hi all, took 2 minis for a spin after work friday, they are better than i expected suprisingly, and i fit easily enough as a bonus, exhaust note is addictive also, only gripe i do have is the enormous movement in the gear change, im sure there would be a simple cheap way to fix this however since im new to this game im not sure. one other thought was, whats the better style, round or flat nose types? the square has more engine space, the round is abit more of the classical mini shape, anything else? oh, and if anyones got a registered road worthy mini that they are thinking of selling, let me know about it. thanks all, look forward to purchasing one in the near furture, just looking for owners advice if i can grab it.

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I think i have a small 70ish car fetish?

Hi GABWAB,

You may not realise it but you are about to start a very large and lengthy arguement! At the end of the day the best Roundy or Clubby is the one YOU like out of the two. Mechanicals and all else aside, its what you like the look of as there is plenty of arguemnt in each one's favour. Good luck!!!

Scott

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Your silliness has been noted.

I'm guessing you test drove a clubman (square nose), their gearchanges are often poor due to worn linkages, they can be fixed... the earlier gearchange type is better, but tied to the type of gearbox, which can be retrofitted

don't get everyone started on which shape is better - entirely owners preference, after 27 years since last production, there is no real difference between them.... in terms of parts availability, rust, etc. etc.

a clubman (flat front) is usually cheaper than a round nose due to supply and demand

PS: welcome!

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

The gearchanges get worn (usually more so in the later rod change type), but can be fixed. If you still think the throw is too long, you can put a short shifter in, which shorten the shift A HEAP!

The differences between a Round Nose and Clubman are only cosmetic really, so it's which ever you prefer.

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thanks ladys and gents, not sure whos what on here yet, umm, theres a problem, i like both shapes and have my own personalising plans for both and like them lots, the round is the typical old italian job style with slightly bigger wheels hopefully, and the square end id try my hand at fabbing up an aluminium grill, like some hotrods etc have, would make the front look different and nice to me i think, i have 7" lights to put in them, and they are both 7's as far as i know, these were going into my vw but the plans have changed and they are still in boxes, umm yeah, more of a factor is the driveability, i liked the 1275 better than the 1050 with a cam in it, the 1050 had a shorter throw i think they are abit mixed up in my head currently, still smiling ear to ear, which couldnt be a better thing right now, and one i wanted to look at today has a disc front end and 1310 which would be easier to live with, i quite like the sounds of the blue one on here in emerald aswell, its a fair drive from me to be a potential let down unfortunately. basically what would you all reccomend for a zippy runaround, that needs to do abit of highway action when i go to tafe at eagle farm? i figure the largest engine the better for highway work makes sense....

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I think i have a small 70ish car fetish?

well im still at a loss as to specifically what i want in a brick, but theres now a round and square style im rather keen on for abotu the same price, damn choices, so yeah still smiling from the drive friday, and im pretty much sold on getting a mini not some plastic characterless bubble.

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I think i have a small 70ish car fetish?

Ok pros and cons here - Not trying to start an arguement just my opinion.

Ok Roundnose pre 71/72 so ADRs aren't an issue, so modification ahoy! Providing they are legal in your state or area blah blah blah.

Roundnose has more of a nostalgic look to it for obvious reason.

Clubman however from my experience is a better car. I like my car and I also like my Dad's clubman, I prefer my car 'cos it's mine. The clubman has better standard equipment like a drivers door that can be locked from the insde without having to wind down the windows , rear seatbelts (hardly useful though) reverse lights. etc. Many roundnoses have been updated etc. But the average Clubby is higher on the option list.

Also IMO you can't beat a good 1275 or bigger dic braked mini, It's jsut so much fun and the 1275cc makes hills a bit easier etc.

Basically it's up to you.

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1964 Morris 850, 1330 Supercharged - 81.8hp atws.
1975 Leyland Mini S 1100S powered - Nice and reliable.
1977 Leyland Mini LS - Project LS-T

This cleared up a lot of slop for me, not cheap and this type only suits the later Rod-Change gear box.

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http://www.youtube.com/user/Hanras