The Classic for the Month of February is one of the most famous and instantly recognisable British cars of all time, THE MINI. This particular example, which is owned by Club member Lesley Christopheros, is however, a little unusual.
Lesley is a long term fan of the Mini and when she spotted one for sale locally in 2021 she jumped at the chance to acquire it. It was advertised as an Austin Mini Cooper and carried the correct badges but she quickly realised that you should not always believe the advertising hype or the labels. She soon established that what she actually had was a rare 1978 Morris Mini that had been upgraded to the 1275 GT standard.
The Mini was designed by the legendary Alec Issigonis as a compact family car capable of comfortably transporting 4 adults within the smallest wheelbase. His brilliant idea was to place the engine transversely over the front axle driving the front wheels. Thereby not only achieving this goal but, combined with the rubber cone suspension, also producing a car that was well balanced and a pleasure to drive. (If you have not driven a Classic Mini along a winding Cypriot country road you have missed one of the most rewarding of motoring experiences).
The British Motor Corporation commenced production in 1959 and, by way of their “badge engineering scheme” Minis were sold under several manufacturers names, such as Austin, Morris, Riley and Wolseley. Although the last two carried the names of “Elf” and “Hornet” they were essentially the same car with minor changes to the body/interior trim and slightly upgraded engines. In their various guises and through many upgrades they deservedly proved to be highly popular, with more than 5 Million being produced over a 40 year period. They became such an automotive icon that eventually the manufactures name was dropped and they simply became “THE MINI”.
Lesley has continued to improve her Mini and has had the engine rebuilt not once but twice, as she was determined to get it running just right! Much of the bright-work has been replaced largely as a result of some inventive packaging, with the new bumpers wrapped as skis, and the replacement grill being carried in a suit bag. Her car, now affectionately called “Paddy”, sports complimentary Cooper Lite wheels and is correctly “badged”, displaying attractive bonnet and appropriate “1275” side strips. She drives her Mini as much as possible as it puts a smile on her face and everyone that sees it. Lesley is obviously a big fan of this car, she even named her kittens “MINI” and “COOPER”!
If you would like to see this and other fantastic Classic Vehicles please come to one of our many meetings.
Full details can be found on our Facebook page, or, on our webpage:
www.paphosclassicvehicleclub.com
or, telephone, 97760997.