Mini Sports Sedans - Where are they Now [Archive]

lisian_1275

03-10-2012, 04:20 AM

Hi Guys
So I thought I would start a thread close to my heart. Mini Sports Sedans. Chasing the where abouts of the People, Cars or Both if I got that lucky
For me would be primarily in Australia, but I will never knock back any from Anywhere.
The ones I remember from growing up and being involved would be -
Ross Whittig
Paul Gulson
Darryl Gretrix/ John Kinealy ( KG Eng car )
Peter Farr
Neil Mason
Alan Braszell. Vic.
Jane Taylor
Steve Jagger
Ex Barry Jones Car
Dean Gall
I'm sure there are alot more that will spring to mind as this all goes along hopefully.
I hope to be able to get in contact with some if possible, just to have a talk and add photos, info, etc to my collection.

Thanks

Ian

Steve Holmes

03-10-2012, 10:03 PM

Yeah, awesome idea! Although not officially classified as a Sports Sedan, Don Holland raced this Mini in Sports Racing Closed, the precursor to Sports Sedans.

6552

6553

lisian_1275

03-10-2012, 10:18 PM

Hi Steve
That would be correct, this is the car that Fred Sayers now owns and I think is still racing over there in the NZ Southern Festival of Speed at the moment.

Ian

TonyG

03-10-2012, 11:11 PM

I saw this one although again not a Sports Sedan, running with the Group C's at the Lakeside 50th bash last year. Has the name Battersby on it and was immaculate. I assumed it must have some early Touring Car significance from the early days.
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/TGPhotography/50th%20Anniversary%20of%20Touring%20Cars%20-%20Lakeside%20Gp%20C/LS512-4.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/TGPhotography/50th%20Anniversary%20of%20Touring%20Cars%20-%20Lakeside%20Gp%20C/LS240-4.jpg

lisian_1275

03-10-2012, 11:48 PM

Hi Tony,
Thats John Battersby's Group C Car, a local mate to where I am. He also has an Nb Mini that his son now runs, now that John has the Group C car to play in.
Great photos by the way, anymore Mini's?

Thanks

Ian

TonyG

03-11-2012, 01:30 AM

Just some of the Group N's. Thought I took more of the Mini's at Lakeside especially the Gp C car but I was wrong.
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/TGPhotography/50th%20Anniversary%20of%20Touring%20Cars%20-%20Group%20N/LS025-4.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/TGPhotography/50th%20Anniversary%20of%20Touring%20Cars%20-%20Group%20N/LS026-4.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/TGPhotography/50th%20Anniversary%20of%20Touring%20Cars%20-%20Group%20N/LS033-4.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/TGPhotography/50th%20Anniversary%20of%20Touring%20Cars%20-%20Group%20N/LS310-4.jpg

TonyG

03-11-2012, 01:31 AM

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/TGPhotography/50th%20Anniversary%20of%20Touring%20Cars%20-%20Group%20N/LS039-4.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/TGPhotography/50th%20Anniversary%20of%20Touring%20Cars%20-%20Group%20N/LS042-4.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/TGPhotography/50th%20Anniversary%20of%20Touring%20Cars%20-%20Group%20N/LS045-4.jpg

lisian_1275

03-11-2012, 02:57 AM

Hi Tony
Car No 270 is John's Nb Mini with his son driving.
How long have you been taking photos?
You haven't got any from the 70's and 80's of Mini Sports Sedans have you?

Thanks

Ian

TonyG

03-11-2012, 08:20 AM

Hi Ian
Started taking photos 40 years ago in NZ but gave it away 20 years ago when I got married and moved over here. Just started again a couple of years ago when I bought a digital.
Sorry thats all I have mini wise.
Cheers
Tony

Rookie

03-12-2012, 01:08 AM

Hi Ian,

And I though I was the only one interested in the history of the Supermini's and Mini Sports sedans. I don't have a lot, but happy to share what I've collected.

I believe the Gulson car still exists. It was run by the Hume Brothers for a number of years. They were unable to sell the car as a whole, so the 13B rotary and Hewland transaxle were sold off separately. I tried to buy the rolling shell a number of years ago, but the price was out of my league. I need to follow this up.

I think the KG car was destroyed at Amaroo. Henry Draper would know what happened to the remains. I've actually though about making a replica of this car.
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/hot065/Supermini22.jpg
Photo by C.Cracknell

Another Victorian Andrew Nicole's car I am lead to believe was destroyed in the Kinglake fires
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/hot065/AndrewNicole.jpg

Here's another
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/hot065/ErolPlatt.jpg
This car was parted out by friends of mine. I've ended up with the adjustable front end. Who knows what happened to the shell & logbook.

