Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2021 i MiniWorld

Lizzie Horne, the owner of the original-specification Mini 850 City in this issue (see pages 68-73) describes Minis as being "joy on wheels." I thought this perfectly summed up the excitement we all feel when driving down a twisty country lane. Now that our MiniWorld project Mini, Sheldon, is back on the road after having the new Rob Walker-built 1293 engine fitted, I thoroughly enjoyed driving a Mini on the open road during the 500-mile running-in period. I avoided motorways and wasn't going anywhere in particular, apart from a couple of Mini events, and I really did experience the same feelings as Lizzie. In fact, driving Sheldon recently and also seeing Lizzie’s immaculate Mini City took me right back to my early Mini motoring days in the Mini City that…

MOKE International announced in October that, from January 2022, its MOKE will only be available as an electric battery-powered vehicle. The company stated: “The introduction of full-electric MOKEs reflects consistent customer demand for an evocation of one of the best-loved vehicles in the world, ready for the pressing global requirement for clean-air powertrains. Indeed, electrification enhances the unique promise of MOKE with significantly increased performance married to the benefits of a silent powertrain for undisturbed open-air motoring.” The electric motor will power the MOKE to 34.2mph (55kmh) in 4.5 seconds with a claimed maximum power of 33Kw with a range of of 89.5 miles (144km). Charging takes four hours on the Type 2 EU Standard charger and top speed is 62mph (100km/h). MOKEs can be ordered in right- or left-hand…

OWNER PROFILE Tony Salter Age: 61 Occupation: Car parts shop owner. Married? Yes to Sally. Vehicles currently owned: Jaguar X-Type estate, Suzuki Swift Sport daily drive, Nissan Elgrand Camper Van, TVR Chimaera (Sally’s), part owner of the Ex-Works rally Allegro. Cars you’d love to own: Maserati Bora or Maserati Mexico. Within months of their launch in 1959 the Morris Mini-Minor and Austin Seven were being eagerly campaigned on British racing tracks and the world’s demanding rally stages. The suspension required only uprated dampers to give outstanding roadholding. Just the brakes, especially in early, single-leading-shoe form, fell short of expectations. As for tuning the A-series engine, this was a skill developed from 1951 and would keep evolving up to the current day. While Issigonis had no intention for his Mini to…

Feature cars If your Mini is rust-free, immaculately presented and you have a great story to tell about it then email us around five photos showing the exterior, engine bay and interior and, if it qualifies for a full feature, we will arrange a photographer to visit you. You’ll get a copy of all the photos, a copy of the mag and the glory of sharing your Mini with MiniWorld readers. Reader features If you or a friend are handy with a camera and would like to take some photos showing all aspects of your Mini from every angle, including any interesting details, and want to write around 1,500 words about your ownership of the Mini then send it in to us and, if we print it, then you will…

This electric vehicle event took place at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, 3-5 September. It showcased the rapidly-evolving world of electric vehicles including those available in the UK, from cars to delivery trucks, with presentations from industry leaders. There was also a large area dedicated to classic conversions, In the ‘Converted Classics’ zone Electric Classic Cars (www.electricclassiccars.co.uk) displayed MiniWorld contributor Simon Benton’s exciting project Mini, OBie. We will update you on progress in the January 2022 issue. We saw several kits for the Mini on display including a Mini EV conversion FWD kit from ECO Classics (www.ecoclassics.co.uk). Based in the South of England, the company has several conversions already underway. Using a slightly modified Mini front subframe the ECO Classics kit motor produces a claimed 120kW (160bhp) of power,…

CORONAVIRUS NOTE: Please be aware that these events will only be able to take place if government guidelines allow. 2021 November 12-14 Classic Motor Show Multi-marque event at Birmingham’s NEC. Live demonstrations, traders, autojumble, club stands, displays, food outlets, famous faces. Event theme for 2021 is 'The Journey Continues'. www.necclassicmotorshow.com 21 Normous Newark Autojumble Multi-marque event at Newark and Notts Showground. +44 (0)1507 529529 www.newarkautojumble.co.uk December 2 Mod 'n' Mini Night Monthly Mini and scooter gathering at historic Ace Café in London. Food available. https://london.acecafe.com 19 Normous Newark Autojumble Multi-marque event at Newark and Notts Showground. +44 (0)1507 529529 www.newarkautojumble.co.uk 2022 January 16 Wirral to Llandudno Mini Run Annual scenic charity Mini run from Wirral, Liverpool, to Llandudno promenade in Wales via The Great Orme. Pre-booking required due to limited…

