Ive owned a Rover carb Cooper for 20 years or so and some time ago, when values were not a consideration, its been modified with a cage, 1380, buckets etc all the bits you'd think would make a min perform better and be more fun. Ok it is great fun to drive, not so in traffic, and only when you're in the mood for a bit of noise, thrash metal from the stereo, i mean the straight cut gearbox.
More recently i was lucky enough to pick up a totally standard 850 SD. This morning i thought id drive it to work as the sun was out, its 15miles through a few villages at 30mph, some unrestricted A roads and a short bit of duel carriageway.
Firstly she arrived in one piece without missing a beat, which is always a massive bonus. The roads were pretty clear which is always better than being stuck in traffic, then my boss in his beamer came past on the duel carriageway but due to traffic and a heavy foot on the loud pedal untapping the full 65mph its capable of, i managed to chase him down and catch up.
Its such brilliant fun to drive, it seems to float through corners on its 3.5" wheels and 145 tyres with minimal steering input, the steering is light but direct the thin wheel just being held by the tips of your fingers rather than gripped. When you rev it and push on to 60mph you feel like youre driving in a grand prix. I guess youre on the limits of the machine where a modern car is in its comfort / sedated zone.
It reminds me of why we all fell in love with Minis in the first place, such a great drive. But then you think i'll put on wider wheels and itll corner even better, faster engine and it will feel more sporty but for all you gain you seem to lose much more. There is such a magic about the original as designed cars that cant fail to put a smile on your face.