Toby Tylers car is still in good condition. Photo taken at a mini show two years ago
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/hot065/Mini50050.jpg

Steve

Rookie

03-12-2012, 01:11 AM

Here's some photos I took at Minifest 91

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/hot065/Minifest6.jpg
Steve Evans

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/hot065/Minifest3.jpg
Bill Stevenson

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/hot065/Minifest1.jpg
Unknown

Here's some more
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/hot065/Supermini7.jpg
Photo by C.Cracknell. Date & location unknown

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/hot065/molloy02b.jpg
Photo by R.Cook Date & location unknown

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/hot065/molloy01b_edited-1.jpg
Photo by R.Cook Date & location unknown

Steve Holmes

03-12-2012, 03:05 AM

This thread is fantastic! Thanks heaps for posting your pics guys.

minihaha

03-12-2012, 10:13 AM

Hi, I was wondering if the large flares that these cars use are still made and available ex Aussie??

We have an ex aus super mini that races in classics here that has them on. They look fantastic!

lisian_1275

03-12-2012, 10:43 AM

Hi Rookie
Maybe there are only 2 of us that care ;).
Great pics you have, I believe you have the ex Ray Molloy Car? Great resto you have done from what I have seen on another forum, its a credit to you.
I hope you may be able to get up to Wakefield Park to have a run, with a bit of luck my car may be ready at the same time.
I didn't realise the KG car was destroyed. I have copy of about 5 -6 races from 1981 at Amaroo Park that I play over and over.

Thanks

Ian

lisian_1275

03-12-2012, 10:52 AM

Hi Minihaha
I think there are probably a few guys here that have moulds for the flares you are after.
Shouldn't be a problem to organise some when you need them.
Thanks

Ian

minihaha

03-12-2012, 10:58 AM

I care! I have been keeping an eye out for info on the Aussie superminis since there was an article in Fast fours and Rotaries in about 1992/3 ( when they were worth reading! ). More recently we've been getting your Mini mag that has articles on them. They are all very cool minis with all sorts of mods we didn't see much of over here. Please share links to good sites that have more info and pics.
I am looking to start building another racecar using superminis as inspiration. Please fuel the motivation!!! :0)

minihaha

03-12-2012, 10:59 AM

Awsome, thanks Ian.:D

minihaha

03-12-2012, 11:06 AM

That Andrew Nicole Mini clubman looks LHD but the wiper is on the RHS???

Rookie

03-14-2012, 03:07 AM

The Late Peter Stoddart

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/hot065/PeterStoddart02.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/hot065/PeterStoddart01.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/hot065/Wint99_MiniStoddart.jpg

Rookie

03-14-2012, 06:23 AM

Would this be Bill Thompson??

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/hot065/minioff.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/hot065/minirace.jpg

Rookie

03-14-2012, 06:34 AM

And yes Ian, I do have the Ray Molloy car. I bought it in 89.

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/hot065/Page0003.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/hot065/Molloy_1.jpg
Photo by Neil Hammond

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/hot065/Rookie2.jpg
My first drive of the car at Phillip Island. Having a bit of fun with Max Sherry

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/hot065/Rookie3.jpg
Calder Park with me at the wheel

Rookie

03-14-2012, 09:36 AM

Hi, I was wondering if the large flares that these cars use are still made and available ex Aussie??

Hi Minihaha

The Fiberglass flares are available from

Fred Sayers on 07 33592623. QLD

or

Simon Young
BRITISH SPORTING CARS
FACTORY 6, 51 COLLINS STREET
KANGAROO FLAT 3555 VIC
03 5447 1040

There will be others who can supply as well

Regards Steve

timbo61

03-16-2012, 12:21 AM

A few Mini's from the Super Mini series held a fair few years ago now. these are from Oran Park.

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/5281/scn0081.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/405/scn0081.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/9566/scn0082.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/528/scn0082.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/7509/scn0083.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/31/scn0083.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/5592/scn0093.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/641/scn0093.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/4170/scn0084.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/220/scn0084.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

And sometimes the cars in the spectator car park are just as interesting.

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/1848/scn0086.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/12/scn0086.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

lisian_1275

03-16-2012, 05:53 AM

Hi Steve
Your first run at Calder would have been fun, looks like the car behaves itself and sits nicely.

Hi Timbo,
Thanks for sharing, these would have been around the early 90's , would that be correct?
A couple of the cars I know, Steve Sharp, Santino DiCarlo, but the others I don't know by looking at them.
Would you know who belongs to the other cars?

Thanks Guys

Ian

minihaha

03-16-2012, 08:49 AM

Loving the White Austin Rover Clubman #15 and the red Bob Jane Clubman #98. They just look so right to me.

Great photos, Thanks! :D

Adam68

03-18-2012, 05:45 AM

Hi
My father and I just finished building his old mini sports sedan and will be rebuilding the Dean Gall car next. Both will be group u cars.

Steve Holmes

03-18-2012, 06:07 AM

Adam, do you have any pics? Would love to see this.

