18 replies to this topic

[TotemoToi]

Does anyone know any data about the electric open canvas top Mini numbers/years/location made?  I have a 92 Webasto from Japan, and all I could find online was that there were 400 made in 91 and 92 only in Japan, and now there are about 200 left in the world.  Is that actually true?  Were they made in other countries (I'm in Japan by the way, and I have a 92 canvas top, and yeah, for Japan it's super rare).  I know about the Lamm, but I am just wondering about the Webastos made in Japan, and I guess if there is info, the whole world too.

 

I was specifically wondering what the actual numbers are for Japan, and for the rest of the world for the Webasto canvas top.

 

Any reliable data out there???

 

Also, are there fake ones out there, like people who have cut the roofs off and added the canvas top???

 

And I also wonder if Rover added any structural rigidity to the car with the roof now mostly gone.  Anyone know about that?

 

And has anyone ever seen any advertisements for them or could point me to any?  Like magazine ads, etc.  There just isn't much out there on the net.

 

Cheers!

Edited by TotemoToi, 29 April 2021 - 09:40 PM.

[surfblue]

I believe there were 1000 'British open classic' limited edition minis produced in 1992 for the UK market with electric sliding fabric roof. The same roof was also an option on later models the 96/7 onwards mpi minis. Always quite fancied one, like a convertible with that size of hole in the roof.

https://www.google.c...d=1619710478902

Edited by surfblue, 29 April 2021 - 03:35 PM.

[Midas Mk1]

Webasto or the Lamm Convertable?

[Colinmac1330]

I assume the OP is referring to the Japan only (I believe) Canvas Top Limited Edition, this was a red mini with a white canvas Webasto.

[TotemoToi]

I assume the OP is referring to the Japan only (I believe) Canvas Top Limited Edition, this was a red mini with a white canvas Webasto.

Yes, yes!  It was originally red but the previous owner painted it lime green.  Hmmm, I love the lime green but I would have stuck with the original color for such a rare one!  He said his daughter wanted it that color and she drove it to college, and then I thought, okay, I'll let this family slide because that's hella cool because no young girls, and I mean none, drive manual, and of course it's a manual.  And it has a white top.  Not Lamm.  But I was just wondering numbers.  Even for the Lamm.

[TotemoToi]

Webasto or the Lamm Convertable?

Well, I just replied to another post below to explain the same, so please check that mate?  Cheers!

[Cooperman]

I believe there were 1000 'British open classic' limited edition minis produced in 1992 for the UK market with electric sliding fabric roof. The same roof was also an option on later models the 96/7 onwards mpi minis. Always quite fancied one, like a convertible with that size of hole in the roof.

https://www.google.c...d=1619710478902

 

I was finishing some minor welding on one of these today for my Grandson. He has a 1993 Open Classic which needed the nasty oversills removing and the correct ones fitting. The car is now totally rust-free.

I have also fully rebuilt the engine and checked the gearbox, plus fitted a new diff pin and planet wheels, etc.

It will shortly be for sale in fully restored condition, but cheap it will not be!

That is certainly a super special edition model with only 1000 originally built and probably only about 250 left on the road.

[Cooperman]

I believe there were 1000 'British open classic' limited edition minis produced in 1992 for the UK market with electric sliding fabric roof. The same roof was also an option on later models the 96/7 onwards mpi minis. Always quite fancied one, like a convertible with that size of hole in the roof.

https://www.google.c...d=1619710478902

 

I was finishing some minor welding on one of these today for my Grandson. He has a 1993 Open Classic which needed the nasty oversills removing and the correct ones fitting. The car is now totally rust-free.

I have also fully rebuilt the engine and checked the gearbox, plus fitted a new diff pin and planet wheels, etc.

It will shortly be for sale in fully restored condition, but cheap it will not be!

That is certainly a super special edition model with only 1000 originally built and probably only about 250 left on the road.

[TotemoToi]

I believe there were 1000 'British open classic' limited edition minis produced in 1992 for the UK market with electric sliding fabric roof. The same roof was also an option on later models the 96/7 onwards mpi minis. Always quite fancied one, like a convertible with that size of hole in the roof.

https://www.google.c...d=1619710478902

Oh mate, they are AMAZING!  I really prefer it to when I owned a Midget.  Top down in the Midget, where I live, the sun can burn you up pretty bad.  It's either up and you're sweating, or down and you're burning when you're in traffic.  But with the electric top, the opening is incremental.  It's just how long you hold the button. You can adjust by centimeters even.  So, if the sun is at a certain angle, I just close the top a bit to have it not hitting me, but when it's dusk or whatever, have the entire thing wide open.  And the amount of wind is great.  No need for AC really.  I didn't realize it until I bought one, but I now think such a set up is preferable to a full convertible when you only have two choices (up or down).  I guess kinda like the new Fiat 500C.  But I read that the wind noise is terrible half open in those.  With the Mini, no prob.  Just a great breeze and the sound of that Cooper muffler blasting away.  Utter heaven.  But yeah...only if you can find one.  So, when I did, she was christened "Lucky."

