This Mini appears to have a competition background, but at the time of sale, its history is an unknown quantity. You will find it listed for sale here on eBay. Located in New Farm, Queensland, Australia, it is offered with a clear title. Bidding has seen the price reach $3,550 at the time of writing although I suspect that it may go a fair bit higher.

The racing history of this car is a bit vague due to what appears to be a lack of competition log-books. However, there are certain indications that it may have competed in a historic category known as Group N Production Touring Cars. These cars are essentially historic racers which are allowed limited, period-appropriate modifications and no sponsorship logos or signage. This little Mini appears to be a solid example. There are some rust issues in the front sills, but otherwise any other corrosion appears to be minimal and confined to surface corrosion.

The interior is a further indication of the category that this Mini may have competed in. In that category all interior trim must remain intact, but carpet can be removed on fire safety grounds. As per those rules, the interior is largely intact and in good condition although the car lacks a driver’s seat. The seat colors from front to back are different, but this was not uncommon in the category as it was merely a matter of locating interior trim, and sometimes the color was not a consideration.

The roll cage which is installed is a bolt-in type which could be easily removed. It is designed to provide minimal roll-over protection and is once again in keeping with the type that would have been used in Group N racing. Once again the trim appears to be complete and in reasonable condition. The installed shoulder harness would be of negligible benefit for competition as it would definitely be past its expiry date.

This little car started life as an innocuous little Mini sporting the 848cc 4-cylinder engine. There is nothing there at the moment, but this opens up options for the new owner depending on whether they intended to utilize the Mini as a road car or as a race car. One positive is that the car has been fitted with Cooper S disc brakes which is a bonus. The car also has a genuine Cooper S right-hand gas tank, which is a reasonably rare item.

Historic racing in Australia has experienced a resurgence over the past few years, and it is for this reason that I wouldn’t be surprised if the price on this Mini goes quite a bit higher. If it is a former Group N competitor then it also may be relatively straightforward tracing its history as Group N competitors are a tight-knit community with a willingness to preserve their cars. Alternatively, this car looks solid enough that returning it to the road may not be a particularly difficult task. Would you return it to the track or return it to the road?