Steve Holmes

03-18-2012, 06:07 AM

Steve Holmes

03-18-2012, 06:09 AM

The Ray Molloy machine appears in this 1976 Sports Sedan footage from Sandown:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=e77wOVQqRXY

Steve Holmes

03-18-2012, 06:11 AM

Part 2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=NnA0WJCKebE

lisian_1275

03-18-2012, 06:13 AM

Hi Adam,
I second Steve's motion :D

Thanks

Ian

Rookie

03-20-2012, 10:27 AM

The Ray Molloy machine appears in this 1976 Sports Sedan footage from Sandown:

Thanks Steve. I think I've watched that clip now about 100 times since it was originally posted. What a ripper.:)

Timbo, thanks for sharing as well.
I have a program from Oran Park dated 1990 so the cars may be
84 Max Squires
10 Peter Crocker
111 Tim Buggy
73 Stephen Sharp
98 P Herrmann

Adam68. Who are you? Your fathers not Fred by any chance?

Here's a copy of some clippings that I've kept over the years.

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/hot065/JAN1982.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/hot065/JAN1979.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/hot065/Page0001-3.jpg

Steve

lisian_1275

03-22-2012, 09:21 AM

Good info with having the race programmes Steve. Peter Crockers car is now all red. That pic of Henry Draper, was that the KG car of Darryl Gretrix?

Rookie

03-22-2012, 10:26 AM

That pic of Henry Draper, was that the KG car of Darryl Gretrix?

My understanding is that it is the KG car. And here's a photo of Darryl. Where can we get those tee-shirts from Ian?

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/hot065/GridGirls.jpg

And in keeping with the thread topic, here's a car I would like to fine. Lindsay Sieblers Lotus powered mini. I heard a rumour that it is in a shed somewhere in Melb.

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/hot065/Lindsay.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/hot065/siebler01.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/hot065/siebler02-1.jpg

lisian_1275

03-22-2012, 11:03 AM

Now that would be a good find. So I guess Lindsay doesn't have any clues?
Those T Shirts are cool. I will have to have a look to see if I can find my old East Coast Mini Callenge jumper.
Maybe we might have to look at having these made? :cool:

Rookie

03-23-2012, 12:28 AM

Here they are selling the East Coast challenge jumpers ot the back of a truck

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/hot065/EastcoastChallenge.jpg

Steve Holmes

03-23-2012, 12:39 AM

Cool pics Rookie. That Lotus Mini is mad! I love it.

lisian_1275

03-23-2012, 11:11 PM

Yep, thats where I got mine from. Out the back of a truck at Oran Park.
A shame they don't have a Mini Series at Winton, could combine with the MRA here and have our own East Coast Challenge again.

lisian_1275

03-28-2012, 08:31 AM

Thats a bugger those pics have gone Timbo, I was really enjoying those.
I've got some from old Auto Actions, just B/W is all unfortunately.
Will put them up soon.

Thanks

Ian

TonyG

04-02-2012, 09:30 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hq743jZ6L0Y&feature=g-vrec&context=G2a172ffRVAAAAAAAACA

lisian_1275

04-02-2012, 10:06 AM

Now thats GREAT Mini Racing. Talk about on the limit.
We need these guys over here, once a year with our guys at Bathurst and a full grid.
I bet it would make great viewing for a support race ( 20 laps ) to the V8's.

minihaha

04-02-2012, 10:21 AM

Another thread I found tonight. The mini racing australia link doesn't seem to work for me though.

www.ten-tenths.com/forum/showthread.php?t=90282

minihaha

04-02-2012, 10:31 AM

Also.....

www.mypage.tsn.cc/shadowdragons/mra/

Rookie

04-02-2012, 10:38 AM

I think they changed their name from mini racing australia to motor racing australia.

New web site is here http://www.motorracingaustralia.com.au/

Old web site here http://www.mypage.tsn.cc/shadowdragons/mra/

The supermini association made two submissions to run a field at the Australian GP, one in the early eighties, and one in the late eighties. Both submissions were unsuccessful. I think the category was considered too old and the cars too rough. Would have made good racing though.

lisian_1275

04-07-2012, 09:00 PM

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/lisian/img042.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/lisian/img027.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/lisian/img030.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/lisian/img025.jpg

lisian_1275

04-07-2012, 09:06 PM

Some more

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/lisian/img028.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/lisian/img026.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/lisian/img029.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/lisian/img031.jpg

lisian_1275

04-08-2012, 09:50 PM

I took these around early to mid 90's Oran Park

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/lisian/img041.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/lisian/img040.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/lisian/img039.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/lisian/img038.jpg

lisian_1275

04-09-2012, 12:23 PM

And a few more.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/lisian/img037.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/lisian/img036.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/lisian/img035.jpg

Steve Holmes

04-09-2012, 09:21 PM

Wow, these are REALLY cool!

lisian_1275

04-10-2012, 08:04 AM

timbo61

04-14-2012, 07:29 AM

I managed to wipe a few photo's from my Imageshack file, so I'll try again.

http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/6563/scn0022c.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/844/scn0022c.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/4475/scn0023a.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/189/scn0023a.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/855/scn0024.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/41/scn0024.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/8969/scn0025.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/580/scn0025.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/3346/scn0029o.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/705/scn0029o.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/5143/scn0028a.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/15/scn0028a.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

lisian_1275

04-15-2012, 11:55 AM

Great pics, so yours seem to be around the early to mid 90's. Do you have any pics from earlier on, say during 80's up till the 90's?

