Hello everyone, David here from Adelaide – have been a Mini owner and Mini Club member for over 10 years now but have only just discovered this forum. I’m currently the owner of a white 1964 850 which I have owned since 1998, plus a 1967 deluxe that I am restoring for my brother. Our past and current collection includes:
1976 Clubman S SFW 863 – Originally bought by my Dad as our second/commuter car in 1995 after years of owning boring Datsuns and ended up getting both of us hooked on Minis. Sold in 1999 – I saw it again just a few months ago in a wreckers yard at Londsale for sale in very sorry condition (rust in every panel) – so unless it’s being restored it’s probably been made into roof sheeting by now. Absolutely astonished at how badly it had rusted in 10 years! Especially considering it was a straight, virtually rust-free car that was always polished and covered when we sold it!!!
1964 Morris 850 (still have) – bought as a non-running, unregistered bomb for $475 in 1998 – has gradually been improved and brought back to original condition over the last 11 years. Had a minor bingle in it 2 years ago and decided to have it fully resprayed, new seals, seats retrimmed in new old stock original vinyl, period wood dash, all that is missing are the rubber mats (which I’ve been trying to find for years!!!).
1962 Morris 850 UJZ-910 – After selling the clubman to finance an overseas trip, we bought this one from Kevin Thomas (of the now-defunct Mini Tech Motors fame) in 1999 – initially not very nice to look at (had been spayed metallic blue but no clear coat!!!) but the car was very original, down to the original matching engine and gearbox. A very early car too (early 62, pre update model with the crappy synchro gearbox, no 1/10th mile recorder on the speedo etc). Was tidied up and resprayed in its original arctic blue and became the daily drive. Sold in 2003 to a Lady at Hallet Cove – it is now rego’d as “LULU-62” and is often seen in the Carpark of the Hallet Cove shopping centre. Regretted selling it ever since – if you’re listening June, please please please let me buy it back!!!
1967 Mini Deluxe – Current project for my brother – it’s now in the capable hands of the boys at Tonsley Crash undergoing a full respray. Also in very original condition, even has the dealer stickers still on the doors! This will become my Brothers daily driver once he gets his licence.
For those of you interstate, especially in the Victorian clubs you may also remember my Uncles Bruce and Warwick Knight (Warwick married Midge Baker) who were active members in the Vic club scene in the 80’s! Just a little trivia there for you! Sadly though my brother Ian and I are the only ones in the family who currently own Minis!!!
Its driveable now but still needs some work done.
