If your interested, the latest Unique Cars magazine (with the two monaro's on the cover) has an article comparing a classis Cooper S racer to a new BINI challenge series car.
The article is written by Michael Browning (ex-rallycross mini driver from the 60's and 70's) he compares the two on the broadford track and there is a couple of good observations. The magazine also has an article on the Phillip Island Classic race weekend including an interview with the VMCI president. Well worth a read.

And to throw in my 2 cents, go with the classic mini. It may not be as reliable but at least it can be fixed with a spanner instead of a laptop.

Cheers
Steve

_________________
Mister White Keys
"He who has the most toys, Wins"

1963 Austin Countryman Woody
1964 Morris 850 Van
1967 Austin Countryman
1975 Range Rover 2 Door
2004 Subaru Forester XT
2015 Potts Teardrop Camper
RIP 1990 Citroen BX 16Valve

Go for the classic! Much more opportunities to expand your involvement beyond hillclimbs and in my own very humble opinion, cheaper to maintain and keep going.

You CAN do a motor out, change rings & Bearings in a classic mini, in fairly straightforward manner, by yourself. Can't imagine doing that in the MINI.

Resale value too, as mentioned before, the classic mini will retain value, the new MINI will just lose value, specifically if it's 'racing' history is known.

Go Mini not MINI, for fun, flexibility, friendship & financial benefit!

(Man, I should write ads!)

Cheers

matt

The choice is sooooooooo hard!

I don't what to do ... I am thinking I might buy the classic I do think it's sexy

well i dont know how your going to buy the classic seeing as bidding closed 2 days ago?....

_________________
Here am I sitting in my tin can far above the Moon
Planet Earth is blue and there's nothing I can do...



“A turbo: exhaust gasses go into the turbocharger and spin it, witchcraft happens and you go faster.” - Jeremy Clarkson

It's called being in negotiations with the owner for the last 10 days

ooooohhhhhhhh......... well in that case, BUY THE CLASSIS ONE!!!! IT ROCKS!!!

and good luck

_________________
Here am I sitting in my tin can far above the Moon
Planet Earth is blue and there's nothing I can do...



“A turbo: exhaust gasses go into the turbocharger and spin it, witchcraft happens and you go faster.” - Jeremy Clarkson

Only problem if you buy Nicks one is that we won't get to see it anymore!

_________________
Flute - 68 MK I Cooper S
Member: VMCI #2474
Member: International Mini Model Collectors Club

A lot of good points have been made. Of the two links you provided, I would have thought that the one that is already set up for racing would be the logical choice, but I guess it depends on what level of racing you intend doing and whether you want the car to be road registerable or a purpose-built race car.

But I do think you'll have more fun in the classic.

The Mrs and I are going to sit down tonight and make a decision ... so I will let you know how we go

Aside from the fact you are asking the wrong crowd (this is a classic Mini forum afterall), the two options you've proposed are far from representative of you needs.

One is a logbooked historic race car (with all the trimmings), while the other is an everyday street car. To get the modern version to a race-only std would require further investment whereas the other is more/less ready to go.

Obviously there would be a cost benefit with the Modern one in that you don't necessarily need a tow vehicle, unless you break something

Seriously, you need to work out a budget and go for the car you think you can afford. Making a decision based purely on emotion is going to cost you

Daniel

_________________
Videos - Turbocharged A-Series on Dyno & at Wakefield
Mafs waz not my strong subgeckt at skkol

G'day Konzo,
Jump on e-bay and have a look at this clubman, i 'll just give you the number
as i don't know how to do it the other way. ( 140230214632 ). If it's still owned by the same bloke,( which i'm pretty sure it is without ringing him ) it will be a very well prepared car as this bloke has raced mini's for a long time and and has always built and prepared his cars immaculately, also he lives in Newcastle.
Colin.

Any tips on how I should get it from Melbourne to Newcastle ???





Colin,

Yeah I saw that but it just needs a bit to much work ...

Konzo

if you are not going the classic then maybe something like this will fit the bill

http://www.my105.com.au/classified.asp?id=8926

_________________
the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page
66 Mini Minor sponsored by http://www.lifeonthehedge.com.au/ The Dog Harness Specialists
It was a pleasure ausmini. I'll miss all you misfits and reprobates

or for 8.5K

http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=40896&start=15


how'd the talk go last night by the way?

_________________
Here am I sitting in my tin can far above the Moon
Planet Earth is blue and there's nothing I can do...



“A turbo: exhaust gasses go into the turbocharger and spin it, witchcraft happens and you go faster.” - Jeremy Clarkson