Which is the best/ fastest old shape mini?!

[boyo bach]

I'm looking into buying an old shape Mini. What's your opinion on the fastest and most fun mini to buy.

Is it obvious?! I would imagine the mini cooper 1.3?

Thanks.

[deadley]

Hi,

Definately the old shape for the sheer fun factor. I had a 1275gt and loved it! The new Minis have lost the fun factor of the orginal Mini -

I would plump for the 1.3i cooper or sprite or even a 1275gt if you can find one.

Good Luck

[Cockney_si]

One of the newer old shape mini's had a 1.4i engine in it, think it was the moderen cooper.

My mum had two old mini's and even the 1 litre ones were seriously quick for such a small budget.

Also if you have a spare �7,000 you can get companies to fit the honda VTEC engine into one....160bhp in a car that weighs not a lot...look on youtube for VTEC mini....ha ha!

[tubeway]

I would say the 1275GT without a doubt - such fun to drive - especially on winding country roads - it will corner sideways Nothing else is like it

[steffomini]

The carb models are more tuneable and the 998cc is prefered by some .The fuel injection models are more refined.The Spi (single-point)cars were superseeded by the Mpi(multi-point) in 1996 both are 1275cc but tuning is more difficult due to the catalyst and the fuel injection.The Sportpack wheels are for looks only and are really too heavy for the car ,the thinner 12" wheels cars are much more fun and ride slightly better.What ever car you choose look carefully around the whole car for rust.Subframes,A-Panels,base of windscreen,seam under headlights and rear door bins inside at the back are prime spots.

[boyo bach]

Thanks for all your advice. Still undecided, guess if there's a bargain we'll see.

Subframes? Any advice on that? What am I looking for and where?! Sorry, not very mechanically minded (understatement!!!). Thanks all.

[steffomini]

Subframes,rear one especially,located just behind the battery box under the rear of the car ,surface rust to be expected but have a good poke with a screwdriver to see if it's any worse