Classic Mini

I recently found a 74 Mini on a (semi) local craigslist for $6500. It has a 1098 engine that was recently tuned up. The seller says it has rust on the floors, with rot through on the center brace.

Is this the going price for a Mini in this condition and is it worth it? I can't find any much cheaper and I have wanted one for awhile. Anything else to look for?

I got mine for $2k. Complete, not running, solid floors, some surface rust. 1275 non-S. That's all the input I have.

I don't know how many he's still got, but if you're willing to have something shipped, you might hit up forum user dkmidknight. Mine used to be his, and he had several others for sale then (Labor Day last year). He's in Tallahassee...

JohnInKansas wrote: I got mine for $2k. Complete, not running, solid floors, some surface rust. 1275 non-S. That's all the input I have.

Yea I remember that sale ad and wish I had bought it.

I'm willing to ship for a solid car at the right price but I want to get into something running, not a huge project immediately.

Can't comment on the price but the 1098 engine isn't that great.

From Wayne's ad:

"I've also got a sedan that's complete with interior and rolls on 10 inch wellers. Comes with a fiberglass flip front and a 998cc motor that definitely needs to be rebuilt. $1800. This last one has a florida title...

Also for sale shortly will be my Dad's 1979 1330cc Mini. It's Nissan 350z blue, caged, 13 x 6 or 7, flared, suzuki gti or starion interior, I don't remember but can look when I get home. Wicked sweet car that has a good florida titled in his name. He's asking $7500 obo for it."

For what that's worth.

If you get the 1098 and decide you need more oomph, I'd sell you my 1275. I've got plans that don't involve it.

I'm not really too concerned about oomph, at least not enough to let engine size influence my purchase decision.

For $6k I'd think you could import a better one from Europe. In Canada the hot ticket is to import a low mileage example from Japan but our rules are more favorable.

I did find this one currently on eBay. It says the reserve price includes shipping to a port. What could I expect to pay in fees on top of that?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CLASSIC-MINI-1275cc-ONLY-30-000-MILES-NEW-/111018857900?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item19d93d55ac

Like everything else they're getting more expensive so it might be an OK deal if the rust isn't too bad. I've had Mini's in my life - learned to drive on my mom's 850. Had a 998cc Cooper and a rare 1071 S. Also I lived in England for a couple of years in the late 70's and picked up a 1098cc transplant. It had a cam and bigger 1 1/2 SU's and was faster than my other mini's. If the rest of the car is good, go for it. Don't let the non original 1098 put you off. You can always find a transplant 1275 somewhere if you're patient.

Some pictures from the seller. It looks like it would need new floor pans but the rest looks decent. The upholstery is pretty awesome.

And the ad.

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/3640975876.html

Not bad for a mid-western car...from what you can see.

Check out the ads on Mini-Mania as well.

I have been checking them out but they are typically higher priced.

That upholstery is wicked sweet.

Even if the floors are rusty, make him an offer and then patch them.

I wouldn't buy that for $6500, of course I already have one with less rust and solid floors with a 1275 and 7.5" disk brakes. They are fun little cars that is for sure.

I need to get my hands on one of these. I think for british correctness, I'll put a triumph litrebike motor in it.

T.J. wrote: I wouldn't buy that for $6500, of course I already have one with less rust and solid floors with a 1275 and 7.5" disk brakes. They are fun little cars that is for sure.

He said he would sell it for $5800. I thought about importing one but looking at some of the pictures of the restorations in England I don't know if I want to take the gamble of paying nearly the same price as this one without a chance to look at it in person.

I did find this one as well that I could probably get for $3000 with trailer but I just don't like the Clubman front as well and it would take more money to get it complete and roadworthy.

https://picasaweb.google.com/bmcgarage/1974MiniClubman?authkey=Gv1sRgCImngqmI5ePKVg#

EvanB wrote: I did find this one as well that I could probably get for $3000 with trailer but I just don't like the Clubman front as well and it would take more money to get it complete and roadworthy. https://picasaweb.google.com/bmcgarage/1974MiniClubman?authkey=Gv1sRgCImngqmI5ePKVg#

For reference, I was thinking about getting a tow dolly a few weeks back and they were all between $800-$1500.

I just bought a '64 for a fair bit more ($9500). Rust free and a number of pricey upgrades. The car is in CA and I'm in PA, so I was fortunate a Mini shop (Heritage Garage) was nearby to do a PPI for me. He found a bunch of little issues that allowed me to get the price down a bit from the asking, but was able to verify it as rust free. He called it, "average for a CA car, but great for a North East car" (Heritage owner is an ex-Pat who originally moved to Conn from England). He deals with these cars every day and said the price was pretty much in line with current values. It has enough pricey upgrades (coil conversion, dual SU's, 7.5" discs) that I'd have trouble duplicating it for the same money. The seller said he has a lot more into it than his selling price. I'm hoping to have the car in my garage in a couple of weeks. Since the car is there and they've already dug itno it, I'm having Heritage fix some of the issues. While I'm not exactly made of money right now, I have more money than time at the moment and I need to the car to be pretty much ready to drive when I get it. I need to keep projects at a minimum for a while.

I'd love to find a running, lightly rusty Mini for around $2000 for build up for rally-x, but for a street car, I want a totally rust free car.

Yea, that is what I am finding as I look around more. I think I'll hold off on that one.

I would like the clubman for a rallycross car if I could afford to buy two but I am looking for primarily a street/autocross car since my Miata handles rallycross duties.