Thanks

Ian

Steve Holmes

04-16-2012, 03:13 AM

Man I'm just loving these! Car #48 in post #51 is fantastic! Anyone know what became of this car?

Rookie

04-16-2012, 09:44 AM

Man I'm just loving these! Car #48 in post #51 is fantastic! Anyone know what became of this car?

I believe Car #48 could be Sue Ransome. I notice it has a Northern Mini parts sticker on the front guard, so maybe a Victorian car. I'II make a few enquiries to see if I can find out what happened to it.

Thanks Ian & Timbo for posting. Really enjoying this thread. Where have all the cars gone in the photos????

lisian_1275

04-16-2012, 10:22 AM

Hopefully Steve we might be able to find some of these cars down the track.
I do know where the John Wakefield car is post #47 third pic down ( It's in my garage ) and also the where abouts of the Saintino Di Carlo car post #47 car 55.

Thanks

Ian

AMCO72

04-17-2012, 01:18 AM

Steve Holmes

04-17-2012, 01:35 AM

Rookie, Lisian, thanks for that info. Lisian, how about some pics of the car as it currently is?

markec

04-17-2012, 05:04 AM

http://thethrottle.thechive.com/2011/11/08/classic-minis-in-action-18-photos/

Rookie

04-17-2012, 08:46 AM

Another off topic

Its exactly thirty five years to this day that Len McDonough lost his life at Sandown.
I found this article today while researching the Peter Manton memorial race

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/hot065/18-04-1977.jpg

Rookie

04-17-2012, 09:19 AM

lisian......as a Mini driver myself, I would be interested to know the specifications of these cars, engine-wise....heads, carburetors, gearboxes, etc, and the sort of HP they are putting out. Thanks...G.F.

Hi AMC072

I can only speak for the Victorian Supermini Regulations, but I assume that the other states were the same.

Basically there were 4 divisions, based on a standard mini shell.

Division 1, as most of these photo show, are based on CAMS sports sedan regs at the time. A mini based engine & gearbox had to be used, but internals were free. Normally aspirated or forced induction, even eight port heads could be used (thus the bonnet bulges on some of these cars). The vehicle has to be front wheel driven. We were allowed to run 13” diameter fronts and 10” diameter rears. Stripped out interiors, including most of the factory metal work.

Division 2.
Front & rear parcel shelves and rear firewall had to remain. Suspension had to be Hydro or Rubber cone suspension, as per the manufacturer. Lower arms could be adjustable and rose jointed. Engines had to be naturally aspirated and no more than 1390cc. You were able to run Perspex windows, and all hang on panels, including the front guards, could be alternative material ie fibreglass. Max rim width was 8”.

Division 3
Steel body with all steel panels. Modifications were allowed to run a single carby, ie Weber. Standard glass retained. Naturally aspirated and no more than 1390cc. Car had to retain all interior. Max 6” wide rims. Appendix J cars competed under this category.

Division 4
The same as Division 3 except no LSD or welded diffs, or racing tyres were permitted. Cars had to comply with CAMS category Group 2E Club Cars

lisian_1275

04-17-2012, 10:47 AM

Hi AMCO72,
Engine wise in Sports Sedans they could have been anything from 1293 - almost 1600cc, standard modified internals to the most extravagent available at the time. In iron headed form to 8 Port Crossflow as Steve said above. 3 or 4 syncro SCCR gearsets although some now are running dog boxes, and preference would be a LSD.
HP will obviously vary from I guess 100 - 170ish depending on who you talk to, whose dyno etc etc. at the engine.
But saying that, Torque is I think very important in a Mini engine, unless of course you like to wring its neck.
Now I believe a little birdy I was talking to recently was telling me about a Crossflow engine with 120lbft of torque as this engine may belong to yourself? The figures I was told I think would make this a dynamite car to drive, very tractable and fast.
Probably rambling a bit.

Thanks

Ian

AMCO72

04-17-2012, 07:35 PM

Ian, I cant imagine who this 'little birdy' was that you were talking to, but he seems to have got the figures right. From the 1360cc, horse-power at the flywheel was 153+, but what was more impressive was the 120ft/lbs of torque. We didn't really know how this whole thing would turn out, but were very pleasantly pleased at the outcome. As you say torque is all important in a race Mini, well any race-car for that matter, as it is all very well having something that works at high revs, but this thing really does pull like the proverbial train. We have a few issues to be sorted out, as I mentioned in another thread, but nothing thats insurmountable. Unlike the Mini Sports sedans, we have to contain all the mechanicals within the standard Mini Cooper body and bonnet......no bulges anywhere!! As for the driving, well yes, it can certainly more than 'pull the skin off a rice pudding', and for hopeless drivers like me, makes good lap times achievable. All credit for the build however must go to Angus, as I am just the occasional unpaid driver!

lisian_1275

04-19-2012, 09:26 AM

AMCO72,
I was wondering if your Crossflow head was one of the original Arden heads or is it the new casting that has just been released?

