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World's Finest 1968 Morris Mini Cooper 1000 Restored Perfection Extreme Details on 2040-cars

Year:1968 Mileage:11147 Color: BROOKLANDS GREEN & OLD ENGLISH WHITE /
 BLACK & GREEN
Location:

Boulder City, Nevada, United States

Boulder City, Nevada, United States
Advertising:
Transmission:MANUAL 4SPD
Body Type:Coupe
Engine:1052cc Inline 4-Cylinder
Vehicle Title:Clear
Fuel Type:Gasoline
For Sale By:Dealer
Condition:
Used: A vehicle is considered used if it has been registered and issued a title. Used vehicles have had at least one previous owner. The condition of the exterior, interior and engine can vary depending on the vehicle's history. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections. ...
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
: KA2S61139684A
Year: 1968
Interior Color: BLACK & GREEN
Make: Mini
Number of Cylinders: 4
Model: Classic Mini
Trim: MORRIS COOPER MINI 1000 RHD
Drive Type: RWD (RHD)
Options: MP3 PLAYER
Mileage: 11,147
Sub Model: MORRIS COOPER MINI 1000 RHD
Exterior Color: BROOKLANDS GREEN & OLD ENGLISH WHITE
Warranty: Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty

     

1968 MORRIS COOPER MINI 1000

1968 Morris Cooper Mini 1000

(Austin Mini Cooper - John Cooper LE Inspiration)

Highest Quality Right Hand Drive Mini Ever...Prove us Wrong

 

Complete Professional Rotisserie Nut & Bolt Restoration

12 Years in the Making

 

998 Overbore • 12G295 Head • HIF38 Carb • Torquemaster Manifold

 

LCB Header • Big Bore Exhaust • Wood & Pickett Tip

Delta Hi/Lo Billet Coil Spring Suspension • Power Front Disc Brakes

Mk III Doors with Crash Bars • All New Glass and Exterior Chrome

 

Custom Brooklands Green & Old English White Paint by Queen City Auto Rebuild - Redmond, WA

 

Custom Burl Walnut Dash • Smiths Magnolia Gauges • Recaro Seats

MTX Audio Amp/2 Pioneer 6x9 and 2 Mini 6-Inch Speakers/iPod Connection

 

Built/Owned 12-Years by Respected Award Winning Mini Builder • Mecahnical/Functional/Aesthetic (near) Perfection



Smart buyers WILL watch the video and read the ad . . .

Performance Test Drive & Walk Around

Hear it, See it Operational

If you are on a mobile device...go to these links to see the videos

http://youtu.be/8mXt4-ZJiMY


1968 Austin Morris Mini Cooper Right Hand Drive

VIN: KA2S61139684A

Currently on Odometer: 11,147  (exempt)

Engine: 1052cc Inline 4-Cylinder

Transmission: 4-Speed Manual

Exterior: Brooklands Green & Old English White Roof & Stripes

Interior: Black with Green Piping

Over 207 high resolution pictures below.

 

Cool Stuff

998cc to 1,052cc Overbore Inline 4-Cylinder Engine

4-Speed Manual Transmission with Spring Loaded Shift Kit and Mini Delta Shift Lever Extension

Rack and Pinion Steering

Power Front Disc Brakes

Aluminum Valve Cover

12G295 Head

+20 Flat Top Pistons

Mild Cam

Billet Roller Rockers

Black Composite Head Gasket

SU HIF38 Carburetor with Polished Dashpot Cover  (AAM needle)

Keith Calver ITG Billet Stub Stack with ITG Sock Foam Filter

Minispares Torquemaster Alloy Water Heated Inlet Manifold

Big Bore 1.5 Exhaust, LCB Header, Straight Pipe, Muffler and Wood & Pickett Center Exit Polished/Rolled Tip

Poly Engine Steadys

Delta Adjustable Hi/Lo Billet Coil Spring Suspension, Front and Rear

KYB Gas-a-just Shocks

Adjustable Billet Caster/Camber Front Arms with Corrected Negative Camber Bushings

