1979 Austin Mini Cooper

2 Door

Fuel-injected 1275 cc 04 cylinders

Manual

SAXXNNAZEXD169602

Clear

I bought this car five years ago in Miami form a collector — he was selling it for a German. I drove it back to Kentucky but blew a head in Tennessee, so I had to have the engine completely rebuilt (about $6,000). Shortly afterwards I was rear-ended at a stoplight, so I had to have the back repainted. Apart from that (!) the car has never had a single problem, although I've only put a few thousand miles on it. I have a classic Triumph motorbike, so I had the Mini's bonnet stripes painted to match it (black hood with white stripes and very, very subtle gold pinstriping — it's stunning to see). I also had rally lights professionally installed on the front grille. The car runs beautifully and I've used it as a daily driver during nice weather. As mentioned, I had no hesitation driving it over 1,000 miles from Miami to Louisville (the engine blew because a hose came loose). The interior is fine, but it could be redone. It's got a walnut dashboard that has a crack in it, and the original oatmeal carpet, which doesn't fit very well. There's no rust anywhere on the car or inside / underneath it. It runs like a scalded dog and shifts wonderfully. My mechanic is highly respected in classic car and racing circles, and he's more than happy to vouch for its integrity.