HI recently purchased this 1995 Mini Cooper "Chamberlain 1300R" from Japan.
From my research these Minis were built by Hugh Chamberlain a Lotus and Jaguar race car engineer, and sold NEW in Japan. Apparently there were two models a 1300S and a 1300R. Both based on the Rover Cooper 1.3i High compression, however the 1300R was built to look like a Mk2 Cooper S and had the Injection removed and a 45 Weber fitted along with 12.7:1 Compression ratio and a 296 Scatter cam resulting in a 10.5:1 dynamic ratio. It also had 421 exhaust fitted plus Spax Shocks and flares and Watanabe light weight wheels. The 1300R also had Mk2 Centre dash fitted complete with Smiths gauges and Smiths Tacho.
The car drives great but did have a head gasket leak when I purchased it. I have since replaced the head studs and fitted a BK450 head gasket, hi flow water pump and replaced the hoses due to age. Car is now running cool as a cucumber and currently running some octane booster with 98 Octane pump fuel and the car seams happy with no detonation.
I haven't come across the Chamberlain mini's before and anyone who can shed more light on this car I would welcome your input. But for now Ill just enjoy the drive!
I Found these other examples in Japan
Early Brochure
