The Mini shell is very low mass compared to the Malibu. With low body mass, the body decelerates quickly - the weight doesn't keep pushing and contiuing to crumple. The Mini's drive train is a big part of the car's mass - about 25% (not counting occupants). Once the front end collapses to the motor, the motor mass is stopped. The rest of the car body's mass will crumple the rest of the nose, and getting itself tweaked.

2 occupants at an average of maybe 150 to 200 pounds also about the same mass as the drivetrain - 300 to 400 pounds. They continue to move forward in the shell until stopped by seatbelts and the firewall, dash and assorted hard bits. They are probably as 'operational' as the rive train - they might run again, but it's gonna take alot of work.

(For comparison, put a box of eggs on the floor and kick it. The box might get dented, but the eggs will be broken.)

For hitting a 3000lb Malibu head on the passenger compartment faired quite well (for a car that was probably made without crash tests).

There's a picture out there somewhere of a fibreglass MINI that got in a head on crash.  I think driver/passenger are OK....the impact was so great that the engine is separate from the body.  The body actually faired quit well.....not sure if it was a Cord or what

found it: //archive.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=165339

OK, but that is quite a bit more than we'd subject a Mini to.

....but not indestructible..lol

//www.wreckedexotics.com/articles/047-pagani-zonda.shtml

Maybe, but rustproof, REALLY hard to dent, strong....

.....and expensive !

Another thinking-out-of-the-box question:

Has anybody done a complete carbon-fibre shell?

I know there has been wings, doors, bonnets, bootlids etc. but surely somebody has at least thought about an entir body (even if it had steel reinforcing in it).

Now THAT would be light.

big al. I am really surprised that someone has NOT put out fiberglass moke shell yet..

extended cab

//miniresto.com/?page_id=68

Yes, I thought someone would ask that!   I could only get this one off my phone for some reason... I'll try more tomorrow!

Pictures man ....... Lets see some pics Jemal.

BTW it might be the only F/G extra cab pick up in the world but there have been plenty of steel ones built along the way.

We do happen to have what may be a one-of-a-kind Fiberglass Pick-up body shell here at Mini Mania!  This was ordered well over a year ago, and the manufacturer in England kept having "problems" that caused extended delays.  The buyer could not wait and cancelled his order after something like 11 months!

It did eventually get here and it's possibly the only "XTRA-CAB" Mini Pickup in the world!  It is no longer available to order, as the builder in the UK seems to have ceased operations!

We did find some shipping damage and the body will need a few tweaks to fix a couple of issues, but for the right person, a fabulous deal awaits!   If you might be that person, contact me here for info on it.  

I was eyeballing it next to my Big-block Chevy K5 Blazer!  A monster-truck opportunity?? 

Boy do I regret letting that Domino slip through my hands!  Was even in living in my little garage for a while.  You should have worked that sale a little harder Al.  You wouldnt have taken a wrong turn at the Red Barn again on your way to get it!

Anyway, there used to be a gentleman who went by the name of Dolfy on the board.  Was selling Cord bodies and parts for quite some time at a fairly reasonable price.  May have been further back than I remember.  I still have a set of MK3 fiberglass doors I purchased from him.

nice linky to that kitcar site SxS. I just killed an hour sitting here going thru the list!

BIG AL

I installed a MED engine in a Pimlico years ago, the engine bay was shorter ( sub-frame to underside of hood/bonnet was shorter ) and required a hood scoop because of height. Carb wouldn't clear.

Was a rocket, power to weight was amazing.

//www.classic-kitcars.com/classic-kitcar-details.php?47

Seemed pretty well built. Did more checking, I don't believe they're in business today though.

SxS

Not sure if it's ready for prime time yet Rogue Se7ens has been working on a full fiberglass shell (to be used on a tube chassis).  //roguese7ens.com/

Not sure who produces them, but you can buy them through the company hosting this forum.

Edit: I thought so anyway, maybe not. //www.minimania.com/part/ABSMS048/Mini-Pick-Up-Body-Shell-Kit-Fiberglass

A couple companies in the UK make different versions, have you tried searching Google?

The MINI Cord was a fibreglass model produced in South America.
Not sure of newly produced shells.