Description
My 1983 Mini - time to go to a new home. 41 years old so tax and MOT-free (V112).
Originally a City E, it has been very sympathetically upgraded with rebuilt/ rebored engine (increasing capacity), Minilite 10" Wheels, Moto-Lita racing steering wheel and rally lights.
Drives really well, seems markedly pokier than the original 998 cc performance. It's incredible fun in 3rd or 4th around corners.
Always garaged by me and previous owner.
Only c. 7k miles since engine and gearbox rebuild / rebore.
I'm very fond of these early 80s Minis (see original brochure in photos), as they are the last before Mini became a Rover 'heritage' product.
Acquired by me in 2022, after it had been mechanically restored by previous owner (who had been preparing her for the Italian Job trip to Italy, until COVID struck).
I would have loved to use her more, but my children and wife are less keen (!) so she'll have to go to a new home.
It has had a full engine and gearbox rebuild and rebore, plus lots of work on subframes, chassis and floors to treat rust, and suspension entirely replaced.
So I inherited a mechanically and structurally very sound Mini, which just needed some TLC to the interior and exterior trim.
I have fully soundproofed with the NK kit, and replaced carpet, repaired headlining, new dash surround, all of which complement the rare Mini 'Equinox Suit' seats and door cards. New wheel arches, grill, gutter trim. I have barely used her, as I just haven't had the time.
Jobs for the next owner: touching up paint here and there. Keep tyres fresh.
What do I love about this car? it's a practical, every day restored Mini, which hasn't been ridiculously messed around with. I'm not a fan of '80s Minis being made to look 1960s. Instead, this has been authentically 'Cooperised' with the rebore, Minilite wheels etc, but given that John Cooper versions were not even an option in 1983, that seems entirely reasonable and authentic to me.
I haven't MOT'd it but happy to do so if desired. I've been through the history file (all available for inspection) and spoken to two of the previous owners.
My summary of the work as follows:
18/ 5/ 12: MOT 64, 382m, Evesham
03/ 5/ 13: MOT 67, 833
12/ 8/ 13: Engine rebored and crank ground by Hackers, Cheltenham; gearbox by Geartech, Kidderminster; engine completely rebuilt new pistons, bearings, timing chain, cylinder head refaced, cylinder head rebuilt; (confirm unleaded head); front shock absorbers; price including gearbox, but not engine rebuild, £1900. 00
03/ 6/ 14: MOT 69, 947m Tewkesbury
07/ 07/ 15 and 09/ 7/ 15: MOT 70, 470m Tewks. Parking brake fixed
18/ 6/ 16: 71, 577m
09/ 8/ 17 & 18/ 8/ 17: offside rear subframe mounting corroded - fixed retested
29/ 8/ 18 & 06/ 9/ 18: MOT fail 71, 962m - floor deteriorated nearside rear; nearside front, offside front, offside rear; repaired and replaced: pass 06/ 09
23/ 9/ 19 MOT 72, 027m
3/ 8/ 20 - 25/ 8/ 20 Throttle cable, Hi Lo adjustable struts
9/ 10/ 20: MOT 72, 315 works include track rod end £130
26/ 10/ 20: alternator and radiator repair/ replace
20/ 10/ 21: MOT 72, 446 steering rack gaiter,
05/ 1/ 22 & 07/ 1/ 22: Starter motor work