Modified 1991 Rover Mini Mayfair As a family we have always owned a Mini of some sort. I passed my test in a Mini, in the snow, and my first car was a Mini, with various other models following. When my two sons passed their test I purchased a Mini for each of them to tinker with and start them on their way in motoring. I work as a car body shop manager and at present I own a 2003 BMW Cooper S which I bought new. My wife has a 1989 Mini 30 and my son Stuart, who works in car sales, has a 1999 Mini 40 LE. My other son, Richard, missed the Mini Ritz he had to sell when he moved to Australia so he asked us…

This fun and relaxed event was organised by West Country Minis over the weekend of 11-12 September. Special fares for Minis were offered by Red Funnel Ferries on their Southampton to Cowes service. Once on the island, Minis headed to Sandown Airport where they were displayed for the public. Food and drink could be enjoyed at the café and free camping was available too. Apart from the ferry crossing, there is no charge for the event which is supported by donations and the sale of raffle tickets. A group of fearless autogyro enthusiasts flew in and we enjoyed watching these unusual little machines being put through their paces. I was pleased nobody asked me to go for a joy ride. After lunch came the raffle prize draw and a Mini…

Jake Willis’ Mini story started with an MPi saloon Mini but squeezing his 6’2” frame into its confines was only tolerated for a year. “I wanted something more practical but Vans were out of my price range. Being a carpenter by trade, I thought an Estate was ideal and, unlike a van, it’s got seats in the back,” explains Jake. He looked at several, including one worryingly nicknamed Shakey Jakey, but it wasn’t quite what he wanted. In May 2014 he found a 1979 Russet Brown Clubman Estate, just a few miles away, which fitted the bill and budget. “It was so clean when I bought it that you could eat your dinner off it. The seller, who was a grass-track racer, had restored it with his girlfriend but sadly…

Carb-only diet I enjoyed reading your Summer 2021 special issue of MiniWorld celebrating 60 years of the Mini Cooper. I currently have a late 1991 Cooper, one of the last of the carburettor ones, and I would just like to put a word in for these cars. They are simple to work on and a joy to drive with plenty of torque. I know there aren't too many around but they don't seem to feature much in magazines, except for the RSP ones, and few ever come up for sale. Many that do are modified with, for example, 13" wheels or wooden dashboards, etc. Apart from being a Japanese import, rust-free and with the air conditioning and catalyst removed, mine is standard with around 48,000 miles on the clock. I…

I have bought a Mini which has been fitted with an engine and gearbox from an early 1990s 1275cc Mini. I am making a few improvements and will be fitting an SUHIF44 carb and inlet from an MG Metro. I also have an LCB and Maniflow exhaust system to go on. I have offered the carb and LCB up to the engine and have found that the HIF inlet manifold has much thicker flanges than the exhaust manifold, meaning that the two cannot be fitted together to the head using the shared washers and nuts. What is the best way round this? Should I fit a different inlet or modify the one I have? Paul Johannsen The MG SU HIF44 inlet manifold has flanges around 2mm thicker than the Maniflow…

OWNER PROFILE Lizzie Horne What appeals to you about the Mini? Quite simply, they are joy on wheels. Lottery win car: I can’t think of a single thing that I would rather have than my Mini. If I had another classic or occasional car then that would mean I’d have less time to spend driving my Mini and that would be unacceptable. Mini club membership: Thames Valley Region of the Mini Cooper Register, Basingstoke Mini Club and West Country Minis. Trophy wins: Best Classic in Show at Mini in the Park 2018 and Best Classic in Show at the 2020 Isle of Wight Mini Adventure. “My parents bought me my first Mini in late 1993, just before my 17th birthday,” recalls long-term Mini owner Lizzie Horne, with a smile. “They…

On 3 October Minis headed to Brooklands Museum near Weybridge, Surrey. They didn’t travel too fast, mind, as petrol was a precious commodity in England at the time due to the fuel crisis. Minis always look fantastic dotted around the historic site which is credited as the birthplace of British motorsport and aviation. Every year there are more attractions added to delight visitors young and old. There’s also the London Bus Museum and a fine café and other food and drink outlets. There were a number of Mini Clubs with displays on the start/finish straight, part of the historic racing circuit, including the Elf/Hornet Register which had a special display celebrating 60 years of the marques. The test hill is always a popular attraction and visitors waited eagerly behind barriers…