The car doesn't look that scarey to me.  I agree that it is probably too high for what it is.  BTW, if you do go for the 61 instead of this one, you need to realize that a 47 yr old Mini is a different animal from the car you are looking at.  Even if the 61 is in perfect condition, it will drive and ride differently.  Don't get me wrong, I love MK1 Minis, and have several of them.  I also love the late model roll-down windows, etc.  If you are living in Texas the MK1 will be extremely hot in the summer, but then, so will a late model that is black.

"Retired:  No Job, No Money, No Wife!  Will travel anywhere for Minis"

hockey91dad@hotmail.com

We have an old saying in Scotland.  B***S**T baffles Brains. Basically some people can't see past the glitter and shine. Like Peter I would pass on this car.

"Come to the Edge"he said,"I'm afraid"I said,"come to the Edge"he said, I did...and he pushed me off,...and I FLEW.

Edwin..unless the car was previously restore...you will get rust...they all do....its a never ending battle....

someone's been holding out on me. About 2 months ago I was asking about Mambas. Travis? What do you have?

Mark Looman, Ada Michigan 1967 Austin Cooper S

Read this before inspecting:

http://www.minimania.com/web/SCatagory/PANELS/DisplayType/Technical%20Information/DisplayID/613/ArticleV.cfm

There's ALWAYS MUCH MORE RUST than you can see in a Mini. Caveat Emptor. Many Minis look good but are total rust buckets. Unless you have deep pockets or lot's of skill, buy the best body shell you can find. The mechanical stuff is the easy and cheaper part to fix.

Make it idiot proof, and someone will make a better idiot....

 

I totally agree.  I've been on s2000/bmw/range rover forums and this is by far the nicest and most welcoming community.  It's truly a blessing. 

 

Travis, email sent!  Thanks 

I just spoke with him. He still has it.

 It is a 61' not a 63'. It has a 1300 and 13" wheels but I have a nice set of 10" Mambas that will fix that.

Shoot me an e-mail and i'll give you his contact info.

I am not by any means telling you this is a perfect mini.

You should do the same thing as with the other one. The board members here will keep you straight.

By the way, I do have a picture of it from about three weeks ago that he posted. I'll send.

 

Travis        

 67' Cooper S 

 62' Mini Cooper Vtec Project underway (Operation Kwik-E- Kart)

This board is fantastic.  IF you could buy this kind of helpful information on the open market it would cost a fortune.  It's so great how everyone looks out for everyone.  There are millions of different OPINIONS on hundreds of topics but the ability of those here to protect everyone else, and the genuine affection everyone has for each other (Big AL) is simply incredible to me.  I'm awestruck.

Travis, that'd be great.  Please let me know what you find out and hopefully he still has it

 

Edwin 

Edwin,

You mentioned it being local and that reminded me about another mini in Houston thats owned by a long time Mini Owners of Texas member.

It is a real 1963 with a 1275. I discussed buying it right before I started the Vtec project.

I will ring him up and get the status and let you know.

I believe he was looking for about 7K but you guys can discuss it. It was previously owned by another long time member of the club so it will be easy to get some history.

Just something to think about.......

 

Travis        

 67' Cooper S 

 62' Mini Cooper Vtec Project underway (Operation Kwik-E- Kart)

Just a little background on this car, I helped the owner try to pass emissions with it when it was in AZ.  As its registered as a '78, AZDEQ deemed it needed all sorts of emissions equipment installing such as air pumps and charcoal canisters etc.  The owner back then pulled his hair out for a while, then decided to make the best of a bad purchase and sell the car to someone in a more forgiving emissions state.  Its just a typical, worn smooth old mini that someone has 'made their own' - with all that entails (UK rust/worn out parts/add on trinkets etc).  Spanks lower estimate seems about right to me, only if your looking for a project or can look past the faults and just drive it.

Si 

Happiness is a full can of high build primer

I've not read every comment, I was a dealer on 2 occasions and have looked at hundreds of minis, I would not touch that car with a barge pole. As you like the looks I would take a photo of it if you buy it as all the paint and lots of the panels will most probably have to be removed and replaced. Don't go on looks, A mustard brown mini can be made into that car for a 3 grand if its rust free to start with then your money would be better spent. Lots of hidden rust in that car I can almost bet on it. A floor panel is cheap compared to putting it in, then you have outer and inner cills, the apanels are probably toast then you have wings and a front panel and valence to deal with. Steer clear in my opinion.

In this current economy I am positive there are more than a few cars going for 7k that would trump that one.

Peter

No more cars left, Westpaminis is now just a memory, Good luck to all those hard working dealers left out there, We can tell you its not easy. We have fully enjoyed meeting all the fine folks we have in the business.

Since the car is local to you and you have been able to drive and evaluate it, that is worth money over similar condition minis outside of your area.

Assuming the clutch is a minor issue and everything else works as it should, I would suggest that $7K-$7500 is a fair price for it certainly with a 1275 and disc brakes.  I've seen far worse cars listed and sell for nearly twice that. $9500 isn't exactly an outrageous price but certainly on the high side for something with those body concerns. 

