What Mini are you driving?
I have a 1992 1275cc Mini Cooper. It’s red, my favourite colour; ‘92 was the last year they produced the carburettor model and after that the last production years were fuel-injected.
Mine is a Rover Mini. It was produced up to the year 2000 in Birmingham and enhanced compared to the pre-1990 models. I have original manuals and rego papers, all numbers match.
Have you done any work on it?
My Mini is a manual four-speed and has been extensively restored.
I am the second owner in New Zealand and the first owner bought it new from New Zealand Motor Corp.
When I purchased the car, it was a little tired and had spent some time under a tarpaulin outside. The paint was faded and trim was tarnished but it had little rust. A complete strip down and repaint brought the car back to life.
Everything mechanical was replaced. New brakes, hi-lo suspension, bumpers, extractors, alternator, fuel pump, sports coil, water pump, quickshift gear lever kit ... pretty much everything.
Recent mods include a new ported large valve head and 1.5 forged rocker set (superb performance upgrade). Its appearance has been enhanced with new minilite wheels and tyres, Sportspac flares and spotlights.
Internals haven’t been forgotten with new carpet, seats, wooden dash and steering wheel, nice detail also in upgrade to white face instruments. I have probably spent $15,000ish on the Cooper, but I have never been one to do things by halves.
It’s safe to say you’re a Mini fan?
I have owned more than 20 Minis since I was a kid, they are iconic and were born a classic. My wife and I are members of the Mini car club of Auckland and we participate in many events; really nice people and cars.
I believe that the Mini is the most iconic mass-produced collectable. It’s a brilliant design that has stood the test of time and now BMW is enjoying huge sales of the latest Mini design and variations.
I see no reason why the original Mini will not be around in 100 years and beyond. A fun car, simple to maintain that always puts a smile on your face.
Who else drives this Mini?
Our Mini is insured for anyone to drive but mainly it’s me who takes the wheel. It is a Sunday car and has never been a daily driver.
Any Minis you’ve regretted selling?
I have a record of all the Minis I have owned and there have been many Cooper S models. I wish I had kept a couple of my 1960s Minis; they are becoming rare and expensive, appreciating assets.
I’m currently looking for a ‘64/65 Cooper S if anyone is interested in selling or trading?
Have you owned only Minis?
I have had many different cars, I’ve a love of anything British and Italian. I have had Triumphs, MGs, Sunbeams, an Aston and Alfas but always come back to Minis.
First car?
That was a 1960 Wolseley 1500, a nice starter to learn in but it was quickly replaced by my first Cooper S — in red, of course.
Standout road trip?
There is an annual New Zealand gathering of Minis (The Nationals) and we drove to Nelson when it was held there. It was a great trip with other Auckland members, and great to convoy together.
Your thoughts on electric cars?
Electric cars are here to stay. I won the use of a Tesla for a weekend and it far exceeded my expectations. It was a beautiful car that was very fast but it made no noise.
That is difficult for someone who has had a lifetime of exhaust noise — or music, as I like to call it.
Driverless cars?
Where’s the fun in that?