I have seen a few Authis for sale. But not as many as you would think. I believe I found one that I like and I saved the attached picture. I was wondering if some of the experts here could decipher it.

OT: My buddy is back in San Diego with his mid-80's Alfa Romeo that is attempting to import from Spain. He was told by the DMV that he had to go see a referee. I'm hoping this isn't going to be bad news for him...

My 69 Authi was brought back to the states by a serviceman (Navy I'd guess)

Check out ArmyNavycooks mini, rather along the style you mentioned you liked. There's a topic now about a reverse lamp , has pictures. He also lives is San Diego. Wondering how many Authi's are left in Spain. For many of us it's easier to find a car already here, but for you it should be easy to bring a car back. Take your time, look at a number on minis, get the right one for you. Ask plenty of questions, will save $$$in the long run.

Richard your pick-up is very cool!  You are correct though, I need the extra seats.  

Thanks for the links, I'll do some research on the common rust spots.  

Welcome. With family I guess you don't want the pick-up route like I did.

As mentioned, unless you do body work or can find a good body guy, look for the non rusted ones, and look carefully at places that can rust (check out other builds and you will see the common places)

I would not assume that red mini has fiberglass flares. They could be steel like mine. Just depends on who did them.

One of the neat things you can do with these is personalize them. You can cehck out how did it here.

//www.widman.biz/Mini/English/index.html

You guys bring up some good points to consider.  I have been so focused on complying with CA law because I knew the car would be legal anywhere if I did so.  However, I failed to take into account the 25 year EPA/DOT exemption as mentioned above.  Since I'm going to be here for three years I could in theory be looking at cars up to 1993.  which would be importable into the U.S., just not CA correct?  More research required there...  John maybe being a 1975 was the key because you were smog exempt?

There are a ton of Defenders being purchased here by Americans to take back with them.  My friend also just purchased an '84 Lotus and he is going to CA.  Im going to stay in touch with him and see how he fares at the DMV.  

Anything significant to note about the Mk V or VI cars?

ChuckB,

I'm going to have chime in on this because I have first hand experience with this.  I was stationed in Sigonella Italy and the maximum year you could denaturalize back in 2006 was a 1975.  Check with the mock DMV on base...Rota should have one.  when I got station back in the states I went to california and had to take the importation papers to the DMV.  They then did a complete VIN inspection and then made me a California title.  The registration was only $80 a year and that was without the military exemption. Please let me know if you have any questions I'm here to help.  

John Mitchell

 

If that is the case then you can currently legally import up to a 1990 model.

Thank you guys.  I had suspicions about the year despite liking the exterior.  I'll steer clear of this one.

I definietly plan to register outside of CA even if stationed there.  Luckily in the military it is completely legal to do so.  

I doubt that car is a 73 at all from the door pockets and panels to the fog light switch and column controls. ( as well as the dash )

Yes it is a later dash probably from a 90's Mini. Do your homework and make sure whatever you buy is exactly what the paperwork says it is there is no leeway at the ports. If you have relatives in another State other than California it where you can register it it will broaden your search, if you are planning on staying in California then just do it right the first time. Good luck with the search.

Quick question:  I wanted to confirm that this is NOT a correct 1973 dash? As the ad claims the car is a '73.  I understand it could be upgraded from a newer car?

Spitz, Spank and Mystacreation, thank you!

 

PS - if there is a button for multi-quotes please point me in that direction.  This forum format is a little different than I'm used to.  

Abel, Hola! Mucho Gusto.  I'm working on my Spanish, thank you for the offer.  

I'm actual down in Rota.  We are loving every minute of it.  This is a great country and the people are very friendly.

I will definitely check out the forum and keep my eyes out for an Authi.  Maybe I can help you with that hood emblem...

I hadn't considered that possibility with the glassed flares.  From what I have seen so far I don't think the 13 wheels are my style.  Thank you!

Welcome aboard ChuckB!

Paul,

I brought my car over from Italy back in 2005 and it was a 1973.  Im not sure if the rules have changed since then but I was able to register at the DMV with no issues.

+1 for finding an Authi

You WILL be able to import it. Importing it and possessing it in CA is not a problem. The challenge that could present itself is if you want to register it for road use in California. There are legal ways to make that happen, though, so don't let CA DMV stuff prevent you from getting a 67-1975 car that you find and love.

There's a member of our SD Minis group who also pops up on this board as Jayhawk who has incredibly fond memories of his Authi from his time in Spain. He found an Innocenti here stateside to allow him to have a reasonable facimile for regaining part of his stolen youth. But if you find an actual Authi, he may bombard you with queries as to how he can maybe snatch it from your grasp and ship it stateside!

Welcome to the fold.

I'm liking the red one with "canvas" roof.  From the looks of the dash it's an Authi....maybe 1300

Agreed about the red one with moulded in flares....possible nastiness underneath

Hola and welcome to this forum. I am a native from Spain living in the US. Which base are you in? Zaragoza, Sevilla, Madrid, Cadiz?

Everyting all the experts here have said (except for Boison) is true. I cannot add anything else new but, as this forum has been of great help to me, I would highly recommend joining any of the Spanish Mini forums in Spain. This one has been really helpful and I even got some parts form some of its members (the last one being a steering wheel) //foromini.minibcn.net/ They are super nice people.

As for where to look, you have a //www.milanuncios.com/, //www.segundamano.es/ ...but I am sure that once you are 'on board' amy of the forum members will help you find out your Authi. if I could only get my hands on the coveted hood emblem......

I assume that your Spanish should be OK, but if you need any help with the language, let me know,

saludos,
Abel

the red mini has glassed in flares, you never know what's lurking underneath. the dark green mini to the left has 13 wheels and wide flares. remember you are looking at 35 year old cars that always had issues. rust and rubber rot will be your most expensive repairs providing you find a great engine and gearbox in it. happy hunting.