Porsches and Mini Coopers.....

[Automahn]

Its kinda funny I have owned a 911SC in the past and am contemplating the purchase of either another 911 or a 914/6. I currently own an immaculate 1963 Austin Mini Cooper that has had a complete nut and bolt rebuild and is virtually a brand new car with a hot 1380 swiftune motor in it. I have it listed on a mini site for sale and so far I have been offered 2 different 911's to trade for my mini. It just seems a little funny or odd to me that people with 911's want a mini cooper. Heres a link to pics of my mini.http://www.miniguy.com/e_41.htm

[Doug Zielke]

I don't think it's "odd" at all, Automahn.
I had a couple of Mini's, one tuned to 'S' specs. It was a blast to drive....just like a 911SC. The two cars actually have a lot in common.
BTW, are you sure you want to sell your Mini? I think you'll be sorry if you do.

[Automahn]

The problem with my mini is that its too nice. I wont leave the car unattended anywhere, it draws too much attention and even when I am out driving it around I stress out and worry about it so I am looking for a car thats not as perfect and doesnt draw the attention my mini does. Its funny you want the perfect car but once you have it, it stresses you out.

[Saffs]

Lovely car! I like the fact you have UK number plates on it too. I think, if truth be known, a Mini handles better than a 911....

[bell]

wow! how many clowns can you fit in that thing? j/k
that is the nicest mini i have seen in a long time (i don't see too many)
pat yourself on the back for me, the car looks fantastic.

bell
85' targa

[widebody911]

Ironically, the local Porsche dealer (Niello) is getting into the New Mini biz

[epbrown]

I thought long and hard about getting a '66 Mini Cooper. There's a reviewer's quote from that year about the '66 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow that says "it's the perfect 2nd car, assuming you've already got a Mini." Finding a good left-hand model for a price I concerned reasonable was difficult as they're currently "hot" in the US; I also worried about parts.

Emanuel

[Automahn]

Saffs I never thought I would hear a 911 owner admit another car handles better but thats one of the nicest things about the mini you do not have to slow down for corners, its the closest thing to a go-kart you will ever drive. If I get the opportunity I will auto-X it before I sell it and thanks for all the compliments.

[Joe Bob]

There's a nice Mini at a lot here in town....asking 9 grand with the big motor....I would be all over it except I have already had my fantastic trip down the Lucas electrical trail.....yeesch....

As to parts, Moss Motors has an extensive parts inventory of new, repro, and NOS. Just rather pricey....

[Saffs]

Originally posted by Automahn
Saffs I never thought I would hear a 911 owner admit another car handles better but thats one of the nicest things about the mini you do not have to slow down for corners, its the closest thing to a go-kart you will ever drive. If I get the opportunity I will auto-X it before I sell it and thanks for all the compliments.

Got to say that the Mini is probably the best handling car I've driven. The fact that you don't need to slow down for corners is amazing. In my experience, they are reliable and seem to go on forever with lots of abuse. Rust is the killer for them in the UK.
Mikez, Minis don't have much on them that require voltage, very reliable when I've had them. The thing in the UK is to cover up the front grill when it's raining or damp. The distributor is right behind the grill and gets rain straight on it. Won't be a problem in Santa Barbara, though!

[epbrown]

Originally posted by mikez
As to parts, Moss Motors has an extensive parts inventory of new, repro, and NOS. Just rather pricey....

I've never heard of these guys! Hilarious, since I read all these different British classic car magazines - where a US company wouldn't bother advertising, as it'd be a bit like taking coals to Newcastle, wot? And at the local club car shows, everyone gets there parts at swap meets.

Emanuel

[Joe Bob]

http://www.mossmotors.com/cgi-bin/db2www/mossmotors2/index.mac/report

[Planter91C2]

i do think it is odd, and would say that there is no relation between people who want a porsche and a mini cooper.

i use myself as an example.

[Automahn]

How can you think mini parts are expensive compared to Porsche parts they are very reasonable and are very available through http://www.minimania.com.

[Reg]

I learned to drive in a 79 mini 1000, and owned a 68 cooper S 1275 until a few years ago. It was a very fun little car and lots of memories too... but I always wanted a 911.

I feel pretty lucky to have owned both a cooper mini and my 911.

[Mike914six]

I resently sold my Mini for much the same reason. It drew way to much attention. It was a very fast good handling car. 1275, weber side draft, roller rockers, disk brakes. It was easy to work on, and very few NLA parts. It was barely over 1400 lbs around 90 hp

[cegerer]

I've always liked Mini-Coopers but had never seen one on the track until a few years back at Waterford Hills (a very tight track). I was amazed to see a Mini-Cooper run circles around a couple of vintage 60's TransAm Mustangs!!! -- Curt

[Keith Ulyatt]

Brilliant cars, first car I ever owned was a mini, must have had 8 or 9, rallied them on the road and in the forest, still got a 1380S engine and straight cut gearbox in pieces at the back of my workshop. But nothing now can compare to my old Porsche.

[Jens]

My first car was a Morris Mini Minor. My second car was an Austin Mini Cooper. I think for seat o' the pants fun and driving feel the Minis and the 911s have a lot in common. Just a flat out blast to drive! Nice looking car you have there.

Jens
'73 911T RS 2.7
'74 Carrera RS 3.0 look SC

[dean]

I restored a Mini in the late 70s. I was very nervous parking it. Now I have a SC that I painted and I am nervous parking again. So I try not to park it.
I also noticed that you have a Mini panel van?
Dean