 

Surprisingly as well is the speed at which it opens.  The electric motors spins and opens it up pretty quick!  Now 0-60 in my 998cc?  That's a different story!  Sure, sounds like 6 seconds, but for sure, an elderly double-digit!  Lol.  Doesn't matter though.  That sound, that handing, those looks...dream car.  Everybody knows it within 3 seconds of riding in one, and on this forum it need not be said I guess! 

 

 sDSC00124-1.jpg   43.29K   2 downloads

[TotemoToi]

 

I believe there were 1000 'British open classic' limited edition minis produced in 1992 for the UK market with electric sliding fabric roof. The same roof was also an option on later models the 96/7 onwards mpi minis. Always quite fancied one, like a convertible with that size of hole in the roof.

https://www.google.c...d=1619710478902

 

I was finishing some minor welding on one of these today for my Grandson. He has a 1993 Open Classic which needed the nasty oversills removing and the correct ones fitting. The car is now totally rust-free.

I have also fully rebuilt the engine and checked the gearbox, plus fitted a new diff pin and planet wheels, etc.

It will shortly be for sale in fully restored condition, but cheap it will not be!

That is certainly a super special edition model with only 1000 originally built and probably only about 250 left on the road.

 

Sure, I think so too.  Rare.  But this is in Japan.  So, I'm wondering how many made here.  This is a Japan original.  And I read SOMEWHERE unofficial that there were only 400 made here but I dunno if that's accurate, and perhaps 200 left.  I think they meant 200 left in Japan?  The other 200 were probably shipped overseas to wealthy people in Thailand, etc.  Did you guys know that even a not very special classic Mini that normally sells for £5,000 here in Japan sells for £30,000 there?  It blew my mind to learn this from a friend there.  I should go into the Mini exporting to Thailand business.  But I heard pretty much it's mostly going to the gov't for tariffs, etc.  Shipping cars outta Japan too is expensive on the Japanese side too.  The shipping companies and the Jp gov't take huge amounts as well, and it's simply not worth it.  Thus, £30,000 for a so-so starter Mini.  My Lord!

[TotemoToi]

I believe there were 1000 'British open classic' limited edition minis produced in 1992 for the UK market with electric sliding fabric roof. The same roof was also an option on later models the 96/7 onwards mpi minis. Always quite fancied one, like a convertible with that size of hole in the roof.

https://www.google.c...d=1619710478902

Ah, I see now!  Yeah, I was seeing all these 96s and 97s abroad, and only 91s and 92s (Japan only), and wondering.  So you mean they started again in 96 to offer it and stopped in 97? Do you know how many in 96/97? 

 

[TotemoToi]

 

I believe there were 1000 'British open classic' limited edition minis produced in 1992 for the UK market with electric sliding fabric roof. The same roof was also an option on later models the 96/7 onwards mpi minis. Always quite fancied one, like a convertible with that size of hole in the roof.

https://www.google.c...d=1619710478902

Ah, I see now!  Yeah, I was seeing all these 96s and 97s abroad, and only 91s and 92s (Japan only), and wondering.  So you mean they started again in 96 to offer it and stopped in 97? Do you know how many in 96/97? 

 

Nice site by the way.  Cheers.  I wonder if there is any site like that with info for Japan models like mine.  Anybody know???

[Cooperman]

I believe there were 1000 'British open classic' limited edition minis produced in 1992 for the UK market with electric sliding fabric roof. The same roof was also an option on later models the 96/7 onwards mpi minis. Always quite fancied one, like a convertible with that size of hole in the roof.

https://www.google.c...d=1619710478902

 

I was finishing some minor welding on one of these today for my Grandson. He has a 1993 Open Classic which needed the nasty oversills removing and the correct ones fitting. The car is now totally rust-free.

I have also fully rebuilt the engine and checked the gearbox, plus fitted a new diff pin and planet wheels, etc.

It will shortly be for sale in fully restored condition, but cheap it will not be!

That is certainly a super special edition model with only 1000 originally built and probably only about 250 left on the road.

[Aria Aradhea]

Most people on this forum will probably not familiar with the Mini Canvas Top Limited Edition that was for sale in Japan only. Thus, if you are looking into the specifics of the Mini Canvas Top production figure, I think it is best to start from where you are right now: Japan.

What most people will likely know is the Mini British Open Classic Limited Edition that was sold in the UK and Europe. Over the years, the Webasto electric folding roof ( I THINK it's the Webasto Hollandia 400?) is being offered as optional accessories for the Mini, and many people also bought the Webasto new and then cut the roof on their Minis to fit them.

[surfblue]

I believe there were 1000 'British open classic' limited edition minis produced in 1992 for the UK market with electric sliding fabric roof. The same roof was also an option on later models the 96/7 onwards mpi minis. Always quite fancied one, like a convertible with that size of hole in the roof.

https://www.google.c...d=1619710478902

Ah, I see now!  Yeah, I was seeing all these 96s and 97s abroad, and only 91s and 92s (Japan only), and wondering.  So you mean they started again in 96 to offer it and stopped in 97? Do you know how many in 96/97?

No I mean they were re introduced with the 96/7 updated mpi cars and available to end of production. Love the dash on your car, any more photos of the entire car?