24 replies to this topic

[thewelshguy]

Hi

New member here, from Cardiff originally, now i live in Colorado,

I have been looking for a classic Mini with a roof chop,, not a convertible,, I had one back in the 70s,, I think it was called a mini sprint bit I am not sure,, if you have on for sale or you now of one for sale, please let me know,,

cheers

Dave

[Archived2]

Post in the wanted section

[tiger99]

Yes, a Minisprint. Expect to pay a very great deal of money for a genuine original one, as they are very rare and desirable. I have not seen one for a long time. There may be problems with the supply of body panels, windscreens etc. Article from 1967:

 

http://www.motorspor.../mini-sprint-gt

 

One for sale in France:

 

http://www.carandcla....uk/car/C245244

 

Unfortunately, no indication of price. I would like to know!

 

However they are being made again, but are not the same as the original, and are unlikely to rise in value very much in my opinion. But who knows, they could become highly desirable. Some things are not predictable. They are only based on new or properly restored bodyshells.

 

http://mk1-performan...rint/page3.html

 

Or you could go for a Domino, which is a GPR bodied Mini, with reduced height, and will be much cheaper.

 

https://en.wikipedia...ki/Domino_(car)

[thewelshguy]

thanks for the article,, I would be happy if I can find a Mini that has had just a roof chop maybe 3" to 5" lowered and not the body cut and sectioned,,

[Archived2]

You're probably better to get someone to build something to your specs.

Many I've seen are just dangerous and wouldn't stand up to any significant impact.
Get references before choosing anyone to do this. Don't take Facebook pictures etc as proof of work as these are often stolen from others and claimed as their own.

Choose wisely, get forum recommendations and avoid back street barn specialists.

[Archived2]

This went unsold

Phone numbers in the listing... could be worth a call?

http://www.ebay.co.u...=p2047675.l2557

It's old enough for export etc. Not mine and no idea of build quality though.

Edited by minihobbymini, 11 December 2016 - 12:55 AM.

[Alex_B]

Yes, a Minisprint. Expect to pay a very great deal of money for a genuine original one, as they are very rare and desirable. I have not seen one for a long time. There may be problems with the supply of body panels, windscreens etc. Article from 1967:

 

http://www.motorspor.../mini-sprint-gt

 

One for sale in France:

 

http://www.carandcla....uk/car/C245244

 

Unfortunately, no indication of price. I would like to know!

 

However they are being made again, but are not the same as the original, and are unlikely to rise in value very much in my opinion. But who knows, they could become highly desirable. Some things are not predictable. They are only based on new or properly restored bodyshells.

 

http://mk1-performan...rint/page3.html

 

Or you could go for a Domino, which is a GPR bodied Mini, with reduced height, and will be much cheaper.

 

https://en.wikipedia...ki/Domino_(car)

Just a quick edit, the Domino GRP mini I believe is made to standard mini dimensions for the most part, I think you are meaning the Minus which is another GRP mini kit but is around 6 inches shorter in the body below the waist than a standard mini but uses the same size windows as a mini. 

[thewelshguy]

Thanks for the info, ill get in touch with him,,,,

[thewelshguy]

I called him but he has sold it,,,,  but thanks for the lead,,,

[Archived2]

Bugger. If I see anything I'll put them your way

[DomCr250]

This conversion was invented by a trained artist in the 1960's called Neville Trickett.

 

He still offers the service from his base in France, I seem to remember him slightly modifying the original design to allow for a standard height windscreen.

 

MiniWorld magazine did a feature on him a number of years ago...maybe search the web and see if you can find a copy?

 

Tiger99 posted the link to his website.

 

Dont worry too much about windscreens or glass - if it's laminated a good glazier can cut it down to size easily ... so if you see an example and it's missing the glass dont dismiss it as unworkable.

 

His design was copied a lot - and I do not think it's easy externally to tell who's is who's ... so make 100% sure it's been carried out correctly as chopping the roof and the waistline involve loads of work and a lot of skill. 

[thewelshguy]

thanks for that information, Alex B sent me a link to a chopped Mini he saw for sale in France, may be just a coincidence. I e mailed them and i am waiting for a reply,

thanks again

[DomCr250]

Any mini would look unusual in Colorado, but a minisprint even more so ... When you get one see if you can post a picture with it parked next to a F350 - it would be like little and large ...

[thewelshguy]

thanks for all your help,, I am going to look at a 74 vtec mini next weekend, if I get it I may chop the roof myself,,,,

[Archived2]

thanks for all your help,, I am going to look at a 74 vtec mini next weekend, if I get it I may chop the roof myself,,,,

How did this go?