1972 Morris Mini

Description

Hard to believe, but these little Minis were tearing up race tracks from the very beginning. Now this 1972 Morris Mini isnпїЅt exactly road-race-ready, but it is entertaining to drive, with surprising performance and the reflexes of a go-cart.

The two-tone green and white paint job is very British, and you can easily picture this little car parked on a cobblestone street outside a small bakery or coffee shop somewhere in London. Finding a Mini this straight and clean is no easy task these days, and while replacement parts are plentiful, thereпїЅs still something to be said for a clean, original, honest car. Finish quality is ideal for the car, neither too nice nor hastily done, and the white stripes along the hood are an endearing trait, like the puppy who wants to hunt with the big dogs. All the glass is in good shape, which is important since thereпїЅs so much of it, and black fender flares are actually functional as well as stylish. The simple bumpers, traditional Mini grille, and instantly-recognizable taillights are pure Mini.

The MiniпїЅs big claim to fame (no pun intended) is the spacious interior. With the wheels pushed out to the far corners, the engine stuffed way up in the front of the body, and a nearly flat floor, it feels downright cavernous inside given the carпїЅs diminutive profile. Suitably пїЅ70s gold buckets show modest signs of use, but no damage, and the black rubber floor speaks to the carпїЅs working-class roots. The 4-speed manual shifter is only somewhat more precise than that of its VW rival, but skill comes with time behind the wheel and itпїЅs really a non-issue. YouпїЅll note there is no radio in this Mini, which was still an option in 1972, and when youпїЅre buying an economy car, sometimes you really need it to be as economical to buy as it is to operate. In back, thereпїЅs a small trunk with a full-sized (ahem) spare tire and more proof that this car has never been rusty.

Performance is entertaining despite the engineпїЅs diminutive 988 cc displacement. The pioneer of the transverse-mounted front-wheel-drive layout, it maximizes passenger space in some pretty radical ways. Check out the side-mounted radiator, for example. This one barks to life with a snarl and loves to rev, and itпїЅs obvious that someone has invested some considerable time and money under the hood to make this Mini fun to drive. Lots of new components ensure reliability and itпїЅs kind of neat to see how it all fits together in there. The floors are nearly spotless, which is important since theyпїЅre also part of the carпїЅs structure, and the single exhaust pipe snaking its way rearward looks lonely without all the gearboxes and frame rails keeping it company. Mini wheels wear equally mini hubcaps and a set of relatively recent tires.

Sure to cause a stir anywhere it goes, this Morris Mini is the practical hobby car thatпїЅs also a blast to drive. Call today!