V8 Powered! 1971 Austin Mini 850 Custom

The secret to the original Mini’s success was its exceptional packaging efficiency. With an extremely low curb weight, the company squeezed surprising performance from its 850cc motor. The Cooper S was a giant-killer, but this 1971 Mini 850 Custom rewrites the rules. Its engine bay houses a Chevrolet small-block V8, lifting overall performance to a level some might find scary. It presents exceptionally well and is set to find a new home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting the Mini listed here on Craigslist in Baraboo, Wisconsin. The seller set their price at $25,000, but indicates that they may consider offers.

The longer I spent scrutinizing the listing images, the more I struggled to know where to start when discussing this Mini. A previous owner created this startling custom in the 1970s, and the fact that it has survived for over five decades suggests they employed high standards during the build. They bolted a 1960 Mini 850 body onto a 1958 Chevrolet Impala frame, which they shortened by a whopping thirty-seven inches. A Mini bodyshell weighs about the same as my left leg, and cutting away so much of the Impala’s frame meant that this beast would never be heavy. It retains most of its exterior features from its debut, including the front fender flares, spoiler, and the enormous rear fender extensions. However, the seller refurbished the entire car in 2012, and nothing escaped their attention. After massaging the panels to a laser-straight state, they applied a layer of dazzling Mango Tango paint. They added stainless running boards and more modern alloy wheels, fitted with enormous tires. The car’s overall presentation is extremely clean, with no evidence of cosmetic issues or rust. The trim is excellent, and the glass is clear. It is easy to see why this Mini has won over twenty show trophies since its restoration. The exhaust stacks are an original feature, suggesting that life below this classic’s surface is equally radical.

The Mini wasn’t the automotive world’s first front-wheel drive passenger car. However, the company’s decision to transversely mount its four-cylinder engine created new standards in packaging efficiency. In fact, the concept was so successful that many manufacturers have since adopted the same basic architecture. However, this Mini is an exception to the rule because its creator discarded almost all of the car’s original mechanical DNA. Lifting the hood reveals a 350ci Chevrolet small-block V8, teamed with a three-speed Turbo 400 automatic transmission. The original Mini was a sprightly performer, but this car’s acceleration should be devastating. The 2012 frame-off restoration included an engine rebuild, with the seller handing the small-block to the folks at Herman’s Motor Clinic in the car’s hometown for a refresh. They also installed a new wiring harness, alternator, radiator, carburetor, and, wisely, a four-wheel disc brake conversion. Potential buyers can consider this quirky classic a turnkey proposition.

This Mini would originally have been a four-seater. The need to move the engine back beyond the firewall during the build means that it is now strictly a two-seater. The restoration included a custom interior retrim, and it still presents exceptionally well. The bench seat, positioned midway between the front and back seats’ original locations, features a cover trimmed in Black and Gray. There is no visible wear on any surfaces, including the carpet. A custom center cluster houses the gauges, while a Pioneer stereo with a remote control supplies in-car entertainment. The interior is more subtle than the exterior, but its layout is equally radical.

If your classic tastes lean towards subtle and conservative, this 1971 Mini 850 probably won’t appeal. However, if you like nothing better than to stand out in a crowd, it could be ideal. Its significant collection of show silverware confirms that the original build process was sound, and that the 2012 restoration is of a high standard. It could continue with show duties, but you can be sure that it would attract significant crowds at any Cars & Coffee. I know that there will be Barn Finds readers questioning why someone would create this car, but there will be others who will ask, Why not?” Which category do you fall into?