Thanks

Ian

AMCO72

04-19-2012, 07:27 PM

lisian......the cross-flow head on the car is the ORIGINAL Arden head that was on the car in 1972. After a lot of Sherlock Holmes type investigating Angus managed to trace the head AND the carburetors and buy them. The head was in very poor condition, and he and Lyn Rogers have spend hours & hours getting it back to usable condition again. We are of course also dealing with OLD aluminium here, which makes the job a whole lot harder...pun...because old aluminium tends to go soft. These original Arden heads had a few issues in their day especially in the water passages, with some fairly uneven cooling. I dont know exactly what the boys have done, but Angus says that the completed job cost as much as 2 brand-new heads for the racing Falcon!!!!! Work that out. The dellorto carburetors were in reasonable condition. They had been sitting since being removed in 1972 and just needed a refresh with new gaskets etc. The super sprint cam is also an original item. When the car finished the 1972 season Collingwood sold it to Warren Reid and he re engined it as a 1293 and went to the NZ Shell-Sport series. Among the guest drivers he employed was Rex Hart from NZ and Lacis Manticus from Australia.......now a land agent in Sydney [I think] So after our first outing at the BMW festival we had a few things to sort out.....a new radiator for one as the old Cooper S item wasn't up to all the extra HP, and the rocker-pedistals were biting into the head, so a plate has been made that fits under them all, thus spreading the load more evenly.When these heads were fitted to the 970 S engines in the old days they were pretty reliable, the issues only seem to arise when fitted to the larger capacity motors.

lisian_1275

04-20-2012, 08:31 AM

Wow, now that would have taken some pain staking tracking down. I'm having trouble just finding a second hand one for sale.
Yes it was Lynn Rogers I was talking to, we were talking crossflows when he mentioned the results of ,as it turns out, yours.
I was thinking of buying a 7 Port Crossflow and was told to give Lynn a call as he had done one for Bernie Hines.
Have you got any pics of your car at all that you can share?

Thanks

Ian

AMCO72

04-20-2012, 09:08 AM

Ian.....I have got pictures of the car, but I cant post pictures on here cos I'm useless on a computer. If you like to send me your email address, I will forward some of what I have. If your not happy with that, well I'm sorry you will just have to wonder. I think I'm correct in saying that this engine has given the highest torque and power readings of any Mini engine, using Mini components, ie not twin cam heads etc, on Lynn's dyno. I was there at start-up and both Lynn and Angus had grins from ear to ear!!!!! A 7 port a bit easier to do as you can use your old camshaft. Good luck with your hunt. Angus may have a spare 8 port, or did have. He may have sold it to Barry Philips son who is rebuilding his Fathers old car...Cambridge sponsored. My email.....bentley6@xtra.co.nz
Send me an email to make sure it is working.

lisian_1275

04-25-2012, 08:36 AM

Hi AMCO72, thanks again for the photos and info, I will post a few up when I can.
Great to have a chat with someone like yourself and with similar interests.
So, nobody has found any of the lost drivers and contact numbers or their Mini's?
I have talked with a couple of fellows that I managed to track down, but, to the where abouts of the respective cars, thats still in the MIA basket.

Thanks

Ian

minieleven

06-15-2012, 07:34 AM

And last ones for now until I can dig out more.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/lisian/img034.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/lisian/img033.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/lisian/img032.jpg

Thanks

Ian

Hi guys this is a very interesting thread i now own the car in the first pic the white one it looks like Edward Gavin is driving it in this photo previous owners are William Stevenson, Nigel Hughan, Luc Botton and Edward Gavin. I am trying to find a bit more info and pictures of this mini if anybody has anything? I am currently restoring this mini and want to keep it as original as i can to when it raced in the day.
Thanks Jack

lisian_1275

06-15-2012, 09:53 AM

Hi Jack,
Welcome to the thread. Good to hear that this thread is working.
So how far have you got to go with the car before you get to turn the wheels in anger?
Where abouts are you located if its not a rude question?
I'll have a look to see if I may have more photos of your car, you just never know.

Thanks

Ian

minieleven

06-17-2012, 04:41 AM

Hi Ian
I am from Tasmania but currently up in Wodonga studying so i dont get much time to work on the car. It is nearly ready to go i just have to set the suspension up and get some slicks anybody know where i can get some cheap or second hand 13 inch slicks from? and some 10 inch slicks? haha the car also need some bodywork as well but i am hoping to get the car ready for the baskerville historic meeting in october. it would be great to see some more pics of it in action!

lisian_1275

06-17-2012, 07:43 AM

All sounds goog.
We have a Motorsport Tyre place up here that sells us used 13" Slicks that have pretty good life left in them for $50 ea fitted. As for the 10" ones, unfortunately you are in the same boat as me, have to buy them new, best I can find is around $200 ea.
You should ask around the Motorsport Tyre places down your way if you have them and see what they can do for you.
Hope this helps.

