1971 Mini 850 auto.

Just bought another Mini. Thats 3 now!

1971 Mini 850 auto. It has been stood for 30 years in a mechanics garage gathering dust. We had to unearth it from rubbish in order to see it. Hadn't been touched as the amount of dust hadn't been moved.

I went last week to look and couldn't believe how good the shell and interior was, so agreed to buy it. The guy said he had a Serpa van and loads more stuff to move before we could get it out. Anyway I went to see him again today and see if we could get it out but the van still won't move.





So I tried to get the Mini to move. The brakes were stuck but we got them freed off. Then he said I'll put a battery on it if you like. It didn't start but did turnover. Checked for spark and there wasn't one. The points had corroded so sandpapered them and them we had a spark. Kept turning it but it wouldn't fire. We then put a small amount of new fuel into the carb and tried again. It fired a couple of times but didn't run. Then, brrrrum. Just run it for a couple of mins then turned off.


(Sorry about the quality of video, too tight to get a modern phone!)

I am very impressed with my new purchase. Can't wait to get it home. Chuffing old van....

Theres some chuffing dust on that ..... it don't sound bad either im amazed it started ....... the sherpa van was it a camper ....two birds with one stone tow bar fitted bed in the back dry nights camping ...???


nice find that very

I don't think that getting another vehicle is practical.

Not interested in the van. Just want it moved!

Finally got it home.

It did drive out of the garage but the brakes need attention. They are stuck on but not solid. So it does move but nowhere like free. This needs looking at asap.

I'm going to wash it and clean the inside up and put it up for sale to fund my K series project.

The 850 engine runs sweet! No smoke coming from the exhaust at all. It's not very powerfull though. I hope this is just because the brakes have stuck (you cannot push the car at all!)

If anyone wants to buy/look just let me know. I'll probably put it on Ebay once it's driveable.

After a wash this is it. Not looking too bad at all!

There is some welding needed and both door skins will need replacing.











On the dash the red light stays on for the ignition. I am presuming that the dynamo isn't working properly. Also the orange light for the oil pressure switch isn't working at all. All other electrics all seem to work fine. Quite suprised really.

Going to sort the brakes out this weekend and clean the interior. This car was a disabled drivers car and has got levers on for hand controls instead of pedal controls. I think they get in the way for normal use, so will be removing them too.

definatly scrubs up well cant belive its the same car ........ the hand controls may be worth sticking them on e-bay .....

The whole car is now on Ebay.

After considering my options I decided that I didn't want an old style Mini.

I prefer to use my cars on the road.

Rear subframe is rotten and every wheel cylinder needed replacing. I removed the brake shoes to allow it to roll about freely.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190513718565&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

This car is now sold.

Not on Ebay but sold after auction finished, for more!