look after it for you.

[mab01uk]

I have both classic and new Mini's but if you can only choose one I would suggest you test drive both and see which best suits your requirements, both have the 'go-kart' feel and fun factor but with different levels of refinement. Test drive both in Cooper S form if you want power but remember the classic Mini Cooper S in standard form is not particulary fast or powerful by modern 'hot hatch' standards but is still a lot of fun to drive and as said should increase in value if you look after it. Not sure what the car crime rate is where you are but here in the UK a classic Mini is also very vunerable to being stolen if parked unattended as a daily driver.......1960's car security is of course poor when compared with modern cars like the new BMW built MINI as would be expected but can be upgraded to near modern standards.

 

Lots of useful info on classic Mini's here on the TMF forum and on the Mk1 Performance website here:-

http://mk1-performan...k/mk1_index.htm

 

Lots of useful info on New MINI's on the USA Motoringfile website here:-

http://www.motoringf...-2014-mini-f56/

Edited by mab01uk, 15 November 2014 - 09:25 AM.

[blacktulip]

chalk and cheese. if you want to experience that feeling again then it will definitely not be in the new mini. the 60s cooper s will be hard to find for a good one. if you go down the original route then beware of fakes and check out everything first.

 

as for driving experience you cant beat an old classic that talks to you as you drive it. i dont mean knight rider either lol

Edited by blacktulip, 15 November 2014 - 10:00 AM.

[Mini Waco]

Lots of useful info on classic Mini's here on the TMF forum and on the Mk1 Performance website here:-

http://mk1-performan...k/mk1_index.htm

 

Lots of useful info on New MINI's on the USA Motoringfile website here:-

http://www.motoringf...-2014-mini-f56/

Wow...  thanky ou Mab01... great information to have !

[Cooperman]

New BINI or Classic Mini? They can't really be compared. One is a fine modern car with all the 'goodies' as standard which has fantastic road performance, reliability and comfort.

 

The other is a 1959-era classic car with all the fun, problems, satisfaction and frustration given by classic cars. True 'retro' driving feel, uncomfortable seats, a hard and bumpy ride, but more 'smiles per mile' than any modern car will ever give. Possibly the 'ultimate British Classic of all time', a true 1960's icon in this country.

 

In terms of which model of the classic to buy is where, for many, the question really arises. In classic driving terms the best 'retro driving feel' is probably obtained from the 850 Mini or 997/998 Cooper with the narrow 3.5" x 10" wheels and 145 section tyres. The handling of those is the best of any Mini. For better road-holding the original Cooper 'S' with the optional 4.5" wheels and the later cars with the 4.5" x 12 wheels are good when fitted with slightly stiffer damping and 165 section width tyres.

 

But whichever Mini is chosen it will be a lot of fun interspersed with great aggravation, and that is all part of the Mini-owning-experience. Good luck with whatever you choose.

[sixtyeight]

If you want a modern interpretation of the classic mini, there are better small modern hatches out there which do small, nimble, go-kart like handling a magnitude better than the new MINI.

 

Go test drive a Renault Clio.

 

Out of the classics - a 1275 on 145 section tyres!

 

oh... getting 'back into minis' != buying a new MINI.

Edited by sixtyeight, 15 November 2014 - 10:11 PM.

[LeonEveritt]

if your willing to put your own blood sweat and tears into, a classic you have made your own will never be beaten for a driving experience.

[RichardL]

Thanks for all your replies.  Don't quite understand the second one though!  I would have thought a high proportion of people here have a daily drive (which might also be a MINI) as well as a classic mini?

[mab01uk]

Thanks for all your replies.  Don't quite understand the second one though!  I would have thought a high proportion of people here have a daily drive (which might also be a MINI) as well as a classic mini?

 

The classic Mini is now a fairly rare sight on UK roads and values have increased so many Mini owners have a different car as their daily driver, which sometimes could be a MINI as these are now a very common car on UK roads.....just like I remember the Mini was back in the 1960's and 70's when sales were at a similar level to the current MINI.

Edited by mab01uk, 18 November 2014 - 07:07 AM.

[Haynes]

I love my 850, you always get people smiling at it or reminiscing about them.   A mk1 1 850 is a true classic, as cooperman says.  OK it only does 60mph but thats really not the point, it floats along (on hydro suspension), light on the wheel, you can even have a conversation. 

 

But if you can afford a 60s Mk1 Cooper S, then this has to be the ultimate mini.

 

Go and watch the movie The Italian Job (the 60s version with Michael Caine of course), then youll know..

[brownspeed]

In the `80s I ran a `64 1275 cooper S as my daily drive (It would have been perfect as a second car if i'd had the money- but i didn't).

Even back then, it could still be burned off in a straight line by most hot hatches, but was a hoot to drive, especially on the twisty bits. It still had lots of drawbacks though; rubbish heater; frosting on the inside of windows in winter, rust and was certainly temperamental. these aspects tend to be overlooked with rose coloured glasses and time. Once I could afford a "modern car" I hardly ever touched a spanner again.

Until this year- when i've acquired another (albeit a 1990) y-es its rubbish compared with modern tech, but a BINI won't draw a crowd or incite a favourable comment from a passer by, you will win a few traffic light grands prix in a BINI but you won't be grinning like a fool whener you drive it.

no contest; to quote Mrs Doyle; "go on,  go on, go on, go on, go on, go on, go on, ...." you know you want one!

[Cooperman]

I think the early 850 has the best handling because the power-on/power-off transition is not so marked as the Cooper 'S' which had over twice the power. The narrow tyres on the 3.5" wheels helped as the steering never seemed heavy, even when cornering hard and in the wet they were great too, especially on the then-new Dunlop radial tyres.