Check the date stamp on the boot lid lock, maybe 22 78. = 22nd week of 1978

Rust may be an issue here, price should be $8k - 9k range

BIG AL

That's a real bitsa of parts from many different years. My pick on body shell age would be late 80's early 90's. Colour inside the engine bay looks original. British racing green metallic was introduced around that time as a colour option. Also has an original looking internal bonnet release mechanism which is 90's. Genuine chassis plates were square by the 80's and attached to the inner wing. The one on this car looks like it's off a much older vehicle.

Over priced IMO.
Definately a small bore engine and most like;ly drum brakes

It could well be a 78.

That steering column was available in 1978, both in the 850 and 998 Minis.

So was the reverse lights as this was the first year in the 998.

Central Speedo was standard in 78.

Miguel

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I suspect it has a 998 and possibly a late 80s early 90s bodyshell, so may not be 100% legal for the USA even if it is already there.

It's a bit of a hoitchpotch of personalised parts & trim, so as well as the convertible conversion migh be difficult to sell on when the time comes.  The rust bubbles you mention could also be the precursor of buigger problems.

Most of it looks like a 78. From the pics it is a 998cc A series with i am guessing split system drum brakes. The column could be from a 78 along with the rocker switches and door mirrors. The ashtray is Cooper/s, door cards and lower dash rail probably re done when the conversion was done, seats and exterior badges/emblems are newer. Looks like the lower left corner of the windshield is leaking badly. That all being said anyone of these items is very easy to change out so just make sure for yourself.

Yeah, I think it may be a Keith's Convertibles mini, but I'm still having trouble aging it. It seems to have a 90's style plastic steering column, but a different dash.

Here are some more pictures:

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Along with the condition a lot depends on what engine and brakes it has, the 1275cc with disc brakes command a higher price usually than the 998cc with drums. To get a good perspective and values here you will need to post more pictures of the whole car inside and out as there are a lot of variations of Mini's over the years.

Thanks! I'll be sure to have a mechanic look at it and put it up on a lift before making an offer. They're asking $10,500 (USD) for it. It has a few small rust bubles on the rear corners near the top, the panel between the windsheild and the bonnet, and the tiny lip on one side of the roof. As long as there aren't any other major rust discoveries underneath, do you think that's a good price?

Thanks,

Andrew

Is website has a buyers guide that should provide you with some solid tips of what issues to look For.  I would highly suggest a close inspection of the "how to date your car guide" too.  plenty of people end up buying minis then find out its a revin or a " re shell" (which is usually total bs) when they first go to buy parts.

The cars he did seemed pretty solid as he left the roof bar in them which helps with the "flexing" of the body on converted convertibles, he also added box steel along the inner sills to add strength. They are not as popular or expensive as the real Mini convertibles built by Rover or Lamm in the 90's. Also they are a niche market and a Mini saloon would probably sell quicker when it came time to let it go. If you like it and it suits your needs go ahead and buy it just be careful to look for any rust issues lurking underneath. Good luck.

Thanks for the quick reply. I still can't find a whole lot on him, other than the fact that he built pretty good convertible conversions for Minis. How do you think that should affect my purchase of the car? I think it's a blast to drive and felt rigid enough, but should that negatively or positively impact the value of the car?

Thanks,

Andrew

Google Keiths convertibles he made a number of them in the UK.

Hello Everyone,

I have been searching for an entry-level classic for a while, and was originally interested in an MGB, BMW 2002, or Fiat 124 when this strikingly unique Mini "Cabriolet" caught my eye. I tried researching it on the web and couldn't come up with much even proving this car's existance, let alone get information on it. Does anyone know about this car? Here are some pictures of it. The owner is claiming it's a 1978. She just bought it 8 years ago "because it was cute" and doesn't know a whole lot about the car. Any background knowledge and buyer advice would be much appreciated!

Images below:

//postimg.org/image/8g1bpddmh/

//postimg.org/image/napx3jn7d/ 

Thanks in advance for your help,

Andrew