Web Hosting by Netfirms | Free Domain Names by Netfirms

OFO 448

This was once a car owned by my good friend Mark.  He is what I refer to as a serial Mini owner each car moving on after a while to make way for the latest project.  The car pictured was once a very standard and quite original unrestored Austin 850cc complete with the “Magic wand” gearstick it rolled out of the factory with.  Resplendent in Almond Green it looked very in keeping with the 60’s era it came from.  An engine as small as this was never going to keep Mark happy for long and after a brief spell with a Downton cylinder head it was lined up for a sportier power unit. A 998cc engine was sourced along with some very nice Special Tuning straight cut gears for the gearbox. This engine evolved via a series of modifications into a very useful tool. It could easily keep up with a standard 1275cc.

 The rest of the car was not forgotten and it underwent a subtle and period style transformation to 60’s circuit racer. Roundels on the door and vinyl number plate on the bonnet gave the hint from the outside. Added to this was the essential leather bonnet strap. Cooper ‘s’ reverse rims were soon replaced with more suitable black spoked Minilites in keeping with the 60’s look. The interior was treated to special seat covers on the front seats that hold the occupants a bit better and look the part too. Britax harness belts were the finishing touch. Disc brakes brought it all to a hault when needed. Not a quiet smooth car but a really good fun car with a gearbox whine to die for.

 The car was immortalised by a main feature in Mini Magazine and was the car on the Calendar for that year. It eventually had to go though due to the onset of the dreaded tin worm called rust. All the good parts were stripped off and it was returned to original spec before being sold off to a Mini dealer. It made it’s way to the USA shortly after some bodywork repairs and Mark was on to the next project.