Karobes covers

[mk1rally]

When did they start using these covers in Mini's??

[Ronnie]

I had some stolen out of my first car in 1968 (mini 850 1960) , I think they were around from early 60's the works used covers the same (But I dont think they were Karobes)

[mk1rally]

Thanks Ronnie, sorry to hear about your loss. Albeit belated!!

68, it's a start!! were they around 8 years old at that point??

[Ronnie]

I still have not got over the theft!! What date are you interested in? the works used them early 60's I dont know exactly how early Smoke Grey posted some good vids of the early cars I did not notice any but double check!!!

[mk1rally]

I'm looking for proof they were used 60 - 61??? ish to be honest.

[Etienne B.]

I do know for certain that they were used in my own car for rallying in 1965, maybe in late 1964.
They became almost mandatory for rallying a Mini in group 1 form in 1966,
as you had to use the original seats as part of keeping the car all standart specification,
including standart S engine, 3,5J wheels and bus steering wheel.

[mk1]

Are there not some pictures of the very early 59 - 60 Monte 850's with this type of cover fitted somewhere?

I am sure they were offered for other cars before the Mini so will probably have been available very shortly after the start of Mini production.

The photos referred to above would be the best "evidence" though, if there is any.

[SMOKE GREY]

All the early works 850s used standard seats, by late 61 most had a Microcell or Restall drivers bucket and the passenger/navvy had the standard seat modified with a reclining mechanism. The slip on covers where used by abingdon for GROUP1 1966 on, previous group 1 regs allowed non standard seats. Can't just recall the make of the covers used by abingdon but i do know they where made in Manchester.

[mk1]

Thanks for clearing that up Smoke.

[mk1rally]

Any idea what they run in Group 3 spec??

Would that be the Restall/Microcell and a modified seat for the navigator? any pictures by chance?

If I do get the Restall or Microcell then I 'd like to get the same model if possible. Did the bucket look like the later ones fitted in the works "S"'s?

[SMOKE GREY]

Got a photo of David Hiam's clipper blue Abingdon prepped 850 16BOJ with the Microcell, Weston rev counter Smiths 8 day clock and speedo in STD binnacle mounted on the nearside (!) . Will try and scan it in.

[mk1rally]

That would be great, cheers.