1979 Austin Mini Cooper 850 Re-Imagined and Restored

Description for Mini Classic Mini 1979

1979 Austin Mini Cooper 850 Re-Imagined and Restored An exceptional resto-mod re-imagination of the Classic Mini. This vehicle boasts exceptional handling with a high power-to-weight ratio for spirited fast road driving on twisting and hilly roads. A Honda K20A-2 (i-VTEC Type R; 1. 98 cc) engine upgraded to 240 bhp (at the flywheel) is mated through a 5-speed custom gearbox to a mechanical (hydraulic torque-split) All Wheel Drive system (with LSD) that engages the rear wheels in case of slippage on either of the normally-driven front wheels. The final drive ratio is 3. 8. The exhaust manifold is custom designed while engine management is via a HONDATA K-PRO engine control unit (ECU) with custom programming. The ignition is electronic. Almost the entire engine bay is rather easily accessed thanks to a flip-front kit. For aesthetics and to accommodate larger than standard wheel diameters. the body is fitted with a Sportpac-style fender flare kit. Refueling is infrequent due to the good fuel-efficiency of the vehicle. On average the fuel consumption rate is approximately 6. 3 litres per 100 kilometres. Given the ample power for such a small and lightweight vehicle. appropriate stopping power is provided through Wilwood 4-piston forged billet calipers on 9. 5-inch (240 mm) vented. cross-drilled & slotted rotors at all four wheels. The wheels themselves are 13-inch x 7-inch alloys sporting TOYO PROXES R888 225/45R13 tyres. Custom machined hub-centric rings ensure these aftermarket wheels remain truly centred and vibration-free. A second set of 13-inch x 6-inch alloys also come with the vehicle. plus two sets of VREDESTEIN SNOWTRAC-3 165/65R13 tyres that have never been used. The vehicle has never been driven in the rain or in the snow. and is only taken on drives when the roads have been dry. Safety. always being of paramount concern. is afforded through 4-point CORBEAU retractable harnesses for both driver and passenger. Furthermore. the road is lit up with 7-inch (178 mm) halogen headlights. Normally-on 5-inch (127 mm) WIPRO driving lights also provide additional visibility. The interior rearview mirror is a GENTEX HOMELINK auto-dimming mirror with navigational compass and exterior temperature reading. The dashboard gauges are all custom designed and manufactured by AUTOMETER. The gauge set includes smaller voltmeter; oil pressure; fuel level; and water temperature gauges. The speedometer and tachometer are larger in diameter. Additionally. the major electronic switches in the vehicle are custom made. The exterior of the vehicle is painted using a base-coat / clear-coat system. The primary colour is Old English White (Mini paint code WT3). The centre strip and side mirrors are painted in Giallo Ocra (Alfa Romeo paint code AR110). The sides-of-centre-stripes are in solid black. The vehicle is exceptionally comfortable for its size thanks to RECARO ERGOMED seats with integrated heating and cooling functions. The vehicle also comes equipped with a very competent and efficient heating and air-conditioning system. The entire interior is appointed in two-tone leather (dark grey and ivory) and Alcantara (charcoal grey) for an unmistakably luxurious experience. Included is a modern A/V system (iPod. video. sat radio. navigation. etc. ) channeled through a top-of-the-line Focal 11 speaker sound system complete with top-of-the-line beryllium tweeters. The windows are operated under electric power and the door locking system is operated both manually and electrically from the key fob. Electric power in the vehicle is handled through an ULTIMA YELLOW-TOP 12-volt battery producing 750 cold cranking amps and 870 amps maximum. One drive in this car convinces the driver of its uniqueness and sheer pleasure offered. You will want to just grip the Alcantara MOMO DRIFT deep-dish steering wheel and not let go. This is a truly one-of-a-kind vehicle that will happily fit into any collection of cars that is enjoyed for the actual driving experience. Please contact the seller with serious enquiries. This vehicle is being sold as is. where is with no warranty. expressed written or implied. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description. authenticity. genuineness. or defects herein. and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness. imperfection. defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle. and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgement solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle.