14 replies to this topic

[HIrantha]

Hi

My Mini is a Cooper Sports pack (1998) - wide wheels and arches - Is this an after market modification or did Rover make it off the production line?

I wonder if its original.

Thank you

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[mab01uk]

The wheels on the Mini in your photo are not original Sportpack type but the wheel arches are.

 

The MPi Sportpack was engineered by Rover and funded by BMW to extend the life of the Mini to 2000 before the introduction of the R50 New MINI in 2001, the Sportpack option came off the production line with wide arches and 6x13" wheels, more details in links below.

The Last Minis:-

https://www.thelastminis.com/

 

The Last Classic Mini - The MPi

https://www.roblight...-mpi-minis.html

 

MPi Mini Launch 1997:-

Edited by mab01uk, 01 September 2020 - 10:30 PM.

[Algordo1100]

I was 14 when the Mpi was launched. I remember going nuts over the "Sports Pack". I just thought it looked so good. Ironic really that it actually makes them slower. They should have called it Wide styling pack.

[Lord Oversill]

Great looking car! The wheels fill the arches far better than the heavyweight originals.

[Steve220]

I was 14 when the Mpi was launched. I remember going nuts over the "Sports Pack". I just thought it looked so good. Ironic really that it actually makes them slower. They should have called it Wide styling pack.

Ditto. I used to live near a Rover garage as a kid and used to always pop in to go look at them.

[Algordo1100]

I was 14 when the Mpi was launched. I remember going nuts over the "Sports Pack". I just thought it looked so good. Ironic really that it actually makes them slower. They should have called it Wide styling pack.

Ditto. I used to live near a Rover garage as a kid and used to always pop in to go look at them.

Me too. Except I nagged my Gran to take me. I was blown away by the interiors and such luxuries as a 2 speed blower fan. Compared to the late 70s to 80s minis you saw buzzing about back then, they were amazing. At least to a 14 year old.

When I finally got my first Mini (a 1989 city E) at 17 for £200, one of the first things I saved up for was 13x7 inch wheels and big arches. It drove nasty, not set up for the wheels at all. I loved the look though.
Funny how your tastes change. I like the no arch original look best now. 10 inch rims, tasteful. :)

[some1158]

IIRC Rover's sports pack was one of several 'packs' available from 1996-2000, i.e. a predetermined set of accessories and modifications. Haven't got the brochure to hand but one was retro, I think, and the other might have been luxury?

[beardylondon]

1998 brochure 

 

http://www.minipassi... range 1998.pdf

Edited by beardylondon, 02 September 2020 - 01:22 PM.

[Algordo1100]

1998 brochure

http://www.minipassi... range 1998.pdf

I have one of these I picked up as a 15 year old. It's in good condition.

[HIrantha]

I was 14 when the Mpi was launched. I remember going nuts over the "Sports Pack". I just thought it looked so good. Ironic really that it actually makes them slower. They should have called it Wide styling pack.

I have read in another thread, also, that the sports pack is slower and handles poorly. Why is that? What makes it slower and handles badly?

[HIrantha]

Great looking car! The wheels fill the arches far better than the heavyweight originals.

  Thank you

[HIrantha]

1998 brochure 

 

http://www.minipassi... range 1998.pdf

Wow!!

Seriously???

Did Enzo Ferrari also own a Mini??

[HIrantha]

Hi everyone

 

Thank you so much for all your leads comments and info. That is truly appreciated.  

[mab01uk]

 

1998 brochure 

 

http://www.minipassi... range 1998.pdf

Wow!!

Seriously???

Did Enzo Ferrari also own a Mini??

 

 

Enzo Ferrari's Mini:-

http://www.theminifo...-ferraris-mini/

 

 

Alec Issigonis and Downton built this specially tuned Mini Cooper for their friend Enzo Ferrari, shown below with the man himself in a couple of interesting old photos:-

 

 

 

Edited by mab01uk, 02 September 2020 - 10:18 PM.

[mab01uk]

 

I was 14 when the Mpi was launched. I remember going nuts over the "Sports Pack". I just thought it looked so good. Ironic really that it actually makes them slower. They should have called it Wide styling pack.

I have read in another thread, also, that the sports pack is slower and handles poorly. Why is that? What makes it slower and handles badly?

 

 

The large wheels and arches don't help the Mini's aerodynamics, by increasing the frontal area, therefore reducing top speed and acceleration.

 

The Mini was originally designed to use small 10" wheels with narrow 145 wide tyres (5.20 x 10 crossplies)......Sportpack wheels are really too heavy for the suspension even with heavier duty shock absorbers/dampers fitted, 175 tyres are too wide and cause heavy steering at parking speeds (no power steering like modern cars), the wide tyres also cause tram lining following ridges in the road.

Many like the look of wide low profile tyres however and are willing to accept or overlook any disadvantages, so each to their own and they do add further variety to the Mini scene.

 

Wheels & tyres - Bigger wheel fitment consideration:-

https://www.calverst...-consideration/

Edited by mab01uk, 02 September 2020 - 10:30 PM.