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Wearing my journalist's hat again, I'm looking for an early 850 for a twin test in Practical Classics. The driving/photography day is planned for November 28, a Wednesday, somewhere in Surrey. The other car is a 1963 Hillman Imp, the idea being for the feature to appear early next year as part of the Imp's 50th anniversary coverage.

The Mini can be any age up to 1963, either Austin or Morris but as standard and 'correct' as possible. The nearer to 1963 the better, to match it more closely to the Imp. We can't use my own Mini because it is very far from standard.

This will be an interesting story for me to write, as I have owned many Imps over the years before owning my Mini. I shall have to leave loyalties aside...

Please PM me if you'd like to take part.

Thanks very much, John

John,
The Green 970 in this months practical classics mag was a nice article. Nice to see the mk1 minis getting nice coverage in the classic Mags.
Nev

I thought it was very good too!!

did u sort an 850 out?

Not yet. All leads gratefully received. We can expand the age range up to 1965 as our 1963 Imp has been replaced by a 1965 one. The Imp is red so ideally the Mini would be a different colour. It will be a cover story.

John

Now organised. It's Speedwell Blue.

John

Of course the 2 cars have been compared before, but they do make an interesting comparison - both revolutionary in their own way. Both with strong racing connections too.

I'd like a decent run in an Imp -I feel I should own one at some stage. My pal had one, but he eventually took an axe to it.

He did go on to buy a G15 which was fantastic for the money, but they've gone daft in the last couple of years.

I remember my uncle (who'd owned an Imp in the mid '60s) looking at my Mini and pointing out that where the Imp lost out was that most buyers did't really care which was the driven axle, but they did all notice that the Imp had it's engine in the wrong place - put simply, to the average person to whom the cars were being pitched (often as a second car) the weekly shop went in the boot. To have the engine in there was just weird!

I pointed out how many people bought Beetles and his answer was "aye well, they are German, and lots of folk still didn't trust the Germans. Maybe that similarity put folk off too........" !

Glad we live in more enlightened times!

i have an austin mini mark 1 1961 in excellent condition and very original
unfortunately i cant take part in your plans as i live in spain but my son can
he has access to the car which is fully insured taxed and m o t and he has a trailer
may i suggest you phone him on 01522 529998
lincoln and discuss it
thanks
andy