Blast from the Past

[khyndart in CA]

MASTERS TO CELEBRATE MAGICAL MINI MILESTONE AT THE SILVERSTONE CLASSIC!

Masters are delighted to announce a 60th anniversary celebration of the extraordinary Mini, with two record-breaking races, at this summer’s Silverstone Classic (26-28 July 2019).

DO you think Mrs H would mind if I snuck away for a few days in July with My 62 CPR ?
I would take off the bow and put some black tape on the headlights. It looks like it is OK to race a LHD Mini there judging by the photo.
I just need to start my "Go Fund Me"page !
The Silverstone Meet should be a great event for all Classic Mini lovers.




http://www.mastershistoricracing.com...estone-at-the/


(Ken H)

[928]

I would straighten the front number plate before going to silverstone. as it is, it could provide lift, which will cause lack of traction, and a resultant loss of speed and cornering performance

[khyndart in CA]

928,
Here is my latest update from today.
Do you think it would fit in at Silverstone ?


(Note the clear marker light lens which were period correct in 1962 )
The droopy driver's door handle is a common feature.
"Austin America" front seats to support the ol' fella's back and neck..
The whisker ends are not on the moustache.
It is not perfect but it is a lot of fun on our country roads.

The license plate is for MY 1962 COOPER or Model Year 62 Cooper Personal Restoration / Resuscitation.

(Ken H in Los Olivos. CA.)

[928]

down to the scrutineers now. the number plate will now create a bit of depression under the car helping with handling. well done

[John McKechnie]

OK Ken ....wheres the road registration sticker on the windscreen, .....is this a purpose built race car ?

[khyndart in CA]

John,
We just need proof of registration sticker on the rear license plate, which is blue for 2019 and the white sticker on the left signifies the month it is due. No smog emission test needed as it is older than 1975. The only thing on this car originally was a crankcase breather pipe from the front tappet cover toward the ground ! I have improved mine to be better than that.


Cheers,
Ken

[Allan]

997, 998, 970, 1071, 1275 or 1293?

[Roger Dowding]

997, 998, 970, 1071, 1275 or 1293?

1962 - should be a long stroke " 997 " a rare version of the " A " series engine ..but will wait until Ken H wakes up to give you the correct answer ..
970, 1071 and 1275/1293 were all Cooper " S " motors,997 and the square 998 for Coopers ..

[khyndart in CA]

Ken is now awake !
This Cooper in 1962 was just a 997 version. That engine was not in the car when I bought it 1992, it had an 1100 engine and the bores became oval etc. so I now have a 1988 998cc A+ engine and gearbox and brakes and it does not smoke, overheat and brakes in a straight line. (As my back is not as it used to be, this is the last engine / gearbox change I want to / can do and I am happy with that. )
Ken.
p.s. It is still the reputed oldest LHD (Built for North America) Austin Mini Cooper registered in the USA.
I will probably never know it's value as it will be with me until the end.

[khyndart in CA]

Speaking of blasts, here is a present day one from Daytona.
I am glad they did not drive like this at Taupo !



https://www.foxsports.com/nascar/video/1440358979995

Ken H

[John McKechnie]

As Lucy said...thats a real Deusy !!!!!!!

[Milan Fistonic]

The TRS cars drove a bit like that at Mafeild

[khyndart in CA]

Today I found me a tow truck / support vehicle for me and the Mini.
It has low profile tyres, acid dipped and lightened rear fenders, windshield glass so clear you can't see it, it can tow going forward or when reversing, it can all weather sleeping facilities etc... and mostly it can serve 3 different types of beer.
But so far I have been unable to locate the owner so I make a final offer.









(Ken H)

[John McKechnie]

Is the A-frame for the Mini to tow it or vice versa.
Smart wheels though, make a great hopper.
You cant beat patina.

[khyndart in CA]

I guess $ 7000 US was a lot of money back in 1956 ?

[Ray Bell]

It certainly would have been!

A new Chevrolet V8 was a little over $2,000.

[Paul B]

You could probably buy a house for $7000 back in 1956

[Ray Bell]

Now that's a different storey...

It might depend on whether it was your second or third.

[khyndart in CA]

I wish someone in the family had tucked this one away somewhere.
Check the median asking price in 2019.




Although at the time they were just raced and thrashed and had the cheapest engine that could be found such as this example in this April 1964 Jerry Melton photo of a Chevy D-Type Jaguar.



(Ken H)

[Ray Bell]

Clever use of tin snips there...

Wouldn't that make you wince?