Adjustable Tie-Bars with Poly Bushings

Goodridge Braided Stainless Steel Brake Lines

Nippon Denso High Output Alternator

Custom Brooklands Green Paint by Queen City Auto Rebuild of Redmond, Washington

White Top and Painted White Stripes Under Clear Coat

Body Side Striping

3M Clear Application Paint Protection (Front, Fenders, Lower Rockers and Rear Valance)

Wheel Flares

Mk 3 Doors with Crash Bars

Union Jack Front Fender Emblems

Green Backlit Quad Optic Head Lights

Mk I Mustache Grille with Integrated WIPAC H1 Fog Lights

Deluxe Over-Rider and Corner Bars

All New Chrome Door Handles, Window Trim, Rocker Molding, Tail Light Trim and Boot Handle

New Steel/Nylon Door Latch and Strike Plates

New Hood and Boot Strike Plates/Locking Hardware

Tex Chrome Left and Right Hand Outside Mirrors, Wipers/Blades/Washers

New Wiper Motor

Custom Upholstered Interior with Matching Green Dash Rails

Custom Black Upholstered Recaro Bucket Seats with Green Piping

2-Layers Sound Deadening

2-Layers Carpet

Stainless Cooper Sill Plates

Billet Interior Door Release Lever, Window Cranks and Pulls

Door Panel Storage Bins

Leather Wrapped John Cooper Signature Edition Moto-lita Billet Steering Wheel

Custom Burl Walnut Dash

Smiths Magnolia Center Gauges: 130 MPH Speedometer, Odometer, Fuel Gauge, High Beam, Ignition and Blinker Indicators

Smiths Oil Pressure and Water Temperature Gauges

500 Series Aluminum Shift Knob

Rear Defrost

MTX Audio Amplifier, Pioneer 6x9 Speakers

(no head unit, iPod input only)

Custom Alarm with Keyless Entry

Clear Bra

Billet Quick release Fuel Lid with Locking Cap

Master Cut-Off Switch

Carpeted Floor Mats

13 x 6 Image 2-Piece Alloy Wheels with Billet Spacers

Yokohama A539 Steel Belted Radials 175/50R13

Full Size Spare on Black Steel Wheel

Great Britain License Plates

 

Recent Work

New Thermostat/Coolant

130pt Overview Inspection, Torque to Spec Maintenance

 

1968 Austin Morris Cooper Mini 1000; ground up, bare metal, nut-and-bolt restoration by respected Mini Cooper builder.  12-years in the making, this John Cooper LE 40th Anniversary inspired Mini was well known and admired in the Seattle area Mini community.  998 overbore engine with all the goodies (see pictures and list below) a strong 4-speed with modern spring loaded shifter and Delta multi-level coil spring suspension at each corner.  Adjustable billet front arms and poly bushings throughout are part of a complete, brand new steering and suspension rebuild.  Image 2-piece 13x6 alloy wheels wrapped with new Yokohama A539 tires and the car starts immediately, pulls strong, sounds spectacular and is simple perfection, inside and out.

 

Easily one of the top Mini Coopers in the world . . .

 

 

Flawless front end with quad-optic head lights, deluxe bumper over-riders, corner bars and Mk I Mustache grille with integrated WIPAC H1 Fog lights.  Hood, boot and doors open positively and close like a bank vault with all new hinges, hardware and stainless strikers . . .

 

 

Brooklands Green and Old English White paint by Queen City Auto Rebuild in Redmond, Washington was applied over 100% rust free metal.  Using zero body filler, it was wet sanded to perfection and the painted stripes are under the clear coat.  Paint thickness gauge measures consistent everywhere on the body . . .

 

 

All glass is new and perfect with electric rear window defrost.  Tex chrome mirrors, wiper arms/blades/washers and all exterior bright work is new and perfect . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The details have definitely been sweated on this car - there's not even a hint of overspray or masking bug-a-boos.  All trim is razor sharp and all rubber is soft new . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

^

You can just see the stainless muffler with Wood and Pickett center exit polished/rolled tip.

