Most liked posts in thread: Wanted: Mark I Project Car

Welcome, thanks for joining Motoring Alliance, the FUN and Friendly MINI Community.

Might want to contact Jason Pigg, he can help point you in the right direction. His FB stuff https://www.facebook.com/jason.pigg.16?fref=ts

 

Do you want a complete car or would a complete shell w suspension work?

Mark 1's are getting spendy these days!

PM sent.

 

Welcome to Motoring Alliance and good luck in your quest !!

 

I was in San Antonio this past weekend and I spotted a Mk. I Mini that isn't being driven anymore.










You might need a ladder. :biggrin5:







Looks to be about a 1966 Morris Mini and they installed it up there with the engine intact! I know it has been there for at least 20 years, and even though it is a dry climate, the years have not been kind to the Mini. As there are fewer and fewer Mk. I Minis around, I wonder if this one will ever be saved?






.

 

This one sold on BaT a few days ago for $11,500.....

Since the OP hasn't returned or responded to questions, it's a little hard to give any helpful answers......

http://bringatrailer.com/listing/1962-austin-mini-cooper/

 

Here's a Mini body in Ohio. Okay, it's not a Mk. I and it's an estate, but still... http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/pts/5638369032.html

 

A couple more:


Looks to have been a genuine Mini Pickup before the umm... improvement. Mini pickups are rare beasts, and since the sheet metal on the back end of a Mini Pickup is not exactly complicated, it might actually be possible to return this one to pickup form.

https://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/cto/5640535535.html


A pair of Mini van bodies for $1,200

http://wichita.craigslist.org/cto/5658401043.html


And, apparently, this is what somebody thinks a $13K Mini looks like:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/5659309359.html

 

http://www.vordermanvw.com/VehicleDetails/used-1967-Austin_mini-Cooper_S--Fort_Wayne-IN/2429928373

How about this? About 50 mins away from me.

 

Your quest to find a great classic Mini is certainly well appreciated and understood. Not knowing your intended purpose behind this search, I can only assume that you are looking for a car which holds the greatest level of originality. Many have been modified from original, and that is to be expected with a 40-50 year old car. That said, time spent researching the bits you will need to look for when actually looking at, or asking questions of a seller, are as important as any one thing you can do as a buyer.

I looked at this car to try and lend a hand at identifying it for you. There are several different date markings on a classic Mini that help in identifying its build date, which helps to identify authenticity. They include the Chassis Code and Chassis Numbers (commonly thought of as VIN here), a date on the wiper motor and a date on the boot latch. The latter two numbers can be found stamped in the housings of each. In researching the Chassis Numbers for this Mini, it shows to be a Morris right hand drive (possibly Cooper S) of the vintage the seller is marketing. However, the badging on the car's exterior is all Austin. Additionally, the interior is not correct for the car, as the dash is not in its original design configuration. Now, if one were to restore the car properly, these badges would be Morris badges, not Austin. Some restoration rookies overlook this important detail, albeit a seemingly simple no-brainer of a detail. What is to be considered, is that this car may be one of many cars which has been rebadged and re-vin'd as something other than is described.

If you're interested in this car, I would suggest that you go see it and look for the additional ID numbers on the wiper and rear boot latch. These dating numbers should be relatively close in time, give or take a couple of months. Also, you can look at the numbers on each piece of glass to determine the date the glass was made. It's a little tricky to decipher, but it can be done and will aid further proving or disproving authenticity.

Hope this helps and good look in your search.

 

I pm'd him, he's looking for a Mk1 to restore for a client, but he's not trying to keep it perfectly original. Good luck with your search, OP.

 

Thats cool, thanks for that.

 

Well, it's always easier to start with a car that is as complete as possible, that way you at least know all the bits and pieces and where they go - then it is just a matter of figuring out what needs to be redone and what you want to replace.

Here are some Mk. I Minis you might consider:

https://chambana.craigslist.org/cto/5676789626.html

[ame="http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/131873011339?item=131873011339&lgeo=1&vectorid=229466&rmvSB=true"]1963 Austin Cooper Full Roll Cage | eBay[/ame]

http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/cto/5680978183.html

 

It's admirable that you are willing to take on a roach to restore. Not for me though.

 

I may have a lead on a local car, let me check into it and if so I'll send you his contact info - he had 6 or 7 MK1's in various states and I just found out he's been selling them off - a friend bought an 850 that's actually in decent shape from him.....

 

I use Search Tempest and keywords "Austin Mini" and, separately "Morris Mini". I never search for just "Mini Cooper" as too many late model MINIs appear.