I lived in England and other parts of Europe for a couple years, and fell in love with tiny cars like the original Mini and Fiat Cinquecento. I've driven the Fiat, but not the old Mini.
Car And Driver did a writeup on this VTEC-powered Mini, which can be a turnkey purchase, or a DIY. Honda innards, 0-60 in 5.0 seconds.
I'd have to sell my 930-powered 911S lightweight, which has slightly better performance than the Mini kit, but I also haven't been driving it a whole lot, except to take it to the track once in a while. I did all the work on the 911S, including an engine rebuilt and the actual transplant, and I would probably build the Mini myself over a couple years.
What's everyone think about this Mini thing? It just looks like such a hoot to drive. Does anyone in Northern CA have one that I could take a look at?
Here's the C&D article:
http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=26&article_id=9029&page_number=1