17 replies to this topic

[minivan2007]

I am thinking of doing a race car to fia appendix k was just wondering or if some one know for certain do I have to use a 60s mini shell or could I use a later shell and make it look like a early mini

[Alex_B]

I am thinking of doing a race car to fia appendix k was just wondering or if some one know for certain do I have to use a 60s mini shell or could I use a later shell and make it look like a early mini

It will have to be to FIA Homologation which will require a mark 1 mini shell to be used, I'm not entirely sure if you need the identity of a Cooper S or any mk1 to get homologated but I can ask at work if you want?

[minivan2007]

Appendix K applies to cars which are either original competition
cars, or cars built to exactly the same specification as models with
international competition history complying with the International
rules of the period. So I guess I could build a mk1 out of a later shell any one know for sure ???

[Tupers]

No you have to use a pre'66 body. 

[minivan2007]

But there is another bit in appendix k that says you can build replica cars or parts

[Cooperman]

A Mk.1 shell is needed, although a car can be built from 'scratch' using one. In practice you could use a Mk.2 shell, but modified to have the smaller rear window, smaller rear lights and any other small differences between Mk.1 & Mk.2.

The finished car must comply with the FIA homologation papers for a Mk.1 pre-1966. It is not necessary to have a Cooper 'S' V5, you just build the car with all Mk.1 'S' parts and prepare it to the requirements of the category in which you compete.

With a rally car, which has to be road registered, it doesn't matter if the shell started life as, say, an 850, so long as the car is an 'S' in all relevant respects. For competition, if the car is built exactly as an 'S', then it is a real 'S'.

You cannot, therefore, use a Mk.3 onwards shell as it is too different to make into a Mk.1.

[minivan2007]

Thanks Cooperman ,will look out for a mk1-shell now

[Cooperman]

If you want to rally it make sure you get the V5 with the shell. For a race car it is not important although it can make things simpler, even if it was originally a humble 850.

[minivan2007]

Thank did miss out on a mk1 on the bay of evil by £20 was out with family and no phone signal was a bargin for someone at £860 with engine and v5

[Cooperman]

A decent Mk.1 shell won't be cheap. I sold a fully restored Mk.1 project with shell inc, boot-lid, bonnet & doors all rust-free and in primer, plus front sub-frame, and some other bits & pieces, plus the V5 for £3500 about 4 years ago.

But then, with an FIA G'p 2 engine and gearbox for a competitive historic Mini race car costing anything up to around £20,000, I guess a few grand for the shell is not that important. A rally car is much easier to build, but still needs to meet the regulations for Group 2 historic events.

Good luck with the build

[fwdracer]

If you plan on building a full competitive appendix K car you'll need a 35K+ budget.

[Cooperman]

There was a very nice one for auction recently and the guide price was c.£45,000 from memory. Personally I thought it worth around £40,000.

I think my 1964 FIA Group 2 rally Cooper 'S' is worth around that sort of figure.

Edited by Cooperman, 05 October 2015 - 08:25 PM.

[luigi86]

In the modern climate, you are probably kidding yourself that you could build one using new parts from scratch for 35k.

Donor Car: £2000-4000

Cage and other shell mods: £3000

Suspension: depending on what level you want to go to but FIA swiftune dampers are 1200 alone

Racing parts: such as seat extinguisher battery etc etc 1000

Engine: if you want a proper Swiftune 'works' engine and box you are looking at 25-35K now alone, if you are lucky enough to be able to buy one.

Wheels and Tyres: expect 500 a set of tyres, not sure on wheels if you can find a set second hand, but new swifty ones are 150 each inc VAT.

 

the best best you have is to save and buy a running car, but be warned this will inevitably require work unless you spend 45-50k. Or you build a Mk1 shell to appendix K and run it in a less tightly regulated class which allows cheaper engines and slightly more freedom.

 

This information is based on experience over the last few years looking at building one of these and also being around the classic mini racing scene. I built a Mini 7 this year virtually un aided with huge discount due to working in the industry and i expect the receipts to top up to about 20k, with a second hand 'cheap' engine.

 

If of course you do have this kind of money to go racing, remember the associated running costs can be high. Race entries circa £400 with specials like the Classic being 1200 ish. Tyres and engine wear need to be accounted for too. Let alone transport, storage and Accomodation whilst you are there.

 

Basically what Im trying to say is its an extremely expensive competitive class to get into. However I have no idea of your previous background so could well already know the above.

[minivan2007]

I build historic rally porsche 911s and mk2 escorts

[Cooperman]

I build historic rally porsche 911s and mk2 escorts

That's interesting work. You would be best building one from scratch then as you'll get all the bits at the right price.

My son is looking at building a Mk.1 Escort historic rally car and may have found the basis for a great car. He works in F1 design and development, so is aware of what is needed. I guess I'll end up helping him!