G'day all, I'd be interested to know if someone out there can shed some light on the whereabouts of 2 of my old mini's.
I know this is a really long shot but I'll never know if I don't ask and since I just found this forum, I decided to give it a go!
First, let me say that I believe there's a good chance that they are still out there because I once checked if their rego plates were available (via the RTA web site) and they weren't. I took that to mean that they're out there on some car or another, but I could be wrong. I tried the RTA web site again recently but I think they have removed this ability as I couldn't figure out how it's done again.
Anyway, the rego numbers were CTQ-371 and HEA-990.
CTQ-371 was a white Clubman originally, red upholstery and I think 1100cc of 1972 vintage.
I sold that one to a mate who sprayed it blue (Leyland "Am Eye Blue") and also re-coloured the red interior to black. He later sold it to his girlfriend and after that, who knows?
HEA-990 was an orange (Leyland "Home on Th' orange") Clubman minivan with brown interior of 1974/5 vintage I think ... and the one I am most interested in.
But this is the good bit ...
the motor was a fully worked 1310cc Cooper S with twin SU's (1 3/4" I think) and it went like the proverbial 'clappers'. It did have one real problem though and that was preignition. I could turn it off and walk away and the thing would chug on for ages! Never did solve that problem either (too much compression?).
It looked stock standard but certainly gained a reputation in the area.
I even camped in the thing a few times with my girlfriend as the seats did fold forward in that model, if only a little bit. Trust me, it ain't comfy camping in a minivan where they don't !
Anyway, if their whereabouts are known or even a better way to try locating them then I'd die a happy man ;-)
I can offer some original picures or stories to the current owners if they exist (oh the risks I took driving those things!).

Thanks for reading.

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Gone ... but not forgotten.