 

 

 

 

 

<-Billet pop open fuel cap has locking cap inside . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is just about impossible to describe the quality of work on this Mini using mere words.  It's one of those cars that invites scrutiny and it is so good, I found myself searching for minor flaws and imperfections and am completely amazed at how few there really is.  There's not a piece of chrome anywhere that doesn't look like it was new in a box just a few minutes ago.  You don't expect the door on a 45 year old car to feel as solid and crisp as they do when you push the button and pull the shiny handle and about these doors; after speaking with the builder (we can put you in contact with him - nicest guy you'll ever meet...obviously once you own it) I learned they are the sometimes hard-to-get Mk III and later doors with the internal crash bar.

 

With power front disc brakes, new steering, Delta suspension and all the tweaks, tricks and fixes known only to a seasoned builder, it was still a surprise to experience just how tight and confident this Morris feels going down the road.  With over 20 projects to his credit, he still spoke fondly of his ten years working on this Morris.  Mini enthusiast in the Seattle area know this builder and they know this car.

 

The next few pictures are detail shots highlighting some of the things that I feel, elevate this 1968 Austin Morris Mini Cooper above being simply a great classic car . . .  -Foy

 

 

Stainless Cooper sill plate, newly upholstered Recaro seats with green piping, leather wrapped John Cooper Signature edition Moto-lita billet steering wheel, burl walnut dash, billet levers and window cranks.  Underneath are two layers of sound deadener and two layers of carpet.  The finish work in here is just breathtaking . . .

 

 

^

The stitching you see is real and all weather-stripping is new and supple.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<-Beautiful Smiths Magnolia center gauges are even prettier when they light up at night . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moto-lita steering wheel (left) and 500 series aluminum shift knob. (right)  This 4-speed shifter feels like a modern car courtesy a spring loaded kit that returns the shifter toward the 1st/2nd quadrant . . .

 

 

 

One item too often overlooked when working on a half-century old car is the heating and ventilation system.  As seen here and when you look under the car and inside the front wheel wells; the HVAC system is entirely new.  New electronics, new ducting and new switches feel and look as good as the system functions . . .

 

 

Real walnut and billet window cranks . . .

 

 

Vehicle has no head unit, which makes it easier for you to simply connect your device to the iPod cable . . .

 

 

Amplifier under the rear cushion powers two forward firing Pioneer 6x9 speakers and two Mini 6-inch round speakers in the rear deck.  It sounds awesome . . .

 

 

Delta (japan) full multi level adjustable Hi/Lo billet aluminum coil spring suspension kit . . .

 

 

 

Master cut-off switch in boot (left) and poly bushings and engine steadys . . .

 

 

 

Once again; the details have been attended to.  All hoses, lines and fittings are new and are routed with modern assembly line efficiency . . .

 

 

SU HIF38 carburetor with high polish dashpot cover, Keith Calver ITG billet stub stack with ITG sock foam filter and Minispares Torquemaster alloy water heated inlet manifold.  Also notice all the pass-through grommets, rubber plugs and clean wiring . . .

 

 

 

Fuel and brake lines routed and secured. (left) All new steering and suspension pieces with new bolts, washers, grease zerks  and CV boots . . .

 

 

 

Heat shielded straight-through pipe and Woods & Pickett polished/rolled tip . . .

 

 

Boot and bonnet undersides are insulated . . .

 

 

 

Power front disc brakes (left) and a shot inside behind the head light . . .

 

 

 

Does this look like a 1968 undercarriage?

 

 

Here's another look at the Delta coil springs, KYB Gas-a-just shocks and braided stainless brake lines . . .

 

 

 

12g295 head with billet full roller valve train . . .

