Rebirth

The classic Mini is a car that needs no introduction, fans know well its characteristics and history and, in order not to kill a small piece of history, two friends decided to save one.
“For several years it had been a little ‘forgotten, a model that the “chosen ones” consider an ugly duckling: a simple 1.0l, not a noble Cooper. The work presented itself demanding, but basically the car appeared healthy and enthusiasm was not a problem. In the garage it was decided to dismantle it almost completely, working on it in the evening or on the weekend, while the necessary parts arrived, on several occasions, from England. Useful to remember that restoring English classics has the advantage of being able to find virtually any parts, affordable and quickly. At dismantling completed, was the moment to entrust to professionals: mechanical, body shop and upholsterer, arming of infinite patience (do not tell to a craftsman not to be in a hurry, it is going to mark your end….) always following the personalization process. From the beginning it was decided to proceed with the customization, without wanting to do a standard restoration that followed the specifications of the original setting and so it was. The choice of the color was the first hurdle: black, beautiful but formal – English green, granted – red, there are already many – grey, poor character – white, it seems even smaller – blue, too much ministerial, but then, at the sight of a Vespa, every doubts vanish immediately. That’s its color! Yes, apple green! Rounding out the exterior 4 additional spotlights, chrome bumpers, “Sport Pack” fenders and the inevitable Minilite style wheels (shod with a bit larger and sports tires) with wide track. Interiors have been set up with seats, belts and instrumentation from a more equipped version, however, we opted for greater simplicity in the choice of colors, thus combining the green panels of the body with exposed black skin with green stitching. From the mechanical point of view it was decided to revise the engine and transmission, replacing all seals and adjusting the valve seats for using unleaded petrol. All torn parts of the chassis have been replaced with new parts.
To increase a little ‘performance were mounted aluminum intake manifold, complete with a 1.75 “(44 mm) carburetor and a full sports exhaust (from down-pipe to the cat-back). Brakes have been upgraded, mounting clamps and front discs (stuff taken from the same donor sister of the interior). The first shake down, after two years of work, was expected with a bit ‘of emotion, then transformed into anxiety due to the (obvious) expected surprises: carburetion and electrical system to fix, the residues rusty wandering in the cooling circuit (despite the washing, in its time, of the engine block).
Beyond these small obstacles, now this Mini lives again and gives satisfaction on the road, so agile, quick and fun. At traffic lights or when parked teases everyone’s curiosity and arouses sympathy”.

Gianluca

Model: Giusy Picariello