Hi everyone,

(As appearing under "Wanted" forum)

I am looking for any information you may have on the Mini Monaco (also referred to as the Buckle Monaco and Fastback GT).

I am after recollections, known survivors, owners etc...anything that may help create a picture that can be placed on the site for future reference as these would have to be one of the rarest of all the Australian mini variants.

Naturally, I will be sharing the assembled info with anyone interested.

Please PM me any details such as owners names and locations so that I can ensure that their privacy is protected should they not want to be named on the forum .

I know of three still around, but there may be others.

I had a feature on the Buckle, in particular the Buckle LMS race car that was raced by Lakis Manticas in 1968, in Issue 7 of the Mini Experience (we still have copies of that issue available in magazine format, or on CD).

This car still exists, and is owned by Col Wickens in Sydney.

We also had a black Buckle with gold stripes, owned by John Centrone, also in Sydney. There is one other that I know of, which is a red one and up on the central coast of NSW.

Cheers,
Watto.

I suggested The Mini Experience in the other thread. I suggest you keep one thread running, more people will reply and you'll keep all the info in one place

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Starlet Conversion:
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John Centrone

Balmain Car Care
John Centrone
20 Mansfield street
Rozelle NSW
2039
ph 9555 5646
0412 117 397


he has a beautiful black Buckle with gold stripes. if u want to have a chat with him, then look at the nos above.

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1964 Morris Mini 850 - G13b gti powered - classic yet practical
1968 Morris Minimatic - 1100cc - classic & breakable
Sun Certified Java Programmer v5 310-055

Thanks Watto!

Got The Mini Experience Mag (great info by the way!) on the Lakis car and found Bills car in the 1966 copy of Wheels Mag. John's car also featured in Australian Classic Car in 2004.

I remember seeing the red car in Unique Cars in the late 80's maybe early 90's (I am guessing this is the same car you are referring to) and will try and track down the advert. In those days it had gold contessa wheels and (I think) was sold for about double what a nice 'S' was pulling!

I also have a number of different adverts from the late 60's showing a couple of different cars including Bills car (Reg BB-818) with different specifications. It would seem that there were a number of additional modifications and options made available beside the obvious roof changes, such as wheels, trim, ride height, mechanicals etc...

I have a disassembled car so any assistance info is great to make sure it is exactly how it should be.

look at me!!



Mad Matt is making rooves for them

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

It would seem that like so many cars of this ilk, that changes were often made even by the manufacturer, from car to car.

John Centrone made a few modifications when building his, in the interest of making it go together better, and look better, but does that make it any the less authentic?

I also did a feature on the collection of Kevin Lucas, which included the red Buckle - and I think it was the same car as was in ACC - for Mini Magazine about 10 years ago. Kevin now lives on the central coast, so no, that's not another one to add.

One day we will get all three NSW cars together for a photo shoot. Maybe by then your will be done, and we can make it four cars in the photo.

How awesome would that look? Now, just make sure your car is not red, black or light green, and we're on a winner.

Cheers,
Watto.

If you are going to cut down the roof pillars I would STRONGLY suggest that you rake the front screen back so that standard screen fits. Saves a lot of hassles and costs. I have some drawingsand measurements from a bloke in England who did his apprenticeship at Stewart and Ardern how to cut the roof and pillars to get it all to refit. P.M me and Iwill send you the info.
He helped a bloke build a replica car like this and they used a original roof. It must have been a hell of a panel job.

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Research is the difference between speculation and investment. Anyone who copys some one else will always be second
www.minisprintgt.com

Sorry, quick thread hijack:
Does anyone know if John is still at that address?
I tried the listed number to find out if he did pink slips today (I only had the landline one) and just get a message saying "Optus regrets to advise that this number has been disconnected...blah, blah, blah..."
I'll try the mobile tomorrow.

Thanks David!

That sounds like a nasty task! Thank god, I don't have to worry about that.

On the Monaco, Buckle modified the scuttle panel by cutting through into the plenem chamber and then created a new scuttle partly over the top of the old one - very cleaver really! I have compared the windscreen in mine to a standard windscreen and it appears to be the same dimensions.

I have seen a few custom chop-tops and the windscreen always seems to be an issue given it's convex shape!

Stewart and Ardern cut a wedge shape from the center of the plenum panel out to the "A" pillar following the radius at bottom of screen. As the windscreen was laid back the gap closed up. then rewelded along the radius. This way there is less metal distortion and easy to repair and the plenum panel remains in the same position.

_________________
Research is the difference between speculation and investment. Anyone who copys some one else will always be second
www.minisprintgt.com

Matt Read sells fibre glass roof sections like these. About a grand I think.

Yes I also have an original one here,,, It used to be my dads & i`ve taken a mould off it.

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No offence intended here but--> anyone writing a book about minis 30 years ago may not have experienced such worn or stuffed-with components as we are finding these days.

You should put your heart & soul into everything you do.

who's that guy with the silly grin making off with the cute car?

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'62 Morris 850 (Marion)
'65 Mini Delux - sleeper 1275/S discs (Ms Plum)
'69 Vanden Plas Princess 1300
'71 Wolseley 1300
'74 Austin 1300 Countryman
'94 XJ6 Sport 3.2
'04 Rover 75 CDTi

I think he is still there, 2MMM sydney did a lunch time thing from his workshop recently anyone hear it ? He is a good egg, has lots of info, great to talk to