 

 

Another firewall view showing the power brake booster, reservoir and modern car cleanliness . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here, you get an idea how nice the rubber is, along with the new striker/latch . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

998cc overbore to 1052cc with 12g295 head, black composite head gasket, +20 flat top pistons, mild cam, roller rockers, HIF38 carb with polished dashpot cover (AAM needle) Keith Calver ITG billet stub stack with ITG sock, Minispares Torquemaster inlet manifold, Big Bore 2.5 exhaust, LCB header, straight pipe to Wood and Pickett center exit tip and Nippon Denso high output alternator.  (to adequately juice the sound system)

 

This potent 4-cylinder starts instantly, runs smooth, doesn't leak or overheat . . .

 

 

Gorgeous undercarriage looks like a brand new car because it pretty much is . . .  and no rust of any kind . . .

 

 

VIN: KA2S61139684A
K

Morris

A

997 Cooper  (any standard Mini engine for the period)

2S

2-door saloon

6

Mk II Morris

1

 

139684

vehicle serial number

A

Longbridge Austin plant

 

 

Brake pads.

 

 

 

A note from the owner.

I am a “used car dealer” but before that, I’m an automobile enthusiast.  I love original rare and high quality modified vintage cars and over the past decade I’ve been in business, have come to appreciate an expanding selection of high-demand, high value vehicles.  I specialize in and am always on the lookout for cars and trucks that were cherished by their previous owners.  I have an experienced eye for quality but I’ve discovered that my preferred buyer can instantly discern such a vehicle and I have therefore, built my business and reputation around finding these kinds of cars for this type of customer.  Super low miles and/or gentle ownership are strict requirements but a car must do something for me on a personal level if there is any hope of convincing you, the bidder, that this is an above average, exceptional vehicle.  If nothing about the car excites me, it probably won’t do much for you either and I would soon be out of business.

With just four employees and no sales people, I realize how unusual a “dealership” like mine may at first glance appear.  It has taken great care and effort to create such an organization and often, an unusually high investment in a particular car we are about to list.  To sell the best it is critical to have a trusted expert in my corner and Chris, owner of A-Best Auto Repair in Henderson, Nevada has my back.  He and his crew can fix anything; from a low budget beater to the absolute most expensive exotic you can name, no job is too big and no small detail unimportant.  They do an exhaustive 130 point inspection on each and every vehicle and nothing escapes their methodical investigation.  Experience has shown that everything I spend making a car truly “right” will come back to me not only with a higher selling price, but a happy customer that says good things about me.  Moreover; it allows my writer to describe the car with ease and confidence, something that simply is not possible unless he thinks it is true.  If major issues are found or the cost of fixing the car the way it should be makes it too expensive to sell, my choice is an easy one.  I simply absorb a few hundred dollars loss for my trouble and sell it at auction.

After the vehicle is fully sorted it arrives at our facility where it encounters the suspicious eye of Tom, my writer that creates the presentations you see on eBay.  He believes absolutely nothing I or anyone else tells him about the car as he combs over every inch, researches its history and documents originality and authenticity.  Historical significance, rarity, special features, possible modifications and much more are used to accurately describe the vehicle with integrity and honesty.  Most important for the potential buyer are the 100 to 150 high resolution pictures that I take myself.  The pricey equipment I use would be right at home in the hands of the very best professional photographers and I’ve developed a logical format that walks you around the entire vehicle with close-up shots of every square inch.  I provide detailed views of the interior, under the hood and then put it on a lift to show the undercarriage and confirm that the beauty of the car you are considering is not merely skin deep.  Even our detailers are enthusiastic about the cars they so meticulously clean.  This reconditioning can sometimes take several days and I’ve converted a paint booth, especially prepared for the professional clay bar and polishing each car lovingly receives.

Usually, I’ll also include a high definition video that shows the car doing its thing.  If it’s a fast car, we film it going fast.  If it’s a 4x4 you’ll see it crawling up a hill.  In every case you will hear things like a rumbling exhaust, working sound system and watch the temperature fall on a digital, laser thermometer pointed at an air conditioning vent.  How many “dealers” will video a Lotus Esprit doing a buck-eighty?  We do.

