Hi,
I know these things are rare but I would really like to have one of those original centre consoles.
I am living in Germany and with my brother I am building up a Special 1100 built for the continent in Belgium in 1979. Originally delivered in vermillion (a red orange or the other way around) with a black vinyl roof and a black interior. It will be built to stock appearance as sold in 1979 (with very few minor exceptions). We are only the second owners but even though the car was 100% original and complete, a lot of rust was needed to bereplaced. We are almost done with the metal work now. Paint is next.
As you may know, these Specials built for the continent were a bit different from the UK version. They only came with steel wheels, no wheel arches and no graphics on the side. However, they had the black grille, side indicators, clubman bumpers and the vinyl roof as well as the Special 1100 badges. They came in other colors than the UK ones (vermillion, black, silver and maybe some other more standard colors).
The interior was also quite different. They had the same three gauge instrument cluster but a different very thin leather steering wheel and unfortunately NO centre console and/or glove box. Although the Mini will be close to 100% stock, I would really like to add one of these centre consoles. My excuse is that this is allowed because it is an original Special 1100 equipment (although it was never available on the continent) and in the end it is a practical thing. For shows or so, it could also be removed quickly.
So please, if you have one or know someone who has one of these rarities let me know.
Thanks!
Kind regards,
Andy
