9 replies to this topic

[riczito]

Hi all, sorry if this is the wrong place but I wasn't sure where to post this.

 

So it's about that time where various family members are starting to ask me what I want for Christmas. I was thinking along the lines of a magazine subscription, or some books. Can anyone make any recommendations? What's the best magazine for somebody starting out in the Mini world ? I guess something with useful tips and restoration stories in it maybe - I'm not really into wild customisation and hotrodding. Also books - any good coffee table Mini history books etc?

 

Many thanks,

Ric

[gazza82]

Restoration Manual? http://www.minispare...ic/BOOK-07.aspx

 

http://www.minispare...ic/BOOK-07.aspx

 

 

Got a basic workshop manual? http://www.minispare...ks/Manuals.aspx or

http://www.minispare...ry/BOOK-33.aspx

 

 

Coffee table? http://www.minispare...on/BOOK-49.aspx ... there are others covering different years

 

 

One about the A-Series engine? http://www.minispare...ng/BOOK-02.aspx

 

 

And then there's the David Vizard "bible" .. http://www.minispare...ls/BOOK-09.aspx

Edited by gazza82, 26 November 2018 - 12:42 PM.

[Spider]

Not sure what books you are looking for (technical, Mini Specific, Adventure, Personal Stories) a few I've read and can recommend;-

 

Spice of Life - Gordon Spice's Biography. Gordon was for a short while a Mini Works driver but so much more. It was an ACE read that I had trouble putting down. Good Story and well written.

 

Mini Minor to Asia Minor - Been around a few years now, but again, a great story and well written. Story of a couple driving an 850 from London to the Middle East in to Asia.

 

A little goes a Long Way - a Couple of lads who entered a London to Australia Rally in a Mini on a shoe string budget. Incredible Story also well written, but the last chapter, post Rally, bought some bad news and bought me to tears.

 

First Overland - I bought this as a few local adventure types raved about it. Great Story, with a forward from Sir David, but I (and an author friend) found the style in which it was written rather 'school boy' and amateurish, but the last couple of chapters it comes good.

 

Journies with Gelignite Jack - An old book (you'll only find this one second hand now). An amazing story of a 'Figure 8' Crossing of Australia in the high summer of 1965 for Castrol to Test some new Oil. This was undertaken in a Mini Deluxe and an Austin 1800. In those days, not only was there few roads or tracks crossing the centre of Australia, but maps were also an issue. Facing daily temps in the mid 40's, getting bogged to the floor boards in soft sand than ran for miles, a freak storm and flood at Ayre's Rock and with 'Gelignite' Jack Murray along, it made for not only an incredible story but will have you in stitches laughing. There's also a DVD available called 'Crossroads Alice' and it is also one of 3 trips on another DVD 'Epic Road Trips. The DVD only runs for about 15 - 20 minutes. I'll also add a note or 'warning' regarding this book. I first read it back in about 1979 and several times since. It's one of those books I can't put down and everytime I've finished reading it meant a road trip!

[humph]

Some great Mini tech books there from gazza.

 

Another one to add https://www.amazon.c...ini restoration

 

Like Moke Spider I have read a few travel/car adventure books that I've enjoyed;

 

I too enjoyed Mini Minor to Asia Minor - https://www.amazon.c...i minor to asia

 

The journey that never was - 1960s & two girls in their twenties drive around the world in a Mini.

https://www.amazon.c... that never was

 

There are a few none Mini ones too

 

No way back. Two guys set off for the imp 50 party in the UK from Johannesburg in an imp with no reverse gear. 

https://www.theimpcl...k-now-in-stock/

 

An appointment in Zambia - A newly married couple set off from Newcastle to his new teaching job in Zambia in their brand new Hillman.

https://www.amazon.c...tment in zambia

 

Currently reading Spark your Dream, the story of a couple who set off driving from Argentina to Alaska in 6 months. Seventeen years & four kids later they have travelled around the world. Only just started, but enjoying so far.

https://www.amazon.c...park your dream

 

The Driver - Account of a new record for the infamous Los Angeles to New York run: 32:07.

https://www.amazon.c...s=alexander roy

 

I have the two below on this year's list, so it's nice to see Moke Spider recommending one above.

 

Life beyond the horizon - https://www.amazon.c...ond the horizon

 

First Overland - https://www.amazon.c...=first overland

 

On the heavier side there are these two that are large volumes, the latter is full of fantastic photos of how the car influenced architecture across the uk.

 

https://www.amazon.c...ds=l j setright

 

 

https://www.amazon.c...words=carscapes

Edited by humph, 27 November 2018 - 10:46 PM.

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

I recommend "Practical Classics" magazine.  I've found it to be far more helpful for running a Mini than the Mini magazines.

[InnoCooperExport]

I recommend "Practical Classics" magazine.  I've found it to be far more helpful for running a Mini than the Mini magazines.

 

PC is a cracking read. It really depends what you´re after in your magazine. PC is great for technical advice on all sorts of issues that come with running classics and great for seeing people getting stuck into doing restoration and repair work themselves; Mini World is great for seeing what sort of crazy things people are up to with Minis these days and some in depth Mini specific advice. 

[MatthewsDad]

Not quite minis but Sir John Egan's book on saving Jaguar is a great read. I couldn't put the book down.

[mab01uk]

BMC Competitions Department Secrets

By Marcus Chambers, Peter Browning, Stuart Turner

Features

• Be prepared! - much of this is sensational
• The truth behind the Mini's Monte Carlo disqualification in 1966
• Never before published photos and internal memos and documents
• An insight to the politics of BMC and its movers and shakers
• Details of planned prototypes

Description

For the London to Sydney Marathon, team instructions included the recommendation that a firearm be carried by the crew of each car ... "A small pistol which can conveniently be located under cover in the car is what we have in mind" ...

Synopsis

"The revealing and surprising inside story of the legendary BMC Works Competitions Department told by the three Competition Managers of the highly successful BMC/British Leyland race and rally teams based at Abingdon. The book reveals the inner workings and machinations of one of the most successful motor sport teams Britain has ever seen. Based on previously unpublished internal memos and documents, and the recollections of the prime movers, the book describes the ups and downs, and the politics of big time competition in an exciting era. An excellent and entertaining read and an important factual documentation, no motor sport enthusiast should be without this book."

https://www.veloce.c... Vans & Trucks

 

 

 

 

 

 

[panky]

https://www.ebay.co....bi5xP:rk:1:pf:0

[KTS]

is Tony Fall testing the car to destruction or himself ?