No “dealer,” on-line or in the real world, takes it to this level.  No other seller or organization provides you, the buyer, with so much information.  I do this because it is the only way I can convince a person; often a world away, unable to touch or feel their purchase, that my vehicle is for real and what I say is the truth.  All the above is necessary for me to stay in business while keeping integrity intact.  I want every buyer to be happy and I need glowing feedback on eBay.  To accomplish that I need satisfied customers that are as thrilled with their purchase as I was when I bought it.

If you have any questions at all, please call me on my cell at: 702-353-7500.  If your inquiry is sincere and your offer  serious, you’ll find me the most accommodating business partner you’ve ever dealt with.  If you call or e-mail asking for my reserve or “what is my bottom line” I will be looking for ways to politely end the conversation.  Until you are ready to actually pull the trigger, I will happily quote you the absolute highest nationally advertised suggested retail price I can find – a number we both know will not buy the car so, don’t waste your time, or mine.  I am after all, a “used car dealer.”

Serious buyers know the maximum they can offer.  I then must simply decide if I can sell for that number.

If you hit the reserve, the decision is no longer mine.  I must sell at that number.

OFFERS GET MY ATTENTION: 702-353-7500 or Doug@vivalasvegasautos.com

If you want to make a deal,

pick up the phone and talk a serious offer.

702-353-7500

I don't respond to emails asking for "bottom line, sale price, reserve, or Buy-it-Now" figures on top line cars.

THE ONLY WAY YOU GET THOSE FIGURES IS TO CALL ME!

The book values posted below are relevant to "real" selling figures.

NADA & KBB wouldn't be in business if they posted nonsense. But they only account for averages around the nation. If this car is less than or better than average, bid or offer accordingly.

Please ask about our service programs and pricing.

 

Cars sold without warranties are sold As-Is.

 

Waiver's of Warranty will be signed if declined.

 

All automobiles have breakdowns; some minor, some serious.  Believe me, I know.  I fix them without the advantage of a warranty but you don't have to.  Seriously consider a safety net for the unknown.

 

Most vehicles are already pre-qualified for the warranties with AULcorp.com

 

Terms of Sale
 

This vehicle is safely stored in our beautiful climate controlled showroom in Boulder City, Nevada.  We are just 25 minutes from Las Vegas International Airport (McCarran) and welcome the opportunity to meet the winning bidder there and drive them to our facility for vehicle delivery.  We have years of experience with vehicle shipping, nationwide and across the globe.  We stand ready to help with whatever arrangements are necessary at the buyers request and expense.  This vehicle will not be delivered or released for shipment until complete payment is received and all funds have cleared.

Third party, pre-purchase vehicle inspections are welcome BEFORE the auction ends.  We are happy to answer questions about this vehicle and resolve any concerns you may have BEFORE YOU BID and BEFORE THE AUCTION ENDS . . . THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS.  If you are in the Las Vegas area, we invite you to stop by for a demonstration.

A $1000 non-refundable partial payment must be received 24 hours from the end of this auction .  We prefer VISA but will accept PayPal if necessary.

Full payment must be received within four (4) business days of the end of auction.  Cashiers-check, direct deposit or cash in person are acceptable but BANK to BANK WIRE TRANSFER IS PREFERRED for US winners and required for all winning bidders outside the United States.  Loan checks can be accepted only after prior approval from the owner, Doug Williams.  M/Os will NEVER be accepted.  CHECKS in ANY FORM MUST BE CLEARED as CASHABLE FUNDS before delivery of any item.

Free and clear title is in seller's possession and will be transferred upon payment in full.

Important:   Winning bidders on-line enter a legal and binding contract to purchase the vehicle presented here.  Bidders that win the auction and then do not pay, will be aggressively pursued.  Non-paying bidders will be prosecuted.  If you do not intend to purchase this vehicle, DO NOT BID.

We will happily do whatever is required to assist a legitimate bidder that intends to purchase the vehicle with their transaction.

