1971 Mini Cooper S Recreation – Project Profile

We’re taught at a young age that puzzles are good, and we should relish an opportunity to test our cognitive function to the maximum. Lego, Meccano, Airfix kits, the humble jigsaw. Our young minds are bombarded by the need to solve puzzles of increasing complexity. But then we grow up and there is no more Lego, or Airfix. Instead, we have to do boring adult stuff. Who wants to do that? That’s why this Mini is perfect – it’s a definite puzzle that just needs you to put it all back together. 

The Mini is a car that resonates with so many of us. We either had one, or our parents had one, or we know someone who has had one. It’s a motoring icon and it’s a happy little thing to boot – you can’t be angry when you see a Mini. Unless it’s driven over your foot. 

Introduced in 1959, the Mini was the brainchild of Alec Issigonis, Austin’s premier engineer. His vision was a small, light, frugal, but also practical and spacious, car. A seemingly impossible combination, but through clever design he achieved it. The engine was mounted on top of the gearbox, and they shared the same oil. The whole lot was mounted transversely to save even more space. The interior was minimalistic to the max, with just one dial sitting in the dash, thus creating more space for people. It was a clever, well packaged, little machine. And we loved it, buying millions of them before the Mini was shuffled off the production lines in the early 2000s. 

What is it? 

The Mini you’re looking at here is a 1971 Mk3, which has been restored to what looks to be an impressive standard. The vendor states that this particular Mini was fitted with a 1275 A+ engine some years back, complete with all the good stuff like twin carbs and RC40 exhaust. A hot little car then, as they don’t half fly with that engine in there.

The shell has not just been restored though. It’s been built to Cooper S specification by The Ennion Workshop using heritage panels, all of which have been lovingly fitted with skilled and time-served hands. The whole thing has been finished off in a fetching shade of aqua, which we really love. 

Why is it a project?

In a nutshell, it needs to be put back together. Sadly, for reasons not disclosed in the advert, the project has come to a halt. The shell is perfect and ready to go. There is no rust or damage to contend with. Instead, there is a mountain of parts, both new and old, that need to be brought together to bring this feisty little car back together. 

This car needs someone with the knowledge and the determination required to see it through. It seems that everything is there, but for what’s not, there are plenty of specialists who can help you. 

It may seem like a daunting task, but it’s really not. You get to build a car as you want. To your specification. From scratch. And you can just get straight in there and crack on with the build. There is no rot or rust to contend with, it’s all been taken care of. And all the parts you need are there, too. The project just needs some time and a logical approach, like those puzzles from your younger days. 

Five things to look for:

1) Body

Yes, the body has been extensively repaired, but in the interim has it been dinged or damaged? It looks pretty clean, but if it’s been hidden away it might have been bumped or scraped in the process. 

2) Repairs 

Following on from the above, are you happy with the standard of the repairs? You’re in a prime position to check them out up close and personal, given the car’s bare state, so don’t be blasé about looking. 

3) Parts 

Yes, this Mini comes with a lot, even a second engine. However, you need to properly go through what’s there and get an idea of the condition. All the parts being there is one thing, them being usable is another. 

4) Identification

We’re sure everything is present and correct, but with a car that’s completely stripped, it never hurts to check the numbers match up and so on. Also, this car didn’t start life as a 1275, so make sure the V5 reflects this. 

5) Subframes 

With the car apart, it’s the perfect time to check the condition of the subframes, as these are key parts of a Mini. Check the condition and look for any signs of damage. If they’re battered, you need to replace them. 

What should you do with it? 

It’s a Mini, so the world is your oyster. As the car is stripped, we’d go full cage, buckets, full race trim. Perspex windows, fire extinguisher, the works. Build it into a snarling little hill climb or circuit car. Or even just ‘fast road’ specification. Minis are at their very best when they’re being given a damn good thrashing, after all.

You have a prime opportunity here to build a well sorted little car. New suspension, brakes, sticky rubber, cage. You could build yourself a proper little weekend tarmac terror. Just don’t forget to paint the roof Old English White and fit a white number spot to the doors to complete the look!