19 replies to this topic

[Morksmith]

Hi

 

I used to own a Mini 30, then a Rover Cooper, thinking of owning another but can't decide whether to go for a genuine Mk1 (standard) or take a late car and give it the Mk1 treatment –
small rear lights, mk1 grill, smaller steel wheels, no wheel arches – mk1 interior and dash/dials – i'm not wanting a mk1 replica - just thinking of taking all the best style bits (keeping all the later mechanics) – or is this just nuts and expensive - should I just go for a Mk1 and be done with it?

 

Advice please...

 

 

 

Thanks

Mark

[Dzmarc]

If I was you and had the money, a genuine Mk1 all the way. (Do keep it standard though)

Prices are already sky rocketing and will only go up, so it would be a worthwhile investment.

 

There are several threads in the project section on Mk1 styling and I'm sure some more experienced members will give you better advice on the actual nut and bolt assembly, as there are several big jobs in converting the later models to Mk1 style.  

 

Needless to say any mini is fun on its own, good luck with the search.

[Vinmin]

Really depends on your budget & what you are using the car for.

 

I guess the ultimate is to have a genuine Mk1 as this will be a great investment (if you buy wise) however if you are going to use it as a daily you have to consider such things as drum brakes, single speed wipers & heater fan & the lack of heated rear window for the winter month's.

 

When buying a Mini for my son our budget was & still is limited which unfortunatly rulled out a genuine Mk1 (that's what he wanted). In the end we purchased a 80's Mini & we have converted it to look simular to a Mk1. As long as you are not going to attempt to fit Mk1 doors or convert the door hinges the conversion is very easy. Bonnet lip is easy to remove, grill just screw's on, boot lid is a simple unbolt yours & bolt on a Mk1 one. The adaptor plates for the rear lights can be a pain but with patience look good.

 

Going this route you get the best of both. Early styling with the better brakes, wipers & heating system of the later model.

[mk3 Cooper S]

Beware of making it fail the MOT if you fit real mk1 seats with no retainers/sensors and change the Steering wheel and removing the airbag.

 

Insurance company will need to know this amonst other mods that you do

[Cooperman]

If you can afford one get a genuine Mk.1. It will really increase in value and an as-original Mk.1 is the true spirit of Mini driving. In fact, an early Mini with the 3.5" x 10" wheels will out-handle all other normal Minis, but, of course, the road holding will not be as good.

[surfblue]

The genuine article just like Issigonis intended, unless you need an everyday car.

[Vinay-RS]

I don't know about the everyday thing. One of my friends uses a '63 morris 850 as his daily car. That said it isn't as cold as it is over there.

[69k1100]

Mk1's are real rust traps around the a-panel, mainly due to the lamination of panels there. So if you invest check this area out, if it's rusty it's a new front , minimum. In Australia the minis rust here (all mk1 configuration) and thats without as much rain and no salt.

This is mainly due to the trials of trying to salvage any panels on a mini once they've seen some salt.

Having said that from what I read on here anything newer (and then the newest minis) tend to be made of rust that's been sanded down and painted (poor quality steel).

[surfblue]

I don't know about the everyday thing. One of my friends uses a '63 morris 850 as his daily car. That said it isn't as cold as it is over there.

He's to be admired. Maybe hes only doing a short journey?

I just cant imagine every day mini - ing in a Mk1. My daily drive can easily be 100+ miles. It just wouldnt be easy or fair on a little 850!

[Vinay-RS]

 

I don't know about the everyday thing. One of my friends uses a '63 morris 850 as his daily car. That said it isn't as cold as it is over there.

He's to be admired. Maybe hes only doing a short journey?

I just cant imagine every day mini - ing in a Mk1. My daily drive can easily be 100+ miles. It just wouldnt be easy or fair on a little 850!

 

Ok, so he doesn't do 100km a day, but it still does the job. Also at least over here, the older minis have a lot less rust than the newer ones.

[Morksmith]

Sounds like the Mk1 might be right - I would only use it at weekends and only for local ferrying/visiting etc

 

Also - can imagine it being a slippery slope changing more and more things to mk1 style and ending up spending way too much, when I should have just gone for the original...

[Morksmith]

Out of interst what does everyone reckon a decent mk1 would cost me? (not concourse but not barn find) - somewhere in the middle...

[Haynes]

Picked up a nice honest local car for £4K 18 months ago.  Not perfect but totally useable and well presented, the doors are blemish free and it has the correct 4 vent sills.  But i consider it a very lucky find, it was on gumtree of all places, the guy found ebay just hassle.  Lovely car and would totally recommend an 850.

 

Ive renewed all the wheel cylinders, oil change, few other minor things, sailed through its last mot.  I love pottering around town and lcoal journeys in it, bit slow for faster A roads as I dont wnat to hammer it.  Absolute joy to drive.

 

Theres a couple on cars and classics around the £10K mark and a 'barn find' at £5k.  http://www.carandcla...8&S.y=14&page=1

[Dzmarc]

Picked up a nice honest local car for £4K 18 months ago.  Not perfect but totally useable and well presented, the doors are blemish free and it has the correct 4 vent sills.  But i consider it a very lucky find, it was on gumtree of all places, the guy found ebay just hassle.  Lovely car and would totally recommend an 850.

 

Ive renewed all the wheel cylinders, oil change, few other minor things, sailed through its last mot.  I love pottering around town and lcoal journeys in it, bit slow for faster A roads as I dont wnat to hammer it.  Absolute joy to drive.

 

Theres a couple on cars and classics around the £10K mark and a 'barn find' at £5k.  http://www.carandcla...8&S.y=14&page=1

 

 

Haynes, think you got an absolute steal there. Very jealous. Congrats.

 

I wouldn't expect change out of 5k for one these days.

[sonikk4]

I would spend the money on the real deal rather than trying to dress something up as a look a like. Covert the front drums to discs if you want a bit better braking and as Cooperman mentioned fit the Cooper 3.5" rims or the slightly larger 4.5". These still fit nicely without arches so keeping it look totally period. Don't bin the old drums though, keep them tucked away.