This vehicle sold AS-IS, with no warranty.  This is not a new vehicle, it is used.  A used vehicle will have normal wear and tear congruent to its age and/or mileage.  This vehicle may have dings, scratches or other indications of use because it has been used.  Terms such as "perfection," "flawless" or "mint" may not be subjective but all other descriptions are.

When you bid, you understand and agree to these terms.

Please call Doug @ 702-353-7500 with ANY questions. Email: Doug@VivaLasVegasAutos.com

Sales tax, Smog and title fees may be applicable to Nevada residents.

A Document Fee of $200.00 will be added to the closing auction price.

An Optional 15 Day Drive Away Permit is available for $8.25. 

New eBay bidders with (0) feedback or international bidders

please make contact by email or phone at least 2 hours before bidding.

We reserve the right to cancel bids if necessary  to protect our clients.

Research for this ad was done with all due diligence toward an accurate presentation of the facts.  All information herein represents our sincere effort to be correct.  If we have made any errors or provided information later found to be inaccurate, we will correct these mistakes and resolve any issues that occur as a result, as far as it is within our ability to do.  Descriptive words like "perfect" or "flawless" are subjective opinions because nothing is perfect; flaws are inevitable.  If you question what you see, feel free to inspect our vehicles in person or by a professional inspection service strictly prior to the close of the auction.  Post auction inspections are unacceptable and we reserve the right to sell to the follow up bidder immediately.

 

 

 
 
Viva! Las Vegas Autos, Inc.
707 Yucca St.
Boulder City, Nevada 89005
Office Line - 702-889-Viva (8482)
Fax Line - 702-889-8486
Dlr # 26850
 
Doug Williams
Owner
 
Direct Line -  702-353-7500
 
 
 

Win Victoriously, Your Way!

Find Out How to Make Your Deal Immediately!

We Can and Will Find a Way to Make it Happen for You on eBay.

Beat all the last minute bidders to the punch!

Save Time & Last Minute Disappointment

Keeping the Deal on eBay & Keeping it Safe!

 Don't worry eBay!

We'll make sure the auction completes & does not happen off of eBay!

We wouldn't want eBay to think we're trying to circumvent their fees!

Keeping our clients safe and getting positive feedback is critical to us!

Almost as critical as EBay's enforcement of their circumventing fees policy.  

 
 
 

A Note for Potential Victims

 

 Please let us know if you see our vehicles under listings of obvious question or if you receive a "Second Chance Offer" with any e-mail other than ours.  You can easily recognize the crooks with the stupid low "Buy it Now" price and the direct e-mails off the eBay system.  They'll never disclose a telephone number or address either.  If they won't talk to you, return a call or can't send you a copy of a title to the vehicle . . . DON'T SEND THEM MONEY or fall for their sneaky e-mails and redirects attempting to get your seller ID and password.

 

* Be Careful! *

 

Be sure to ask about our Available Warranties

&

Review our Programs and Pricing on the Links below.

 

 

 

Some Vehicles May Qualify for the Premier Warranties of AUL.

 

 

 

 

Auto Services in Nevada

Vince`s Automotive ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Auto Transmission, Automobile Diagnostic Service
Address: Bunkerville
Phone: (702) 482-7932

Used Cars For Sale ★★★★★

Used Car Dealers
Address: 5030 Paradise Rd A-118, Nellis-Afb
Phone: (702) 588-8899

Toyota Auto Repair ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service
Address: 3180 Mill St, Spanish-Springs
Phone: (775) 355-0717

The Body Shop of Reno Sparks Collision Repair Specialists ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Automobile Body Repairing & Painting, Automobile Parts & Supplies
Address: 1500 Marietta Way, Mccarran
Phone: (775) 358-1777

Team Acme Inc. ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Window Tinting, Glass-Auto, Plate, Window, Etc
Address: 150 N Gibson Rd Suite D, N-Las-Vegas
Phone: (702) 566-8326

Superior Tire ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Automobile Parts & Supplies, Tire Dealers
Address: 1990 Highway 95, Laughlin
Phone: (928) 763-5995

Auto blog

BMW restores classic Mini as it revives production in Netherlands

Wed, 13 Nov 2013

Mini will be kicking off production in the Netherlands, a country that hasn't built a Mini-badged machine since 1966. In honor of this event, BMW Group Classic, the team responsible for all the cars in the BMW Museum, as well as being a spare parts and restoration company in its own right, revived a classic 1959 Austin Seven. That particular car, number 983, was one of the first Minis to be built in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands' JJ Molenaar's Car Companies built 4,000 Austin Sevens and Morris Mini-Minors between 1959 and 1966, although we imagine Dutch Mini production will be much bigger when it starts up again in summer 2014. A five-person team from VDL Nedcar, the group handling production of new Minis, took to the job of restoring the diminutive British car from nose to tail.
The 34-horsepower engine and the transmission were both completely rebuilt, while the door panels were redone by hand. Help from the Mini community aided the VDL Nedcar team in finding authentic replicas or original parts where possible. All told, the new classic Mini is a striking example of what a good restoration can do to a car. The Seven was repainted in its original Farina Gray, adding to the car's sense of authenticity.

Mini Cooper five-door exists and has been spotted

Fri, 09 Nov 2012

The two-door Mini Cooper is getting two additional portals in its next generation. A coming five-door Cooper S with central exhaust has been spotted out testing, the idea presumably being that it will pose a better challenge to other small, premium hatches in the segment like the A1 Sportback from Audi. Based on the same UKL platform that will support the production version of the BMW Concept Active Tourer, the wheelbase has been lengthened to make more room for rear passengers.
It should be revealed on the auto show circuit at some point next year, getting buyers ready for its production in 2014. We'll find out then if it gets a special name and how it fits in with - or perhaps replaces - the Clubman.

2016 April Fools' Day: Morgan digs at Tesla, Mini's scissor doors, more

Fri, Apr 1 2016

Every year automakers go out of their way to come up with gags for April Fools' Day. Sometimes the jokes fall flat, but occasionally a company really nails it with an idea that we'd actually love to see. Rather than scouring the Web for all of these stunts, you can find some of our favorites right here. Morgan MOGrod The Morgan Motor Company's MOGrod is one of our favorite April Fools' jokes so far this year because it's a car we wish could be real. The company says on Twitter that the retro hot rod uses a 3.7-liter Ford V6, and there are already 250,000 preorders, which is a play on the huge number of reservations for the Tesla Model 3. Morgan took the joke even further by sketching a landspeed record version for the Bonneville Salt Flats. Mini Scissor Doors The people at Mini apparently have a lot of free time because the company has two gags this year. The first is the scissor door option. The idea cleverly plays on the myriad ways customers can customize their Mini, but this solution doesn't look like anyone could easily enter the car due to the way these doors open. Mini Hipster Hatch There's also the Hipster Mini, which is a much funnier idea. This fictional hatchback would be perfect for fashionable Millennials thanks to features like Instagram-filter windows and a fixed-gear drivetrain, which limits the top speed to 25 miles per hour. The interior uses stonewash denim upholstery and packs a twin-deck cassette player. Skoda Dog Umbrella People love dogs, and owners know that a wet canine can be a mess. Skoda is ready to tackle this problem with an umbrella for your mutt. Made from unobtainium, the gadget hides in the door when not in use, but when raindrops start falling, people can keep their pup dry. Skoda Snowman Skoda's Facebook page also teases us with a very cool vehicle. The Snowman is a 396-horsepower plug-in hybrid snow machine. With its tracks, the company's newest model would never have to worry about getting stuck in the winter. Opel Adam C Sure, electricity and hydrogen are cleaner forms of fuel than gasoline or diesel, but Opel has a way to make your car even more environmentally friendly – muscle power. Wind up the crank at the rear for 15 minutes, and the Opel Adam C is good for 125 miles. GM's European division also claims that owners get a great workout because a full winding session burns 400 calories. You wouldn't feel guilty about picking up that pizza after cranking up this hatchback.