66 replies to this topic

[Jordie]

Introducing my new project, its abit marmite so you'll love it or hate it. Its a Sabre Sprint kit car based on mini components. As some of you know I was looking for a project abit different and this was owned by a family friend.

 

Sabre Sprints were built about 10 miles from me, so theres some history linked to the local area. It is an hybrid sprint which was a mix of mk1 sprint and mk2 sprint. It has the mk2 front with quad round headlights but only the opening glass (not full hatch). Only approx 110 of these were built over the years in all forms, so its quite limited. More info can be found.... https://books.google... sprint&f=false

 

 

Now the actual car, it runs and drives. it will need some mechanical restoration and some tidying up, but the bodywork is mainly solid and no major repairs needed.

 

Some info on the kit, it uses a mini front subframe, engine, brakes etc, rear beam axle with mini radius arms and coilover springs, a mini van/estate fuel tank. The dash and interior appears to be a mix match of components from cars of the period.

 

Plans

- Fit 7.5" brakes and possibly run 10" wheels (if they dont look too small)

- Rebuild and renew rest of brakes as required.

- Investigate engine and decide if rebuild is required or not.

- Fix sloppy gear linkage, uninvestigated but most likely the rubbers holding the rod change.

- Sort doors - Maybe fit electric window kit. I want to remove the lock from the outside and use a remote central locking (emergency access through boot if battery goes flat) Sort out door handles on inside - currently uses a boot release handle/cable to open the door lol.

- Replace dash using a mini centre clock setup and some aux gauges. Either fit mini switches or modern savage type switches instead of the un-identifiable flick switches.

- I think it would look good on weller 8 spoke wheels, either 10 or 12 depending on what looks right.

 

Whats are these worth?

- Set of 5 Minilites 12x4.5, RSP/Mini 30 style with holes inline with spokes. Tyres unknown so say they need tyres.

- 10" Cobra Superslots with good tyres from quick inspection. Will need polish or painting.

- Huntmaster seats

 

Now for the pics.....

 

 

 

[Ben_O]

I can't decide if i love it or hate it..

 

Look forward to seeing it progress though

Ben

[Jordie]

Marmite effect Ben, i didnt much like it at first, but grew on me......I think its got a rally thing going on when I look at it, maybe should stick some mud/snow tyres on, some cibies across the front and rally it lol.

[Ben_O]

It's got a sort of mk3 escort look from some angles

[megamini_jb]

I love it

Look forward to seeing updates

[mk3 Cooper S]

Didn't think it would take you long to fill your new garage with a project.

 

Glad it is mini related - well A series anyway.

 

I looked a one of these a few years ago. It had a hot 1340 in it and was pretty torquey.

It was hearing aid beige with an Oak dash!!! - I too considered the race rally style based on the Darian rally cars.

 

I thought it looked a bit RS2000 at the front and Mk3 Escort at the rear too.

 

Good luck with the project it is certainly different with NO rusty bodywork to sort - a blank canvas for a period rally/ race car

[mk3 Cooper S]

What width are the superslots? If they are 4.5" I may be interested?

[Jordie]

Ill check shortly.

[Jordie]

Superslots are 10 x 5

[craig 1010cc]

I strangly like these beasties after seeing 1 up for sale a few years back. I think quite a few ended up as club rally cars as I think that the shells are built stronger than most kit cars. 

 

I'd be surprised if 10's would work on these, its too close in dim's to a metro in my mind, 12x6's or 13's would be my choice (mmmm alleycats I think)

 

RSP alloys are worth a bit as they are pretty rare and more RSP are being restored back to stock, I'd have a look over on the register.

[sonikk4]

Mmm I suppose if you squint with the lights off it looks the dogs danglies. Very Marmite Jordie but I can see some potential hidden there.

I think certainly looking at the interior if things were done differently that would make a difference. Certainly looks like some traits from the RS and MK 3 have been added to the gene pool as previously mentioned. Bet it's quite light as well??

It's different that's the big thing and something that will grow on you ( not literally like moss!!!!)

[Jordie]

Certainly different. I am unsure about 10s too but id be happy to swap the cobras for some 12 inch wellers as i think those would suit it well.

[Tamworthbay]

It might not be pretty but it's weird and wonderful! Take it to a show and I bet it would get more interest than an E type.

[Jordie]

Should gain some interest at the local classic car shows up here.....some of the older folks will remember the company what made them.

[666junky]

It looks like a lego car!! Its awesome haha!