Thanks

Ian

Steve Holmes

06-23-2012, 04:49 AM

Hi guys this is a very interesting thread i now own the car in the first pic the white one it looks like Edward Gavin is driving it in this photo previous owners are William Stevenson, Nigel Hughan, Luc Botton and Edward Gavin. I am trying to find a bit more info and pictures of this mini if anybody has anything? I am currently restoring this mini and want to keep it as original as i can to when it raced in the day.
Thanks Jack

Hi there Jack, what info have you managed to gather so far on your car?

clyde88

08-14-2012, 11:46 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTQWnVyF_xQ&feature=plcp

clyde88

08-14-2012, 12:03 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnyX37yDYTA

lisian_1275

08-15-2012, 11:12 AM

Hi Clyde
Thanks very much for sharing those.
Wow, Holy Shit, Wow. That Was a Big Woops.
Now I will have to give you another call and see what other footage you may have stored away.
Thanks again

Ian

Steve Holmes

08-19-2012, 01:00 AM

Clyde, great stuff! Thanks heaps for posting those.

Greg Mackie

01-02-2013, 10:09 AM

In the under 2 litre section of the 1981 Comalco Sports Sedan Championship series at Amaroo Park, Ross Wittig, Darryl Gretrix, etc. were a bit taken aback at being beaten by a VW Beetle.
http://vimeo.com/50871885

lisian_1275

01-02-2013, 11:14 AM

Hi Greg
Neat looking Beetle, looks like it went like stink and handled well also.
Do you still have the car?

Thanks

Ian

Greg Mackie

01-02-2013, 11:44 AM

Hi Ian,
Sold it to Adrian Corvisy in 1981. He still has it, and won't sell it back to me.

TonyG

01-02-2013, 01:12 PM

A certain VW lurking (From the Mick Riordan Collection)
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/TGPhotography/MR004-3_zps447ee7bd.jpg

Steve Holmes

01-04-2013, 04:09 AM

Is that Brian Potts Torana either the ex-Bob Jane or Bryan Thomson car by any chance?

Greg Mackie

01-05-2013, 09:32 PM

Is that Brian Potts Torana either the ex-Bob Jane or Bryan Thomson car by any chance?
I think it was Potts' own work......with, perhaps, some help from Mike Dyer?

Steve Holmes

01-05-2013, 11:24 PM

Thanks Greg.

xu1nut

01-06-2013, 08:54 PM

dekon

01-07-2013, 08:17 AM

On the subject of race minis l've been wondering if my old shellsport clubman GT is still alive and kicking these days , would love to buy it back . Was sold to a guy in Palmerston North 25 years ago now who's name escapes me and the last time l ever saw the car it was painted white l think . Very light weight body and 2 sets of 13 inch revloutions with it , originally built buy a bloke Silver from Palmerston , then owned by Brian Hartley and then by myself . If anyone knows of this car l'd appreciate a call / text on 027 283 0920 or home 03 215 9493

Hi John, If it is the Hartley car which had the subframe moved up in the chassis etc, then it went to Lance Evans who amongst other things put a rear wing on it and a KAD 16v engine, it was run here like that for several seasons by Lance and was sold to the States some years ago. Might have a photo of it somewhere

xu1nut

01-07-2013, 08:35 AM

Hi John, If it is the Hartley car which had the subframe moved up in the chassis etc, then it went to Lance Evans who amongst other things put a rear wing on it and a KAD 16v engine, it was run here like that for several seasons by Lance and was sold to the States some years ago. Might have a photo of it somewhere

Hi , yes that sounds like it unfortunately . Both subframes had been raised in the bodyshell . What a shame :( , still it was over 25 years ago now since l sold it so l guess the chances were not that good of it still being around . A picture would be much appreciated thankyou !

Cheers John A

mid-year

01-07-2013, 10:15 PM

14811

Bondy

01-07-2013, 11:23 PM

Is that Brian Potts Torana either the ex-Bob Jane or Bryan Thomson car by any chance?

Hi Steve, The Potts car pictured is the ex Judith Durham, Bryan Thomson, Gene Cook, Wayne Myer, then to Potts. After Potts.. to the Lusty's raced by Don Grant for a bit. It was wrecked i think either late 80s early 90s.

Brian Potts did have a 6cyl Torana that Graham Smith later purchased and it was in the same colours. Smithy had a very big crash in it at Oran Park at the 77 ASSC round meeting.

Steve Holmes

01-09-2013, 01:08 AM

Thanks for that Bondy. When you say it was wrecked in the late 80s or early 90s, was it wrecked in an accident, or was it stripped to build another car as so many Sports Sedans were?

