18 replies to this topic

[mab01uk]

I still think the biggest risk with a classic Mini is a heavy rear end shunt from a big car or a commercial vehicle. The ability of the rear end to sustain such an impact without the petrol tank rupturing plus the battery shorting out is doubtful should the impact mode cause this type of damage. Surely that is far more likely than a roll over crash.

 

In modern cars the petrol tank and filler are isolated from the interior. It's just he evolution of design for safety. I recall the Mk.1 Cortina GT I had where the boot floor was the top skin of the petrol tank!

 

 

 

The petrol tank problem is covered in this video taken from a TV documentary on car safety.

I believe later Mini's had a shorter filler neck to at least slightly improve the design.......

Edited by mab01uk, 19 August 2016 - 06:42 PM.

[Cooperman]

From all the above it is clear that there is little point in fitting a roll-cage for a road Mini as the main risks are not from a roll-over accident, they are more from frontal and rear-end impacts.

I have rolled in a couple of Minis with no roll cage and the strength of the shell was quite good really. In fact, the torsional rigidity of a rust-free Mini body is very high even when compared to more modern cars.

Modern small cars are big really so that the now-mandated safety features can be engineered in.

If you wish to drive a classic car the risks must be accepted and the driving style changed to suit. If one is frightened of being injured in a classic car, then don't get in one  .

[Classic998cc]

A few professional racing drivers have said to me:
"If your car is fitted with a roll cage, you need a helmet. Or a death wish".

They are not needed on a road car. Yes it will put the insurance up quite dramatically.

That actually makes sense & is something to remember - thank you, I think this has made my mum realise thats its not technically such a good 'safety' feature.

(She just worries about everything I do as I was badly injured in a theme park accident nearly two years ago & it was a heavily loaded backpack that saved my life)

[Classic998cc]

From all the above it is clear that there is little point in fitting a roll-cage for a road Mini as the main risks are not from a roll-over accident, they are more from frontal and rear-end impacts.

I have rolled in a couple of Minis with no roll cage and the strength of the shell was quite good really. In fact, the torsional rigidity of a rust-free Mini body is very high even when compared to more modern cars.

Modern small cars are big really so that the now-mandated safety features can be engineered in.

If you wish to drive a classic car the risks must be accepted and the driving style changed to suit. If one is frightened of being injured in a classic car, then don't get in one  .

You've made a few good points and I accept the risks of driving a classic, I already have a 2004 and a 2002 Renault Clio that I know personally handle well in crashes as my sister lost control in hers and hit a lorry and the car crumpled around her leaving her with whiplash and a few bruises. However Im not looking for a modern car as I love my Mini and life is way to short to be driving something else because your mini isn't as safe as a modern car could be. Like I said I am new to this and I am here to get everyones opinions and i have noted what you have pointed out.