Looks like a Super grille which is missing a few pieces. If that grille is original to the car, that Mini is one of the more desirable MK1s around.

What's up with that grille! Looks like bailing wire and cafeteria spoons.

Here's my 1st mini, 1st car too. It was 1973 and this was my 1963 Austin 850, set me back $350.00 sold a year later with regrets. Guess it predated color photo's?? Found this thread pretty interesting especially so when I found Hunter2's post of his first mini which I'm pretty certain is sitting here in my garage. Following his recent posts I've been curious about the pre restoration condition of this 76 Canadian, now perhaps I know. Its held up pretty well for 23+ years.

Since my dad never got the chance to post it here is a pic of the "First Mini" shell before dipping and roll cage.  If I had to guess it was about 1990.  (Don't know for sure)  I have obviously lost track of the info on it too.  If anyone knows who has it or if it still exists to keep this thread going or start a new one.  I don't know where murf is either.  And since I have seen a few new peeps on here we mind as well keep this one going for sanity and reminiscing. 

Fitz.2tj: Your car is perfect !

dr dave

 

United States Naval Station, Rota, Spain.  September 1972. A young me and my brand new Authi 1275GT ($2065) on the day I took delivery.  Sigh, my lost youth...

 //s612.photobucket.com/user/jhawkaero/media/Minis/New%20Mini%201972-640x448_zpswug39lgf.jpg.html

 

awesome photos on this thread

My first and only (so far) Mini. I bought it back in 2002.

[URL=//s115.photobucket.com/user/fitz1tj/media/My%20Mini/E71F55AC-EBA8-4D91-A461-FC664848F022_zps26odgshw.jpg.html][/URL]

My first Mini last weekend at Cars & Coffee Nashville.

First two Minis at a friend's shop in 79'

  The same two Minis today in the garage.  After 30 years the red one came home this last weekend!

 

 

 

 

I could talk to you about it, drop me an email swindrum(at)hotmail(dot)com

They built close to 5.5 millon Minis. Most spent their lives driving around on points 'n stock SU carbs.
You aren't by any chance having a hard time making yours work are you?

And, again, no apology has been offered. I have no idea what I would apologize for.

wow!! you did 80mile trip for 8 times??  and you parents drove it all over Europe and england with points distributor and stock SU carb?? im so impressed, honestly. did you ever had some mech issues with your mini? im curious.   now im loving my mini just by reading your story , thanks!

I bought my first mini in 1978.  I stilll have it.  Pictures in my sig line...I don't how to scan them either steve

This is my 1st mini. I bought it in spring 1991 in Mainz, Gerrmany. In 1992 I had to move from Mainz to Karlsrule GE, about 80 miles. I pulled the passenger and back seats a did it in about 8 trips back and forth. My parents came over in 92 and drove it all over over Europe and to England.

This was just last year. it was an impulse buy. im in my late 30s now and I wish I was a teenager still. Could've been a mini expert and would've been halfway finished by now. Oh well. It happens. No regrets though and I'm happy I made the right decision to let go of the project.

Got this mk3 from a police officer . Then sold it and bought the 72 yellow clubman from another police officer. Then traded it with the 63 from a police officer again. I went through 5 cars within a year to get the mk1 of my dreams

Really nice thread Mr. CooperTune

 

"i think it was big al that got my first mini. mine was an 87 lhd white with a red hood from germany. i got the car for free as a gi had taken the head off and not finished it. he had to get rid of the car. it was missing the keys head and hood. exhaust was roitted and so where tires. i did all that got it road worthy drove it for a few months and left it to be sold"

Yes, l remember that one, Mitch Doss got it for me when he was stationed in Germany, l sold it to a nice young Portuguese couple from Toronto - They loved that car, in fact l put a Union Jack on the bonnet as well as one on the roof

Small mini world isn't it ?

Big Al

Very cool thread....and some awesome pics and stories. 

Hi Sean,

You mentioned your first mini was a Wolseley Hornet.  I am actually looking at buying a hornet, and from the photo you posted, looks to be the exact same one as in your photo.  If you don't mind, I'd like to know any history of the car you might be aware of.

Cheers,
Will

 

My First mini back in the 70s , was an insurance write off I turned in to a show car

Now down to 9 .......................

1964 fiesta yellow Morris traveler 1965 Morris cooper s 1966 Wolsely hornet 1967 Austin cooper s 1967 Austin 850 1968 Austin cooper s 1978 " Mr. Bean" 1980 Leyland 1000 1994 Rover 35

Mousy