Bondy

01-09-2013, 01:24 AM

Thanks for that Bondy. When you say it was wrecked in the late 80s or early 90s, was it wrecked in an accident, or was it stripped to build another car as so many Sports Sedans were?

Steve, it had a big crash i think at lakeside with John Lusty at the wheel iirc.. There is a pic of it on Facebook, i think its in the Vic Flagmarshalling Group..

Steve Holmes

01-09-2013, 01:31 AM

Thanks Bondy. Thats a shame, I always liked tat car.

Bally

02-01-2013, 12:35 PM

Hi Guys
Just found the website and spent hours looking at it. So here goes my first post. The Gulson Mini Sports Sedan was mentioned earlier in the thread. The the Hume Brothers (Humes Pipes) ran it for a while. It did hold the outright record at Ararat's "One Tree Hill" Hillclimb. This would have been when they used to run to the top of the hill. This car was offered to me early 90s. I have a pic of it somewhere along with a list of what you got for your money. $9500 from memory, pocket money now but when you're a young fella it was a big outlay. It was just a roller, engine and gearbox had been sold off. But it did come with a heap of spares. Was in Ballarat but where is it now ???? I'll have a look for the picture.
Regards

lisian_1275

02-02-2013, 04:50 AM

Hi Bally
Great to see another Mini enthusiast.
Is this the Super Snooper Gulson car? That would be great if you could dig up any of the photos.
Hope to hear more from you on this awesome forum.

Thanks

Ian

Bally

02-03-2013, 02:23 AM

15788
Here's the Gulson/Hume car as I looked at it, probably early 90s. Sorry about the photo quality.
Regards Bally.

lisian_1275

02-03-2013, 03:49 AM

Thanks Bally
Wow BIG front splitter, looks to have been a very neat car though when you saw it last.
I have a mission for you now ( should you accept to do it ) :) , to see if you can track it down, or any others for that matter.
Are you still in Vic?

Thanks

Ian

Ellis

02-03-2013, 08:33 AM

14811

I took this photo at Symmons Plains in Mar /Apr 1967.
They are Bob Holdens Lwt Mini and Cooper S
He had raced them both at Longford 2 weeks or so previously.

Steve Holmes

02-03-2013, 09:32 PM

15788
Here's the Gulson/Hume car as I looked at it, probably late 90s. Sorry about the photo quality.
Regards Bally.

Wow, thats a beast! Thanks for posting this.

coatesie

03-03-2013, 02:43 AM

Guys does anyone have any pics of a qld mini that was raced by Phil Swinton. It set many records and is still the fastest mini around lakeside at a 58sec run.
Also thought I would post a pic of my own Grp C mini. While technically not a sports sedan, has been a racer for many years and ran Sports cars closed when it was first made. Car is in its 1980 livery when owned by Ken Nelson. Original owner was Jack Lacey.

http://i891.photobucket.com/albums/ac118/coatesie/7394334312_fce1ba7a2b_o_zps607484ea.jpg

lisian_1275

03-03-2013, 07:20 AM

Hi Coatesie
Hopefully you will get someone on here that may have some photos.
Very nice Gp C car of yours, do you get out in it much?
I assume you are in Qld?, if you ever get down this way it would be great to have you run with us in a MRA event at Wakefield Park.

Thanks

Ian

Steve Holmes

03-05-2013, 12:28 AM

Wow Coatesie, your Mini is stunning! It looks like an early model Mini, when was it first built into a race car?

Re the Phil Swinton Mini, do you have any photos of it you can post?

coatesie

03-30-2013, 02:11 PM

Will ask Phil for any pics he has as a starter. Was pale blue clubman sports sedan with xflow head. Had some thin red stripes down the side and over the flares.

I do get the red one out a fair bit. I live in Brisbane and regularly take it to Lakeside for a punt. I will be at MRA event in June 30th for a run. (will also be there in April to catch up withsome mates and support Chris Adlam as we grew up together) Unfortunately the MRA event doesnt cater well for a car like this. It cant run with the Grp N boys and is not competitive to run with the sports sedans. I figure I will take it out with the sports sedans anyway just so I can have a strap around the track.

It is a very early car. Was believed to have been imported privately and was already a track car. Jack ran the car competitively before Nelsen took it over setting many lap records and winning class championship in 81. The car was used by Brian Brooke for many years in Appendix J and was blisteringly quick doing a 63.8 in the late 90's at Lakeside. Not bad considering this was on the old narrow circuit and in Grp N trim.

Steve Holmes

04-01-2013, 11:10 PM

Why is it the car ran in App J in the '90s but can't now? Is it because you've returned it to Group C spec?

mini33

04-02-2013, 08:38 AM

Why is it the car ran in App J in the '90s but can't now? Is it because you've returned it to Group C spec?

Hi there, just a few photos to add to the thread with more to come soon. Cheers Luke.:)

mini33

04-02-2013, 12:01 PM

Some more.17354173551735617357

Rookie

04-02-2013, 12:17 PM

Thanks for posting Luke. I see a very familiar car there. What year and issue are these out of?

mini33

04-02-2013, 01:30 PM

173581735917360some more great old photos.

