Newby from South Africa

[Paul_vdM]

Good day all.

I finaly got to join the forum. Some tricky questions to overcome, but all done.
I am all the way down South is almost the heart of South Africa in a small town called Graaff Reinet.
I have recently aquired a gem ( not polished yet) but with a lot of advice and blood sweat, money and tears from my side hopefully this will turn out to be a masterpiece.
From what I have learned this is one of the last whole units that was exported to South Africa. I attach the makersplate and hopefully someone can give me some background as to when and where this car came from.
Part of the restoration would be to compile a book with pictures and history of it.
Any info and advice would be highly appreciated.
Thanks
Paul

[mk1]

Welcome to the forum Paul! Glad you made it

That is certainly a Cowley chassis plate, you can tell by the stamping. I am sure that someone will be along before too long who can tell you a lot more.

Would be great to see a pic or two.

Regards,

mark

[Paul_vdM]

Thanks Mark.
Here is a few picks
Not mutch at this stage, but at least we here don't have to deal with the rust....
Car is complete, newly sprayed but dismantled.
Have a few boxes full of parts, but I would start rebuilding from the front to the back.

[Quinny1293]

That is a great looking project you have there Paul!

I'm also from South Africa, but up in Jhb.

Good luck with the build and enjoy it!

[Paul_vdM]

Thanks Quinny.

[Joel Welsh 4769VU]

First off, let me tell you that everything about that car is wrong! Its just off!

As its too beautiful, and not mine...

Looks like a very nice project start sir- i wish you luck with it and look forward to completion photos!

Welcome to the madness.

[AndyPen]

I wish I could help, but just wanted to say hello and what a nice looking car

[Paul_vdM]

Good day.
Thanks Wauseon and Andy for your kind remarks.
So I have not realy got a heck of a lot of info on the car. All I know so far is that it seems to be a 1964 or 1965 and definitely came from England.
So my question now is: What is it worth?
I know that one does not rebuild and sell and make money, but if it is just "another old car" then I would lean towards just fixing it up and getting it going again.
If however it is a car of value, then it will be worth my while to take time and pay attention to detail and spend money to get it as close to its original form as possible.
Yesterday I put it on a lift and was so impressed to see that there is not a single patch on the floorboard.

[mab01uk]

Welcome to the forum!

We are obviously going to be bias but Mk1 Minis are not just "another old car" and one with a bodyshell in original rust free condition like yours is well worth restoring to original, or to a period modded spec if that is what you prefer. Not sure if values are higher in South Africa for a factory standard classic car like they currently are in the UK? That may affect what kind of restoration you lean towards.
The lack of rust certainly means you have a head start on most Mk1 Mini restorations in the UK where a lot of time and money often has to be spent upfront on most 'project' cars.

[Paul_vdM]

Thanks for the info Mark.
I think prices are better on your side, so will most definitely be looking to sell there.
I think funding to rebuild to the original state or that Era will be my biggest challenge.

Is ir better to buy parts for this car from the UK or will SA parts work I will probably start rebuilding the engine or where would you guys recommend I start?

[Paul_vdM]

Also something else to consider
Is there a better market for a project car like this or better to restore first and then try to sell it to someone in the UK or rest of the world?

[Paul_vdM]

Also something else to consider
Is there a better market for a project car like this or better to restore first and then try to sell it to someone in the UK or rest of the world?

[Joel Welsh 4769VU]

I'd consider this-
Are you a car guy?
Do you like cars that are different or unique?

I'd wager that you're not going to come across another like it ever again. Or easily again...

My car is a '64 austin. It's not original, has had quite a few modifications by others prior to me.
Here in the US, in decent running condition... they're going for $20,000 to $40,000 average for newer (than mine) classic coopers.

But mine will never be sold if i can help it.
It's been a dream car of mine since i was young.

To properly restore to completely original, mint, concourse condition- you're going to spend alot of time and money searching for those perfect condition 60-some year old parts.

That's part of considerations you have.

A running, nicely done car to have and enjoy for a long time... to me, thats priceless.

My newer cars-

A couple of fiat abarth "sport cars" set outside daily.

My mini is in my garage.
I tell my wife that i can much more easily replace the new cars- if damaged by a storm, or falling tree... than i ever could replace the cooper.

[Paul_vdM]

Joel,
Thanks for the encouragement.

Seeing that you are a Fiat fan. Here is a nice project car for you.

[Joel Welsh 4769VU]

Joel,
Thanks for the encouragement.

Seeing that you are a Fiat fan. Here is a nice project car for you.

DROOL!!!