Welcome to the Mania. Sounds like you've been bitten.
So classic Minis go from 1959-2000 model years. Not a whole lot changed with the car within that time. The first couple generations had the most differences between the rest.
In the Mini/MINI world, we differentiate the classic Minis spelt "Mini", and the BMW versions (2001-Present) as "MINI". 
Like the others stated. Depends where you live. If you're in the States, you cannot import anything under 25 years old. Still covers a broad range of model years for the Mini.
If you're in Canada, you cannot import anything under 15 years old. 
There are topics on this forum regarding what to look for and know when hunting one down.
There's also topics on power options, in regards to cleaning up and tuning the original A-series Mini engine, or doing an engine swap. 
There's loads of info out there on here and elsewhere for all things Mini. These things have been modified and restored for decades. Lots of parts suppliers and customizers. You can go as mild or wild as you wish. Plenty of support out there for all kinds of strokes for all folks. 
I'm taking the same approach as you and wanted a little more stink. I'm doing a Honda Civic D-series engine swap. 
Take a tour around here through the topics on this forum and you'll start to piece it together. We're here to help you scratch that itch. 

Welcome Popey67!

The availability to you of a classic Mini will depend on where you live. Obviously geography is the main issue, but, depending on where you live, the ability to register a Mini varies. Some places like California have very limiting requirements as to age, air quality rules, crash-worthiness etc. Bear in mind also that some people, to get around those regulations have falsified the true identity of the Mini - this is usually referred to as a "re-vin", meaning the VIN (vehicle identification number) has been replaced or altered. Easy to do, but the authorities (and knowledgeable Mini owners) know where to look to determine the car's real pedigree.

To help you in your search, and general advice, we need to know where you live. Please fill in your profile, showing your city/town, state/province and country. (This is an international discussion board.) Adding you email or phone is optional, but email is useful in case a member or the board administrators need to contact you privately.


To answer your question about why your thread title was crossed out: when you open or read a thread, the system crosses out the title to let you know you have seen it, up to the last post you read. The cross-out clears when somebody adds a new post to the thread.

Here is good place to start:
https://www.minimania.com/Mini_Identification
 

Join a classic Mini Club if there's one in your area. Looking at other members cars and discussing them with the owners would be the fastest way to get familiar with Minis.

I need a few pointers into where to even start to get knowledged up on the world of classic minis. I have always wanted a classic mini and now find myself in a position to get one. Here are my parameters so far and was hoping for some pointers on where to see a pictorial guide to the  different models and years etc as well as general advice.
Here is what I think I am leaning towards at this point - 

1. Definitely a classic mini (meaning not the BMW versions I think it the term?)
2. Something that looks factory/stock but it far from it (modern bells and whistles)
3. Fast engine (not NOS fast but fast)
4. Left hand steer

Thanks in advance for any leads on how to get where I want to go!
Unsure why post title is crossed out?!?