Steve Holmes

04-03-2013, 04:35 AM

Awesome photos Luke, thanks heaps for posting.

lisian_1275

04-04-2013, 06:59 AM

Hi Luke,
Thanks very much for posting the photos. Great to see more popping up.
That looks just like my old East Coast Mini Challenge jumper that I can't for the life of me locate.

Thanks

Ian

Steve Holmes

04-04-2013, 10:59 PM

Those sweatshirts must be rare now!

mini33

04-05-2013, 11:11 PM

And a few more old shots. 175851758617587

mini33

04-05-2013, 11:15 PM

17588

lisian_1275

04-06-2013, 12:12 AM

Now that's just teasing having that many jumpers and T Shirts. Hopefully we will be able to start all of this again, if I have my way, with the MRA guys.

Thanks

Ian

coatesie

08-11-2013, 11:54 AM

Why is it the car ran in App J in the '90s but can't now? Is it because you've returned it to Group C spec?

Yes the car is back in Group C trim. It could be re-converted to group N specs but it means changing a lot of things, including engine, wheels and slicks, removing all decals and some are painted on. Not complaining at all, love the car this way and looking forward to driving it at Wakefield next month. Still trying to hunt down some pics of Phil's old car though.
It went on to Tim Tritton who then binned it, and converted it into that orange space framed thing that is now on my105 for sale.

lisian_1275

08-12-2013, 06:14 AM

Hi Coastie,

Would be great to see you out there mixing with the boys.
I hope to be going down for a look and take some photos, so I will come and say hello if I do.

Thanks

Ian

coatesie

08-22-2013, 01:31 AM

Couldn't believe it. Spoke to Phil as I have always known his car to be blue with red detailing but he said he painted it black with flames on it just before he sold it......low and behold there is a pic of it in the black on page 2.

Ron Simmonds

09-03-2013, 01:04 PM

173581735917360some more great old photos.

Great shot at Winton. Frederickson leading, Devlin, Ron Simmonds in the ex Doug Byrne KG Engineering colors,
and Henry Draper, with Keith Spark next .Great Days.

Ron Simmonds

09-03-2013, 01:08 PM

Color photo is at a wet Calder meeting, with Ron Simmonds leading in the KG Engineering colors, with Keith Spark in the blue car with some unknown cars following.

coatesie

09-22-2014, 06:42 AM

Here is one I recently found and will restore to race in the new East Coast Series. Its called the Minisprint and was in a shed since 1974 following a minor accident at Surfers Paradise. The original builder/owner still had the car under tarps in the shed.

http://i891.photobucket.com/albums/ac118/coatesie/Lungren/lungrenracing_zps8464c6b9.jpg (http://s891.photobucket.com/user/coatesie/media/Lungren/lungrenracing_zps8464c6b9.jpg.html)

http://i891.photobucket.com/albums/ac118/coatesie/Lungren/lungrennowfront_zps9627ae8f.jpg (http://s891.photobucket.com/user/coatesie/media/Lungren/lungrennowfront_zps9627ae8f.jpg.html)

http://i891.photobucket.com/albums/ac118/coatesie/Lungren/lungrennowrear_zps03454043.jpg (http://s891.photobucket.com/user/coatesie/media/Lungren/lungrennowrear_zps03454043.jpg.html)

http://i891.photobucket.com/albums/ac118/coatesie/Lungren/lungreninside_zpsa5b00f65.jpg (http://s891.photobucket.com/user/coatesie/media/Lungren/lungreninside_zpsa5b00f65.jpg.html)

http://i891.photobucket.com/albums/ac118/coatesie/Lungren/lungrenbehind_zps320970fb.jpg (http://s891.photobucket.com/user/coatesie/media/Lungren/lungrenbehind_zps320970fb.jpg.html)

http://i891.photobucket.com/albums/ac118/coatesie/Lungren/lungrenfront_zps8668b881.jpg (http://s891.photobucket.com/user/coatesie/media/Lungren/lungrenfront_zps8668b881.jpg.html)

lisian_1275

10-07-2014, 11:17 AM

That's Awesome, can't say I can ever remember seeing or reading about a Mini Sprint being raced here. Great find, I am sure you will do it justice ;)

Thanks

Ian

Bally

02-26-2015, 02:34 PM

coatesie

03-23-2015, 04:59 AM

Hi all,
Good news
The Gulson/Hume Mini sports sedan that I mentioned earlier in the thread still exists.!!!! I spoke to it's current owner the other day. It won't be on the track any time soon. He started sourcing some bits to get it going, and painted it, but then lost interest.
Cheers

Any idea what engine its running? Is it still 12A powered?
Spoke to Paul about it a while ago when I interviewed him for the book. He laughed and said it was a point and shoot race car. Would love to see some pics of the car as it is today. Any chance of getting some photos?
Greg