Hello everyone. Wanted to introduce my two Minis to the forum. Here they are:
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One is a 1989 Racing Green (the first generation without the alloy wheels but white hubcaps) - but as you can see there are some Minilites on as well as the Cooper grille, white door mirrors and a few non-standard crome brightworks bits. I've kept all the orginal bits so it can go back to pretty much orginal condition in the future - although that nimbus paint has faded a bit...! It was my first car back in 2001.
The other is a little bit unusal. It's a South African Mk1 Mini 1000 De Luxe, assembled out there in 1966 (registered as a 1969/70 'H' when it was imported to the UK). It was very kindly given to me by a relative when he moved overseas a number of years ago. It has a few interesting and unusual features compared to the British Minis of the time including the quarterlight front doors, two tone paintwork and the Mini 1000 on the bootlid:
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Aside from the Cooper S wheels, grille and engine, it's pretty close to orginal condition. The orginal engine exists (although not the gearbox casing) but some of the interior has become lost or damaged over time.
I'm very keen on finding out more about this car, particulary if anyone has a similar South African version for some photographs since I'm keen to restore this back to it's complete original condition. This will be hard considering many of the parts were unique and locally produced so are different specifications to the British versions. Keen for the challenge though!
Pictures of the interior are particulary of interest, and the engine bay. The engine is painted in a maroon colour, rather than BMC green as I believe to be standard for South African Minis.
Would be great to hear from anyone with more information!