∙Extensively and tastefully restored

∙Upgraded running gear and engine

∙Thousands spent in recent years

If there was ever a car that didn't need an introduction, this would be the ideal time to refrain from waxing poetic about its legendary status. The original classic Mini in any shape or form is still very much in demand. As values continue to rise, the car's character, parts availability and strong public image continue to raise its stock.

Given the history of the Mini as one of the UK’s most commonly and accessible modified cars, it should come as no surprise to see that this 1981 example has been subject to what can be described as a restrained late-model Cooper style tribute. The core of the modification revolves around the engine which has only covered around 5K since being rebuilt, but in addition, the car has also seen upgraded brakes, steering and suspension meaning that much if not all of the running gear is less than 5 years old. The car was also subject to a bare metal respray, along with a fully refurbished interior and some tasteful exterior enhancements.

As the organiser of a local car club, this Mini is one of a small but well-finished number of classic cars in their collection, all of which have their own garages. Bought for his wife, they both came to the conclusion that to find an original Mini Cooper S would require a serious amount of capital and initially decided to compromise that original plan by taking ownership of this restored example. The car began life as a regular 1981 1000 HL and was then given a second life after the previous owner had extensively refurbished and repaired it to a high quality. Upon taking ownership of the car, the car received further upgrades to suit the owner's tastes, which has resulted in a pleasing balance of retaining the Mini's cheeky character without the over-reliance on bolt-on parts and decals. However the owner has had a change of heart having owned it for a year, they still hanker for an original Cooper S, so have elected to place the car for sale.

Originally sold as a 1000 HL by Gates Engineering in Brockenhurst in the New Forest, the car retains a handful of 1980s and 1990s MOTS as well as its original handbook and a copy of a period sales brochure. It was presumably chosen as a candidate to be revitalised and all of the cars recent work is documented in the paperwork, with invoices covering the engine work and running gear upgrades. A series of very recent additions, including the new 13” alloy wheels, brake work, fog lights and paintwork has been retained to. The car has an MOT until May 2022, by which time it will be eligible for road tax exemption. 

The car was fitted with a fully rebuilt Blue A series 1293cc engine with a lightened flywheel, balanced stage 3 head, standard rockers, orange diaphragm, an anti-run-on valve on the carbs along with a reconditioned gearbox. A conservative guess of £2500 worth of spending has gone into the engine alone. The V5 has also been amended to state the bigger engine. To deal with additional power, the brakes also saw attention with new brake cylinders and shoes. However, the front items were removed and replaced with eight and a half inch front disc brakes and a new pad set up last year. For good measure, the rear drums with spacers were replaced at the same time. While the brakes saw renewal, the suspension was also replaced, with new bushes on the subframe and a whole set of new rally suspension cones fitted. The final piece in the jigsaw was the fitment of a 2.2 turn quick steering rack, with the column replaced at the same time. The gear change is said to be good, the clutch has seen about 2K miles.

The interior had been fully reupholstered with sport bucket seats, which have since been replaced by a pair of 90’s standard part-leather rear and front Coopers seats, for the sake of aesthetics but mostly comfort. All have been well-kept, with minor signs of wear but are free from significant damage. The carpets are in good condition with coverage throughout the whole floor. The headlining is in good order, with nothing to distract you in terms of major tears. As a provision for safety, new front and rear seat belts were fitted in 2016. The boot has a fabric shelf. There has been a hole cut out of the rear bulkhead, which may possibly have been cut out as part of the restoration process to ‘spit roast’ the shell to aid welding. Either way, it would be a straightforward issue to resolve by a metal fabricator. It comes with a jack and brace too.

A custom made dash was also fitted, but again personal preference has meant that it was removed and replaced with a standard 2 clock binnacle with twin air vents on each side. The dashboard is in good condition, with no cracking noticed on the top of the facia. There are the odd sign of wear and the owner has pointed out a slightly loose fit. The switches are all in good condition and are functional, although the circuit board to power the lighting of the main dials needs investigation, as it currently doesn’t function. The car also has a new battery with a switch. The car has a Pioneer CD/Stereo installed with rear parcel shelf speakers. The door cards are in good condition and are adorned with aftermarket chrome fittings. A new 3 spoke classic 13” steering wheel and boss, along with a momo cannon shadow shift knob finish off the interior controls.

The car has seen a bare metal respray in old English white and following the restoration it would have been finished with contrasting black roof and arches. The current owner felt it was a step too far, and has those item professional finished to match the body colour in 2020. The body panels are well fitted with no issues in regards to significantly uneven panel gaps. The doors open and close as well as one could expect for a Mini, with the driver's door needed a slight force to close, likely due to the new rubbers rather than hinges. The paintwork has been carried out to a high standard, with a deep and even finish and pleasing lustre. The car is free from dents, with no notable chips or road damage, although there are a handful of under-paint blemishes observed on the front wings. They not blistering through but are one of those things to keep an eye on. The structure, including the floor pan, inner wings, subframe, bulkheads, engine bay and the boot floor are solid. 

When the car was bought the owner also chose to replace the wheels with a set of new Minilite style 12x6 wheels, shod with a set of brand new Nankang tyres. Those are only a few months old and can be described as nearly perfect. When he owner bough the car, it was fitted with 13” alloys. The tinted glass is in good condition with no suggestions of laminate damage, with the rubber seals in excellent order. The chrome work is blemish-free, with the grill, bumpers and trim all without damage or pitting. The Hella 500 spotlights were recently added to finish off the look. The headlamps have seen new 1800 Watt halogen bulbs, with all of the lights and lenses in good condition. The current owner also removed racing mirrors and replaced them with a pair of more useable colour coded items.

Needless to say, the engine runs well, starting up on the button, with the stainless steel exhaust breathing with purpose, with no issues in regards to smoke. The car idles well, with no suggestion of faults, leaks or unwanted noises. The car is said to drive well, with no issues with its road-holding, with the recently fitted components not representing any issues of concern. The owner has confidently stated that the combination of recent mechanical renewal, along with its selective use means that the car runs and rides well but doesn’t overwhelm the basic character of the car.

The Mini has a wide-ranging appeal, with both modified and original cars sharing their demand for attention. As a subjective choice, this well restored and tastefully finished car has some pleasing aspects to usability with much of the mechanical aspects of the car carried out by specialists who are more than familiar with the model. There's a very good chance that if you're reading this and have gotten this far, then your mind has already been made up. It is perfect for someone looking to buy a modified, usable and almost road-tax-free Mini if the car's originality doesn't bother you.

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