Hello, after a lot of years thinking about it but not committing I finally did it and got myself a Mini. I'm driving a company Corolla these days so a total opposite of that seemed like a fun idea, and boy was I surprised...
I didn't want to spend a lot in the first run (I know this is going to get expensive over time), so after checking the clunkiest and cheapest 850, a rusty 1000, and a freshly rebuilt 1275 I decided that I wanted something with a mostly solid body and a "powerful" engine, 7000€ tops.
Finally ended up with a yellow Authi Mini 1000 L from 1972, made here in Spain, under your license of course.
It is mostly rust-free, only the front floors were affected a decade ago and sealed with fiberglass, which will need replacing in the future but is solid for now.
The engine was replaced with an A-series bored to 1310, ported head from a racing mini (I'll check that one day), aftermarket pistons, Kent 266 cam, lightweight rockers, dual SU HS4 carbs, lightweight flywheel, high flow oil pump, electronic ignition, oil radiator, electric auxiliary fan, MED breather kit, and some other bits. It pulls very nicely and compression around 4 cylinders is around 200.
In the chassis department, it has hi lows with springs, Gaz adjustable shocks, CVs, adjustable suspension arms, and brake cylinder from the Cooper S, running on 10" wheels with Yokohama Advan A008 tires.
The car just passed our version of MOT but needs some work to run fine. The thrust bearing grinds a bit the clutch is pressed, needs to be replaced. There is some knock under load during acceleration and braking, sounds like an engine mount or bushing. The handbrake doesn't work on a hill and I have the feeling that the rear brakes are doing nothing, needs checking.
I'm a DIY guy with experience in Japanese cars, I think I'll be able to manage a Mini, there is a ton of info out there, and here I imagine every possible problem and topic has been already treated. Of course, the Haynes manual is coming too.
I'll post some photos as soon as I find a good online photo service with the option for external links, any suggestions?
Nice to meet you!
