14 replies to this topic

[JustinSpain]

Hi everyone

 

I live in Spain and I've been looking for a project mini for some time.

 

I've come across a 1971 850 Mini in original condition.  It hasn't been used for about 8 years but appears to be relatively rust-free. There is a bit of surface rust but nothing major. 

 

The car nees a complete refurb but that's what I wanted.  I'm just wondering what people think?  I'm not doing this to make money, it's for a bit of fun but I also don't want to lose money.  My main issue is I don't know how much I will need to spend on parts yet and I will need to get the body cleaned up and resprayed.  I will do all mechanical work on it myself.

 

Is the 850 engine a bit too underpowered though?  I would have preferred a 1000cc engine but there are so few cars for sale in Spain and very rare to find one that hasn't been modifiied in any way.

 

The guy wants €3000 for it but I think it's worth half that after seeing it.

 

Any comments from anyone are really welcome.  

 

I did a short video about it on my YouTube Channel if you wan to take a look:

 

 

And I've attached a couple of photos.

 

Thanks for any input!

 

Cheers

 

Justin

 

 

Attached Files

•  mini 1.jpg   46.71K   13 downloads
•  mini 2.jpg   48.14K   19 downloads
•  mini 3.jpg   65.63K   20 downloads

[mab01uk]

It is a now rare original Mk3 850 and in reasonable condition for year compared to most in the UK which are either far worse, rebuilt on later Mk4 bodyshells or have been scrapped long ago. A worthwhile project although it would be of most value when finished kept in original factory condition with perhaps some period mods. The 850 wiith a few mods can be a delight to drive despite the lack of all out power but you could always keep the original 850 engine/gearbox for future buyers and run it with a 1000 or 1275 engine/box if desired......although S disc brakes would then be a good idea while retaining some standard looking 10" steel wheels or some nice 'perod' alloys that don't need arch extensions.

Edited by mab01uk, 19 February 2017 - 10:40 AM.

[JustinSpain]

Thanks so much for the response. Yes, my intention would be to restore it and keep it in its original spec.  I thought possibly change the steering wheel to a smaller one and fit some period alloys but keep the originals too.

 

Thanks for your help.  

 

Just waiting for a quote to get the bodywork fixed up and painted before I commit.

[sledgehammer]

are the authi mini's getting rarer in spain now ?

 

or are there still loads about ?

 

I would keep as standard , as you have said

 

I have found some 850's as quick as 998's

 

as the 850's rev higher / smoother

 

have fun with it , looks like a nice one , esp as it's been in good weather most of it's life

[sonikk4]

Nice looking car. Personally I would keep it as it is, maybe fit some Cooper S steel rims and if you feel inclined then get a warmed over 998.

My 74 clubby will be keeping the bog stock look including the interior however the drive train will be different. 7 port fuel injected 1293, upgraded brake system (that's been done already, converted from drums to 7.5" calipers and discs, Cooper S steel rims, hi los with new doughnuts and it will be wearing a full set of adjustable shock absorbers.

The overall look is to keep it total standard with everything else hidden away. I will even be keeping the large standard steering wheel.

[CityEPete]

As no one has answered the question yet I'd say it's certainly not unrealistic and a good place to start negotiations from, aunque,un poco más barata es siempre mejor.

[Miki Leyland]

Thanks so much for the response. Yes, my intention would be to restore it and keep it in its original spec.  I thought possibly change the steering wheel to a smaller one and fit some period alloys but keep the originals too.

 

Thanks for your help.  

 

Just waiting for a quote to get the bodywork fixed up and painted before I commit.

Do you know the Spanish forum? http://foromini.minibcn.net/

[sonikk4]

Right judging by the pictures and baring in mind on a mini there is no such thing as surface rust you will need new skins on the doors with repairs to the bottom of the door frames.
A panels to be replaced with possible issues with flitch returns.
The roof I'm sure once the paint is removed will need some repairs as well.
From what I could see of the boot there will be quite a bit of work in there. More pictures in daylight or the affected areas will be needed.

Now baring that in mind even with low mileage ( can it be verified?) I would suggest no more than €2000.

[JustinSpain]

are the authi mini's getting rarer in spain now ?

 

or are there still loads about ?

 

I would keep as standard , as you have said

 

I have found some 850's as quick as 998's

 

as the 850's rev higher / smoother

 

have fun with it , looks like a nice one , esp as it's been in good weather most of it's life

 

Thanks for the input.  What do you mean by "authi minis"?  If you mean authentic unmolested ones....I rarely come across any.

