81 replies to this topic

[Bungle]

that looks great

[techno-steve]

one of my favorite minis now lol

i would love to do this but the cash comes in to it again but i would like to try and do this my self first just to say if it worked "i did that"

and all this about a patent im sure that having 2 doors on the back of your mini is not patented and if it is who gives a shti they carnt exactly take your car off you can they or can they |

[1984mini25]

Don’t Bmw still own the rights to the mini name/shape? So as its still mini shaped the only thing that can be patented is the rear doors, but Radford and others have already done similar conversions in the past.

Also it depend upon the patent it’s self being as it’s French built, plus for 5K I would want something more “finished” than a pair of fibreglass rear doors with a bit of Perspex held in place with some pop rivets.

[Nickh_16]

beautiful car, i had the mag on it, think of the work that went into that! top job!

[Bastol]

I've taken 2 photos of the new bonnet which is optionnal on the kit and available at our store :




In few days, I'll realise an onboard cam and new photo shooting.

I'll update the matt black Mini photos in our "realisations", because of new wheels, and the owner who is a world famous DJ.

See you in 2009

Edited by Bastol, 31 December 2008 - 06:49 PM.

[mk1leg]

Hi Bastian will this shorting break be at IMM and Mini50 next year as I will be there and would love to see it up close............

[Bastol]

There is a lot of chance it will be there, and probably between other ABMC creations. I will give you more informations when I'll be awared.

[mk1leg]

Thats great news ........see you there...................

[tomkidd]

Great stuff. I would be interested in seeing your own Auto BMC parts which are mentioned in the article such as the radius arms and the valance covers

[benmini]

this car is going to be at mini 50 in birmingham!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ethel]

Hi,

I'm Bastien, and I really know the "Shorting Break" project, because I was a trainee In Automobiles BMC for 4 months, during the “Shorting Break” conception and construction. I'm always there to discuss or to find a rare part and I've kept very good relations with François, the boss.

I'm available to answer to your questions.
Firstly, François and all the staff of ABMC is very proud to see their car makes a lot of interest amongst the Mini's fans.

Also, ABMC is selling the project. The white car, which is on the photos is not for sale, as it's a "show-car".
The "Shorting Break" conversion does not include the supercharger kit, but only the rear conversion which comprises the 2 rear doors and the rear seat conversion (with the fuel tank conversion, in the retail version the original rear subframe is used). This rear conversion has been patented, so you’ll only find it at Auto BMC

The difficulty was to have a rear Mini design with 2 doors.
The show car has been totally modified to show what Automobiles BMC can produce in engineering, bodwork, paint, interior and accessories.
You will see that the wheel arches are unique, and a little bit different from Sportspack arches. We sell these, as well as the front and rear valances. The carbon dash centre console is for sale too, and also an ABMC exclusive.

The name "Shorting Break" is a reference to "Shooting Break". "Break de Chasse", is the French for "Estate", or "Station Wagon". So "Shorting" because it's a Mini estate. It's not an error to have named this project like this
I uploaded a new video, yesterday, on to the www.auto-bmc.com website showing the Shorting Break presentation to customers. I'll add a new one in a few days to show how it really works and runs. We were in a local sports car meeting with it on Sunday, and all the car fans were amazed.
Auto BMC will have a place for the IMM on Birmingham in 2009 and this vehicle will be displayed along with our other realisations.

This conversion costs (not around £20 000 as I read above) but closer to £5k (depending on options) for just the rear conversion as described.

That's obviously the first car in the photos: with all accessories, engine tuning, leather interior, brakes, suspension, and everything else it has cost more than £20k.

The body has been reinforced, as you'd expect they didn't just cut the shell and make a piece of fiberglass to close the rear It’s not as simple as it would seem. I can't give away everything on the conversion or the body structure...

See you on the forum

Bonne transformation! Merci pour l'explication, votre anglais est facilement compris, mieux que mon français, mais je l'ai réglé un peu donc il ressemble plus à un locuteur natif.

[Ethel]

Don’t Bmw still own the rights to the mini name/shape?....

The accurate meaning of Patent may have been lost in translation but there's scope for several patents there, any single feature or process can be patented as long as it's not been done before. You already need the Mini and BMW (or Rover, BL, etc) have never made rear door for a saloon quite like that so no Teutonic toes will be trodden on. Patent applications apply worldwide regardless of which country they are filed in.

[Flippy]

UBER WOW!!!!!!! it looks amazing without the funky doors let alone with them!!

[Marroon]

i would love to do something like that. but due to the patent. and the clear lack of a spare wheel.. i cant!

Shame BMW didnt think like that!



Its a well nice car, loving the rear and front valance+ the subtle carbon on the dash!

[Bastol]

You can see the first Shorting Break "on board" camera here :

Shorting Break On Board Camera

Thank you !