Once in a great while, I get the hankering to own a Mini. Then I tell myself the thrill would wear off quickly, from being cramped to being invisible to big SUVs, and just generally tiring from the lack of power. But every now and again, an example like the 1972 model pops up on eBay – fully outfitted with modifications that should more than make up for the modest power plant. From the lowered suspension to fender flares tacked on over wide wheels, it’s obvious that this Mini is not stock; however, this is the case of a car I’m not sure I’d appreciate if left in original form. To me, it’s just begs for what the seller has created here, a raucous little upstart of a commuter car with attitude in spades that doesn’t sacrifice the qualities that make it so obviously a Mini. The asking price is high, almost high enough that I’d look towards buying a car with the popular Honda K20 motor swap already done – so hopefully, the seller has some room on the nearly $15K asking. How would you spec out your perfect classic Mini?
My first car was a 1965 Mini Cooper and I’ve been hankering to get another every since. I’ve heard about the Honda V Tech motor swaps which makes me even more want to get another one, More power, more reliability, what’s not to like?
No way that’s a 1972 Mini. They still had centre speedos back then and the badge on the front is from an early 80’s model, as are the clocks. The VIN does decode as a 69-74 model, but the rear lights (from a MKIV) clocks, engine, all point to a MKIV, rather than a MKIII, as a 72 model would be.
You can also see where they have blown the paint in under the headlights and filled the seams between the wing (fender) and grille panel. I would steer clear of this one for many reasons
I’m 6’6″ and 240 pounds, and I work on these (and many other oddities).. They’re not cramped, you sit in them like you drive a bus. They’re a blast! And as that copycat Demuro from Jalopnik found out, they’re fun to take through a drive-thru backwards. I’m more cramped in any Alfa, which were built for long armed-no legged gorillas, or MGBs with a roofline built for the headless. Watch Fawlty Towers. Cleese is an inch shorter than I am, and he seems comfy. I wouldn’t want two of us in there, but don’t stay away from them because you don’t think you’ll fit.
These later MINIs are not that slow being 1275cc and given twisty roads, will pretty much leave any big american car of the same age in its dust as proved in many a rally of the period. Minis were never made for traffic light burnouts. With excellent handling,cubic inches makes little difference. You buy a Mini for the fun factor and handling, not for the straight line speed or comfort. Most people will be surprised at how much space there is in a Mini too!! Bored out to 1340cc with different camshafts and twin carbs or fuel injection you will be amazed out how far 1275 or 1340cc’s can go!!!!!
I would hold out for a Mini Cooper, or for more money, an S. Decent Coopers start at about the B-I-N price of this car and would be the better car and would also appreciate more over time. They made 30,000 of them so you could be picky when you buy.
Looks like a good but not great build, and Rob K points out some things of concern. It’s possible the build included parts from various years including gauges, dashboard, lights, trim, etc. because that’s what the owner liked; I used to do that myself with two-stroke Saabs. But whoever’s interested in this should do a complete inspection and road test. I would consider this car, and it might be a really good fun one, but I would buy it only after seeing and driving it personally and having it inspected by a Mini expert. Just saying.