You Need This: Herbie-inspired, Fiero-based, V8-powered classic Mini

David S.
By David S. Wallens
Jul 29, 2024 | Mini, Fiero, Engine swap, Cars For Sale

Photography Courtesy Ray Jones IV

The intro of the ad perfectly sets up this one:

Do you like flying under the radar?

Hate when people give you thumbs up on the road?

This car is not for you.

This car, though, offers something for those who dream big.

While it looks like a flared, widened, flattened 1978 Austin Mini, underneath lies a modified Fiero chassis. The front end is a tube chassis.

Power comes from a 377-cubic-inch V8 fitted “with a healthy cam.” The transmission is a three-speed automatic.

The graphics recall Herbie, perhaps our favorite VW Beetle.

The big question, though: Did someone here build this?

Find this 1978 Austin Mini for sale out of Burleson, Texas, with an asking price of $30,000.

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Comments
Colin Wood
Colin Wood Associate Editor
7/29/24 12:11 p.m.

I'm not really sure why it exists, but I'm certainly glad it exists.

racerfink
racerfink UberDork
7/29/24 12:42 p.m.

I'm guessing they probably had all that stuff lying around the shop, otherwise, how would you even...

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
7/29/24 12:45 p.m.

In reply to racerfink :

One of life’s great questions....

Noddaz
Noddaz GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
7/29/24 1:04 p.m.

Wow.  

Keith Tanner
Keith Tanner GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
7/29/24 1:10 p.m.

That wheel fitment is so good and so right. This is nuts in the best way.

You have to hear the idle video in the listing. Yes, I would characterize that cam as "healthy".

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
7/29/24 1:20 p.m.

Look like a Hot Wheels car brought to life.

Mr_Asa
Mr_Asa MegaDork
7/29/24 1:34 p.m.
Keith Tanner said:

That wheel fitment is so good and so right. This is nuts in the best way.

You have to hear the idle video in the listing. Yes, I would characterize that cam as "healthy".

I believe the cool kids call that a Van Halen cam

Purple Frog
Purple Frog GRM+ Memberand Dork
7/29/24 1:37 p.m.

Geez... why is it i understand this build completely.  Right down to the amazing paint job.   smiley

racerfink
racerfink UberDork
7/29/24 1:42 p.m.

In reply to Mr_Asa :

Only if your name is Waldo.

Keith Tanner
Keith Tanner GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
7/29/24 1:43 p.m.

I don't FEEL tardy.

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