1977 Classic Mini 1275 GT Race Car

The development of the iconic Mini from the basic road car, designed by Alec Issigonis, is well documented. The most desirable sporting model was the Mini Cooper S variant. In 1971, that model was discontinued in the UK, leaving the Mini 1275 GT as the only sporting Mini on sale for the rest of the decade. It had been intended as a replacement for the Mini Cooper in 1969 and was styled by Roy Haynes, who had previously worked for Ford,. This particular three owner car started life in 1977 as a standard road-going 1275 GT. The current vendor purchased it in 1989 with the intention of creating a race-car, as funds allowed!The car was kept in the owner's garage, where it was gradually stripped and then re-built over the next 13 years!The body was refurbished using the original shell plus numerous new panels being fitted and then professionally repainted in Teal Blue with an Old English White Roof. The bonnet and boot are lightweight fibreglass items but the correctly coloured steel items are supplied with the car.The engine is a full race prepared 1293cc with balanced/Lightened/Kent MD296 cam, a big valve head, Kent Double-Valve springs, Oselli inlet and exhaust manifolds. All this was put together by Terry Hird Engines. A KAD quick-shift gear change was fitted. It also has a very light steel flywheel by KWR Engine Developments. Finally there is an Avonbar central oil pick up and M/S 2 Core Radiator.The brakes have 12"discs, DS11 pads on the front and Minifin Drums with VG95 linings at the rear. It also has adjustable brake bias. All the brake and clutch lines are braided courtesy of Goodridge. The suspension has Spax adjustable shock absorbers, negative camber front arms, Superflex polyurethane sub-frame and tie-bar mounts, with rear Hi-Lo's. Rear camber brackets supplied.There is a full roll cage with door bars by Roll Centre. The fire extinguisher system is a plumbed in 2.25L AFFF . The driver's seat is from Recaro and has full harness belts. To save weight the rear and side windows are polycarbonate. It has a three gallon foam-filled fuel tank (the original steel tank supplied with the car). The car comes with five John Wolf Racing "look alike' Minilite wheels with four excellent Yokohama A 510's.The car has only been used sparingly for about 8 races since the rebuild was finished in 2002 but it comes with its original V5 document and registration number. Needing only light recommissioning, (and possible updating of seat, harness and extinguisher - depending on intended use) the car could easily be converted into an Historic Rally Car or MOT'd and used as a quick road car with a difference.The car was successful in the very last of the 'Eight Clubs Event' at Silverstone where it won the IPA Trophy.Ideal first race car or just a great little track day car.Offered at 'No Reserve' could this car be the bargain of the sale?