The Mini Hot Rod

[mab01uk]

The 1997 episode of Top Gear where Jeremy Clarkson's ears bleed while driving the 16V Jack Knight Mini 'Hot Rod'........
(video from 1m.10sec)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYl-gmi7vVY

[mab01uk]

Looks like the 1997 'Mini Hot Rod' built for the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show is coming soon to the 'British Motor Museum' to go on display.

British Motor Museum Secures Future of Historic MG Cars.
"After several years working with MG Motor UK, the British Motor Museum at Gaydon has secured the long-term loan of eight historic MG cars which, until recently, had been stored at Longbridge. This agreement is due to the successful relationship between MG and the British Motor Museum and will help to preserve and share these cars for future generations.
Two of the cars have now arrived in the Workshop at the Museum. The mid-sized RDX60 hatchback concept from 2003, rarely seen in public before now and the first-of-line MGF from 1995. Over the coming weeks, they will be carefully cleaned and prepared by the Workshop Team ready for display in the Museum.
Six more cars will follow, including the three PR prototypes, development concepts for the MGF; the unique MG TF GT; the forward-looking Rover TCV tourer concept vehicle and the raw Mini ‘Hot Rod’, which was built for the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show. They will each receive the same meticulous attention from the expert technicians at the Museum before going on display in the coming months.
Visitors can look forward to seeing RDX60 and the first MGF in the Museum early in the new year. For news on the other six cars, please check the Museum’s website and social media channels over the coming weeks."
https://www.oxmag.co.uk/articles/britis ... c-mg-cars/


"We’re extremely proud to announce that we will be displaying a trio of MG cars, recently transported from the Longbridge factory, currently undergoing assessment in our Workshop. These genuine pieces of Longbridge history will be on display in the Museum for the very first time at this event, and you won’t want to miss this unveiling."
An evening celebration of the Longbridge Factory, and see some exciting new exhibits 12th March 2024:-
https://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/wh ... e-legacies

[mab01uk]

[mab01uk]

[mab01uk]

Is the 1997 'Coachbuilt Limo Mini' also stored at Longbridge?

[Peter Laidler]

The MG-F, shown above seems to becoming one of the next collectable classics around these parts. Relatively cheap...., at the moment! But rising, as are donor/for spares cars. Alas, they use hydrolastic. Didn't they EVER learn from the past.......

[mini_surfari]

Well… now I’ve read that it’s Green, I can see it.

I always thought it was grey

[mab01uk]

The MG-F, shown above seems to becoming one of the next collectable classics around these parts. Relatively cheap...., at the moment! But rising, as are donor/for spares cars. Alas, they use hydrolastic. Didn't they EVER learn from the past.......

In 2002, the MG-TF was released, based upon the MG-F platform, the most significant mechanical changes were the abandonment of Hydragas suspension in favour of conventional coil springs...

[Nathan1293]

Does anyone know if the Mini Hot Rod is on display now?

On the BMM website it says:

"2. Updates on the MGs

After taking on a significant loan from MG in December 2023, the first four of eight cars
have made their way through the Workshop: the 1995 MGF number 1, 2002 MG RDX60
concept, the MG TF GT and 1997 Mini Hot Rod. Some can even be seen in the Museum
The next few cars have made their way into the Workshop too, including some of the MG
PR prototypes."

https://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/ex ... pring-2024

[olddave]

Does anyone know if the Mini Hot Rod is on display now?

It was on display in the Collection Centre yesterday.

[Peter Laidler]

Mini hot-rod, mini coach built, as shown from the 90's look to me like yet more examples of flogging a dead horse. I wouldn't think that anything had been done to protect the integrity of the main problem concerning any minis. The poor quality of the body build and protecting it.

I bet that it was painted with the boot hinges screwed in place, bonnet attached, un-painted under the screen/scuttle panel and so on. Just like my RCSport until I set about rectifying those niggles on day one

[Nathan1293]

Does anyone know if the Mini Hot Rod is on display now?

It was on display in the Collection Centre yesterday.

Thanks Dave

I would like to see this car, I was hoping to see it on Sunday with the mini and metro meeting present. But looks like that isn't happening.

[olddave]

I would like to see this car, I was hoping to see it on Sunday with the mini and metro meeting present. But looks like that isn't happening.
[/quote]

Thanks Dave

I would like to see this car, I was hoping to see it on Sunday with the mini and metro meeting present. But looks like that isn't happening.

The show is on as far as I know.

[Nathan1293]

Sorry for the confusion, the show is on, but it doesn’t look like I can go.

[Polarsilver]

looked at this in Gaydon collections today .. most odd creation in that cars interior is Lined with Alloy Sheets with the sections pop riveted in position over the main bodyshell panels. with the exception the rear seat back looks to have been cut out & covered with alloy sheet with a open slots located in its middle this will vent the inner boot .. this is no lightweight racer - the bodyshell will be heavier than a standard car .. looks like a design exercise maybe something that apprentices have carried out ?

[mab01uk]

(Photos from the Austin Ex-Apprentice Association)
https://www.facebook.com/AustinExAppren ... cale=en_GB