OT Mini Coopers...how many of you have owned one.

I have seen mini coopers brought up pretty frequently here I guess its because of the racing heritage that they also have. I have owned a couple of mini coopers in the past and after attending my first autocross last weekend I was seriously thinking about picking up another mini just to autocross with. I have kinda decided that I dont want to thrash my 911. The autocross is pretty tough and demanding on your car so I have kinda decided to pick up a cheaper car to beat on, if I dont get another mini I will pick up a 914.

Friend has one. It is pretty sweet. He has an adjustable suspension under it, rebuilt engine that was bored out...think it has something like 100 HP or so...in a car that had 60 at most with the sport engine. Or something like that. Don't know the exact history on those cars. All I know is that before he put the sweet suspension under it, he could take a 90 degree turn at 45 mph without even churping the tires. He also has an inline brake regulator that is right next to the stick shift. That way he can adjust the rear brakes...makes for some fun stopping if he cranks up the rears to lock before the fronts...he likes to crank them up while driving and coming up to a red light, slamming on the brakes and basically coming to a stop almost perpendicular to the car in front of him.

Anyway, if you need any info on those cars and what to do or not to do with them, email me and i will relay you to him.

Paul

This post brings back memories. I had 4 minis during the 70's. Two stock, one panel van, and one Cooper S. The Cooper S was the first competitive car I had for ralying in the UK. After that I got sidetracked and ran a works supported Simca 1100 for a couple of years until marriage intervened.

The best thing about the Coopers in those days was the amazing availability of engine tuning stuff as the same basic Leyland A series engine was used in the MG Midget and Sprite, the series started as an 803cc sidevalve motor used in the first Morris Minor. I even still have one of the engines which my 18 year old is now running backwards, driven by a 10 horse electric motor, as a high flow rate capacity compressor.

Thanks for the memories.

Bob
90 C4

I am on the waiting list for the new Mini Cooper S which is supposed to be a pocket rocket! Manufactured in England with German oversight and sold and to be serviced by Beemer . I thought it would be fun for AX but lately have been thinking of scrapping the order and picking up a 2000 Boxter for daily commute and club events. Make no mistake about it, as I informed my better half the other night,no matter what the next purchase is; THE SC STAYS AND resides high and dry IN THE GARAGE!!!!!!!

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Bob
1982 911SC Targa
PCA - Founders Region

Cooper story

Still got a 69 998 cooper prepared for circuits with about a 95hp 8000 rpm engine, fiberglass and kevlar panels and adjustable everthing resejointed suspension. I built the car about 15 years ago intending to race regularly after college but did the house buying thing and somehow never got round to doing it( no cash).

By the time I could afford to race it I had lost interest in the car, I guess we all move on from mini's with age and had baught the sc. The car is currently stored at my folks place and is out of sight out of mind, guess one day will have to sell it though,

Bruce 83 sc