2 replies to this topic

[D30N]

Hi everyone,
Last week I purchased a 1979 Mini Special (sight unseen off Ebay). I was looking for a straight, rust free body, which this car has.
I did not realise that it was a limited edition and after purchasing, the seller advised I do research into the car. According to him it was one of 80 and worth restoring. Can anyone please advise on how I go about researching the car as it came with no documentation.
My plan is to modify it to a fast road car, but don't want to do this if it really is a significant vehicle that should rather be kept original.
Any advice would be very appreciated.

[beardylondon]

There is lots online about the Mini Special, it was the first of the special editions, they made them in Silver and Rose Gold.

 

My girlfriend owns one in Rose Gold and my father in law has one in Silver, so they (and by default me) know quite a bit about them. They are rare, you don't see them for sale much, perhaps as theres not as many around, but they aren't as sought after as some other limited edition Minis for some reason. They do contain some exclusive parts, if yours is missing some of them, could get costly if you want to restore to factory spec, for example:

 

Clubman bumpers front and rear.

Exclusive checked interior seats

Centre console

Exacton wheels (there are normally a few sets around for sale)

vinyl roof

Special graphics

under dash [storage] bin

Different wing indicator repeaters

 

Mini Sport have been trying to flog theirs for what seems like years, and it hasn't sold, I think it was £25k or something daft, now says POA

 

https://www.minispor...black-for-sale/

 

Recent thread about Specials here:

 

https://www.theminif...i-special-1100/

 

Post some pics up, you can upload here and post the links:

 

https://imgbb.com/

 

 

To answer your question, its personal taste, and as funds allow, you haven't got the holy grail of minis lost forever in the sands of time, so I say do what you like.

Edited by beardylondon, Yesterday, 11:26 AM.

[D30N]

Thanks so much for your reply.
It's missing the engine, repeaters and graphics and has had a part respray, so it's only rose gold in the boot and bonnet bay.
I'll not bother with restoration at this point in time. Will keep the original parts I storage and modify it to suit me.