 

 

Nice looking car. Personally I would keep it as it is, maybe fit some Cooper S steel rims and if you feel inclined then get a warmed over 998.

My 74 clubby will be keeping the bog stock look including the interior however the drive train will be different. 7 port fuel injected 1293, upgraded brake system (that's been done already, converted from drums to 7.5" calipers and discs, Cooper S steel rims, hi los with new doughnuts and it will be wearing a full set of adjustable shock absorbers.

The overall look is to keep it total standard with everything else hidden away. I will even be keeping the large standard steering wheel.

 

Great points, thanks!

 

As no one has answered the question yet I'd say it's certainly not unrealistic and a good place to start negotiations from, aunque,un poco más barata es siempre mejor.

 

Gracias :)

 

 

Thanks so much for the response. Yes, my intention would be to restore it and keep it in its original spec.  I thought possibly change the steering wheel to a smaller one and fit some period alloys but keep the originals too.

 

Thanks for your help.  

 

Just waiting for a quote to get the bodywork fixed up and painted before I commit.

Do you know the Spanish forum? http://foromini.minibcn.net/

 

 

Ah, I wasn't aware of that forum, will check it out.  Thanks.

 

Right judging by the pictures and baring in mind on a mini there is no such thing as surface rust you will need new skins on the doors with repairs to the bottom of the door frames.
A panels to be replaced with possible issues with flitch returns.
The roof I'm sure once the paint is removed will need some repairs as well.
From what I could see of the boot there will be quite a bit of work in there. More pictures in daylight or the affected areas will be needed.

Now baring that in mind even with low mileage ( can it be verified?) I would suggest no more than €2000.

 

Thanks so much for that.  The mileage is correct based on the MOT certificate that I've seen.  Unfortunately I saw the car at night.  It's about an hour from where I am so maybe I need to try and see it in the daytime.  I will ask the owner to send me some photos of the boot especially in daylight.  Thanks for your help!!

[Cooperman]

What a super basis for a beautiful and original 850 Mini.

 

That one is a genuine Authi made car. Authi was a Spanish company which had a licence deal with British Leyland similar to the deal Innocenti had with them. But Authi Minis are becoming very rare and 850 models especially so.

 

I would certainly be happy to pay between £2250 and £2500 for that car as it is. It could cost around £3000 for a full restoration, assuming you do most of the work yourself and buy top quality parts. So for around £550 you would have a valuable fully-restored classic car.

Good luck with this.

[sledgehammer]

quote ...What do you mean by "authi minis"?  If you mean authentic unmolested ones....I rarely come across any.

 

 

 

cooper man explains it better

 

they were made under licence , the tag is on the front panel

 

could be rare as an 850 cc ?

Edited by sledgehammer, 19 February 2017 - 07:33 PM.

[mab01uk]

Lots of information on the Authi Mini on AustinRover Online (see link below) :-

 

Mini overseas : Spain The Costa Mini…

"As well as ADO16s, Authi also produced their version of the Mini for local consumption. As with its larger brother, the aim was to achieve 100 per cent local content, and as a result, the Minis that rolled out of Pamplona were very interesting indeed. The easy route to component supply in these transplant operations is to import as many of these items as possible from the UK, but in the case of Authi, this avenue was not open to them, thanks to the Spanish government’s insistence on full local content. As a result, components such as SU carburettors, Lucas lights and Smiths instruments were all assembled under licence in a new factory at Manresa, north of Barcelona. Other items that would ordinarily have been supplied by component suppliers in the UK, were blueprinted by BMC and produced in Spain.

Even the A-series engines used by Authi were produced locally, at a factory at Los Conrales near Santander. Interestingly, one feature unique to the Authi-produced cars was the driveshaft design – whereas the standard Mini/1100 arrangement of Rzeppa CV (constant velocity) joints was used world-wide, the Spanish version had to make do with a more simple double UJ (universal joint) arrangement. This was because there were no suitable Spanish manufacturers of CV joints at the time… Another unque-to-Authi feature was the casting code: NMQ.......

........from October 1970, the Mark III bodyshell was utilized (unusually, this was more closely related to the UK bodyshell than those from Italy)."

http://www.aronline....overseas-spain/

Edited by mab01uk, 19 February 2017 - 08:40 PM.

[JustinSpain]

Wow, I never knew they were produced in Spain.  I was aware they were in Italy but not in Spain.  Thanks for the info on that, really really interesting.

 

I think I will make him an offer in the morning....

 

Cheers everyone!

[sledgehammer]

best of luck

[bpirie1000]

Good find that deafo buy it....