111Robin wrote:
Jorge,
ADO16s are still reasonably plentiful in Portugal and I would think you would have a good chance of finding something that hasn't been destroyed by corrosion over there. Body panels and interior trim can be difficult to find but not impossible. Mechanical parts are easy enough to source. Of course I am biased owning a Mk1 ADO16 but I also prefer these to the Mk2/3. As you already have a Mini I think it's a good idea to also have an ADO16, then you have the best of both worlds. Not everyone likes them but if you enjoy driving your Mini I think you would also like the ADO16. The hydrolastic takes a bit of getting used to but once you get over feeling sea-sick you'll be fine

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I'd agree with that, I've never owned one myself but when I started out with Minis my best mate bought a 1969 Riley Kestrel for £50, that had the 1275 engine with 11 stud head and and LCB (which we frequently had to fix). It was great to drive once you got used to the hydro, and it actually handled pretty well as I discovered on my first drive when approaching a favourite 90 right and the brake pedal went to the floor! Let's just say we got round....
When the tin worm killed that, the engine was removed, rebuilt according to the teachings of Vizard and inserted into an almost rust-free Wolseley 1300 which surprised quite a few other road users...
I still have an occasional hankering for a 1300GT for which I blame the above experiences and a visit to the 1971 Motor Show, still got the brochure somewhere...