10 replies to this topic

[gpennino]

Hi,

I’ve been looking for a Mini for a couple of years now, trying to find one with as little rust as possible (they’re quite scarce in my country). I recently found an HL Mini with an A+ 1275 engine. The car looks good overall, no visible rust, and it drives well, but I don’t like the color.

 

At this point, I’m considering buying it, stripping it down, and repainting it. I can handle all the mechanical work myself.

 

Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

 

 

https://ibb.co/mVxtBw4X

 

https://ibb.co/R4Y627Vq

 

Thanks in advance!

 

[Chris1275gt]

Hi and welcome. Looks a nice tidy car, more knowledgeable members could advise where to check more closely for the more hidden rust places. My opinion is if you buy it and you have the funds ( I presume you’re aware classic cars can be and usually are a money pit) you can do what you like to it and good Luck! Don’t know where you get you’re mini parts from in Uruguay but become a member for £5 and you can get 7.5% off parts from minispares uk.

[Quinlan minor]

Welcome,

A complete repaint, inside and out, is going to cost a lot of money, if done properly.

With any new acquisition, it's best to drive it for a season, to discover any foibles, which may need attention, before considering re-doing the paintwork

In that time, you may grow to like the colour.

[mab01uk]

The colour look ok to me but all down to personal taste.

It looks similar or the same colour as the Nevada Red Limited Edition 'Mini 35' of 1994 which also had a 1275cc engine? 

 

1994 Rover Mini 35th Anniversary Edition 1275cc:-

https://classiccarsa...3821-rover-mini

 

Mini 35 Specification:-

https://www.classicc...5_Nevada_94.htm

 

What year is the Mini as it looks a later model than the Mini HL which in the UK was 1980-1982?

Edited by mab01uk, 21 April 2026 - 06:55 PM.

[gpennino]

The colour look ok to me but all down to personal taste.

It looks similar or the same colour as the Nevada Red Limited Edition 'Mini 35' of 1994 which also had a 1275cc engine? 

 

1994 Rover Mini 35th Anniversary Edition 1275cc:-

https://classiccarsa...3821-rover-mini

 

Mini 35 Specification:-

https://www.classicc...5_Nevada_94.htm

 

What year is the Mini as it looks a later model than the Mini HL which in the UK was 1980-1982?

 

Yes, it seems to be the same color. 

 

The car is from 1983, but back, then many cars were imported to Uruguay as CKD kits and assembled locally. Did you know "Uruguayan assembled" Minis exist?

 

Many thanks!

[mab01uk]

Some interesting information in link below from the AROnline website on British Leyland CKD operations and associated manufacturers. 

 

Around the World : Overseas operations:-

Uraguay - Austin Morris, Uraguay SA; Frank Surgery SA - CKD

https://www.aronline...eas-operations/

Edited by mab01uk, 21 April 2026 - 10:27 PM.

[Designer]

Hi,

 

Welcome to the forum.

It might just be the angle of the photo but it looks to me as though the bottom of the door could be pushed in slightly causing that curved look to it.

Otherwise a nice looking car, I like the colour.

 

Paddy

[stuart bowes]

it's a sort of 'meh' colour isn't it, like I wouldn't hate it but I wouldn't be excited about it either.. 

 

anyway it's surely better to paint a good one than it is to get one the right colour and then do all the repairs (not cheap though either way really)

 

still I think Quinlans right, drive it, see if it grows on you and do any mechanical bits first

Edited by stuart bowes, 24 April 2026 - 12:16 PM.

[Richard e]

Wrap it?

[Designer]

Hi,

 

Having seen Wheeler Dealers wrap a Mini a few years back I would love to see what it looks like now. Especialy as Minis are renowned for rusting from the inside out.

How much of the wrap is sticking to sound painted metal?

 

Paddy

[stuart bowes]

yeah but it gives you an easier way to get the rusty panels off, just grab the edge of the wrap and pull 

Edited by stuart bowes, 24 April 2026 - 03:25 PM.