I came to find my car through a conversation during lockdown in 2020 with my partners parents here in Dortmund, Germany. They are Hungarian, living in Germany since 1980 when they escaped the eastern bloc in quite a daring adventure. They kept their house in Budapest by transferring ownership within the family. Its quite a large house with several outbuildings, and I learned these were rented out and that there were several cars stored. I heard there was a Mini, it had an interesting past and was in a decent condition. So, as soon as it was safe to travel, I went on a road trip to Budapest with my mother in law, saw the Mini and fell in love (with the car, not the mother in law!)
I decided the car needed preserving an that we should not wait too long! So began the plan to restore the car back to its original factory condition in Hungary (at Hungarian prices...) and then bring the car to Germany.
This Mini story begins in Communist Hungary in 1967, an annual International fair was held on the City park behind Heroes Square, known locally as Budapesti Nemzetközi Vásár 1967. My Mini was part of the UK's stand at the show between 19-29th May 1967. Nobody seems to have thought much about what to do with the car afterwards, and it eventually found its way to its first real owner in October 1968, I am in contact with him via my family. The car has a few anomalies, like a speedo in MPH but fitted to a left hand drive. De-Luxe wheel trims but the car seems to be a base model, and the seats appear to be MK2, which isnt all that shocking for a show car produced at the end of the MK1 run. I am still trying to confirm with the original owner what he changed during his ownership, so any original features for the Budapest show will remain. I have applied to the British Motor Museum for a certificate of authenticity based on what they know. From what I can tell, the car is a Cowley built car, LHD, produced around March 1967. The engine appears to be the original 848cc.
The GOOD:
The shell is solid with minimal rust compared to some, the engine runs and most of the interior is present, Hydro is apparently OK (or was when the car was stored...)
The BAD:
I am not sure which interior parts are original or replaced, total bare metal rebuild will happen to ensure rust is cured, the mechanicals need a thorough service
I am looking for some help from the forum community...
Did you attend the 1967 International Fair in Budapest? Do you have any pictures of my car?
Are you in continental Europe? Can you help me source parts without paying import duties due to Brexit?!
I will shortly post more pictures, and also updates on the progress of the rebuild.
Budapesti Nemzetközi Vásár Poster https://imgbox.com/AyQFFkqB
The Expo Entrance https://imgbox.com/qeThLrFm
Mini https://imgbox.com/8AoHpETW
