Here's a flight of fancy for you.

If BMW would licence it (not likely) and someone would do it (probably less likely), would you like to see a "new" classic Mini (Aussie made maybe) on the market.

Something like 1275LS specs with some mod cons and available in roundnose and clubman. Up spec model along the lines of a cooper.

Could pick a few "icon" models (850, Cooper S, GT, 1275LS) and reproduce them.

What would you think??

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Cheers
Alec
1275LS - July 78 - XNFAD18Y/102918

I think it would be excellent to be able to buy a brand new classic mini here in Oz

Like you say though... It would be highly unlikely and I don't think anybody (BMW or otherwise) would go to the trouble of modifying the 'classic' mini to meet the current ADR's.

And after the modifying it may not look or feel anything like a classic mini anymore...

Gee... Don't I sound depressive!


At least we have some Real classic mini's left and some very keen people willing to keep them nurtured

Wouldn't stop you getting a bunch of people going "thats not a real mini".

So pretty much like the Wood and Picket Margrave 50 sold in the UK last year?

http://www.woodandpickett.com/cars-for-sale/17/

Dicko

It would be awesome to have a classic mini, as well as a something a little more go kart'ish as well....
Imagine 4WD twin cam turbo

mmmmm....

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

I added the AWD twinky turbo in the poll for Matt Read's benefit.

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Cheers
Alec
1275LS - July 78 - XNFAD18Y/102918

why not import some heritage shells... rather then going to expensive lengths for the "aussie made" stamp

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Potato

Then you could put this sticker on:

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

That would be the best place to start. There is no point manufacturing shells if they can be purchased off the shelf. Mind you, the ADR thing would probably direct that aspect...

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Cheers
Alec
1275LS - July 78 - XNFAD18Y/102918

It would be great to be able to buy a new classic mini, but with the difficulty of registering etc, why not stop sending rusted out shells to scrap and restore them instead! A full panel replacement and new parts from the UK would turn it into practically a new car, without the fuss.

Like Wood and Pickett...


Wouldn't it be good to make this Mini happy again?


I know most of the late model Minis with the internal hinges aren't legal, but are older cars allowed to be converted to take the doors?


I like the idea of creating old models, and there could be an ausmini special!

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Saxon Green 850: http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=62641
Nightfire Red 850: http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=66555

1275LS... thanks for thinking of me bro

& yes that would certainly be nice to have twin cam turbo injected 4x4 "classic" mini & road registered, i`d have one

But i feel the only way would be to grab an old Aust delivered mini & have the mods performed through an Engineer so the Dept of Transport is happy

i can`t see why it wouldn`t be able to happen "IF" someone had enough money & time.


But a "New" car,,, Nah,,, won`t ever happen sorry to say,,, Unless it met all the current ADRs & safety & Pollution stress testing & crash/impact testing &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& & & & &&&&&&& all the other requirements for a "NEW" car

But there is an avenuse that people use when building the Clubman/lotus-7 looking things,,, that`s probably the best path to take if anyone was actually serious

talk to a "Decent" Engineer who works usually & regularly through & with the Dpt of Transport ... like a "Hot-Rod" builder/Engineer

I know someone up here in Bris, but we`re allready in the middle of sorting the fastback Monaco roof requirements, so we`re a bit busy right now,,, but maybe later

easy-peasy

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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.

If that's a five seater, stick it in a box to Brissie and I'll have a go..

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Cheers
Alec
1275LS - July 78 - XNFAD18Y/102918

Since they make XB and other bodies.... a mini would have to easier and cheaper and
turn it into anything you want without a worry about originality.

Something like this...(with a narrower track to look normal...)

http://superfastminis.com/AWD_MINI.htm

This mut be the closest poll i've seen.

One advantage of a new (real) production mini, it would add value to rust as a proof of age

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Dean Hutton's first car was a Mini.