IMO: This board is by and large notorious for having people (including me) undervalue something if they (we) are prospective buyers and overvalue items if they (we) are the sellers. Not always the case, but common enough to paint with a broad brush.

That said, I myself would not consider buying that car for if I were 500 miles or more away because the cost of transport and fears of potentially buying sight unseen. I would only consider buying it long distance if it were (as others have priced it) in the $5-$6K price range.

If you're looking to purchase in the next 30 days, this car should remain a viable option. If you are not eager to buy and feel comfortable waiting 6 months to a year longer, you can likely find a better deal.

--Spank 

 

Lots of great info indeed.  I guess I'm scared of rust b/c I don't know how to fix it.  I do have a very good friend who's a body man that does all my paint work so hopefully he can take care of it... but you are right.  I'm sure there are hidden areas of rust that I did not even see yet.  

I've always like these mini's since Italian Job and the more I look into it, the more I like them so I am determined to pick one up (God willing).   If there's anyone out there looking to sell theirs, PLEASE let me know.  

Hi Quicksilver, yes that is me.  I will be going again on Monday to look at it with a body man to see what he says.  

 All your input is and has been extremely valuable to me.  Thank you all

 

Edwin 

Is this the same person on MOT looking for a helping hand in Houston?

------------------
Check The For Sale
1967 Austin Mini Moke & Other Bits

QuickSilversVille: Go Classic Or Go Home

Wow QS, I guess I did waver a bit. My point was that the car is appealing to some people, and will probably sell to a non mini person for 10. Although, the car is worth less for the problems and mods to a mini enthusiast. I recall when I first got my car, nobody believed it was a genuine S. Then suddenly everyone wanted to trade their daily driver for it. Heritage is worth alot to some, but not to others.

I still stand that the car is neat, but not worth the money. Anyone can wire a sub and screw on a spoiler. If the guy fixes the clutch, somebody will buy it.

as far as M32 is concerned, don't be run off by rust on an old car. Be run off by quickly fluxuating prices like H8 said.

Mark Looman, Ada Michigan 1967 Austin Cooper S

Lots of good advice has been offered. The car is worth saving, but to do so means facing the rust and fixing it. If the rust scares you but all else about the car does not, then keep looking as there is very likely more hidden rust to be dealt with.. If you were not as leary of the rust, I would recommend haggling the price down further and trying your hand at saving the car.

There are lots of folks to help you find a good Mini to fit your needs/wants (here and in MOT). Since this car seems to be the first you've seriously looked at, keep it in mind and look at others. Be patient and you'll make a better buy.

Thank you all for your help.  I've always been one to jump irrationally into decisions so I am glad I am getting all this great feedback.  The reason why he dropped the price was 1) b/c of the clutch issue 2) he's overseas and wants to sell the car.  I tihnk I can get him down some more b/c of the rust and maybe take down the price if I don't wnat the stereo equipment.  I just don't know if this car is "worth saving" with all it's headaches and such.  I really don't mind the mechanics (bent tie rods, clutch issue), it's the rust that scares me.   

 

Edwin 

Edwin,

I always get suspicious when someone knocks the price down that quick also. The people on this board are really good Mini advisors, I know they helped me with a couple cars I was looking at as well. Now that we know what you are looking for on style, if you choose to pass on this Mini I am sure people can help keep a look out for you.

Good feedback is accumulating here, m32.

The new pictures help show the apparent real condition much better than the previous images.  For an Arizona/Houston car, (dry/hot climates) what rust is showing through even though it has been in mild conditions suggests more rust in other areas of the car that's been casually fixed, with a modest paint job on top.  Whatever goop has been applied over the patches appears to be trapping water, perhaps from inside water getting in from below or from door/window leaks.  It may not be a real '78, and the engine may not be original either.  It appears to be an A+ (newer) 1275cc (1.3) engine, with non-original SU 1 1/2" HS (older) carbs.

If you want to continue to seriously consider this car, this car needs to be up in the air for further evaluation to assess the underside fully.  Look for rust repair patchs in the floor, inside the front fenders and in the rear subframe area.  Also check the front suspension for bearing and bushing play - the right tie rod does look bent - perhaps just a result of careless jacking.  Check the rear subframe, battery box and surrounding area for rust. 

As for the clutch, taking the pins out of the pictured lever will tell you if the plunger (rod with the big double nuts) is free.  Pull the lever out of the plunger and the plunger should slide.  If it doesn't, it can be freed with PB blaster and a wrench to rotate and move it.  It just has to be aligned properly with the beveled hole up to accept the lever end back into it when putting it back together.

I'll add my voice to those reviewing the pictures and now tagging it as a $5k-$5.5K Mini.  Beyond not being able to able to assess mechanical condition (a big liability), these pics suggest many hidden unknowns in this car that you need to be ready to assume if you buy it.  And as others have said, don't pay a dime for the audio (ICE - In Car Entertainment).  If you don't want to deal with potential creeping rust issues, this is probably not the car for you, but if you can make a deal that you're happy with knowing there are lots of potential issues, then that's your choice.  You're climbing a steep learning curve here.  One would think that a concerned seller that's a true enthusiast would make the car driveable to eliminate unknowns.  The fact that it isn't driveable may as big a red flag as the aura of rust.  

SE7EN