Mini - all models -

Porter Lindsay

Published by Foulis Haynes, hardcover with dustjacket, illustrated.

Guide to purchase & D.I.Y. restoration

HISTORY * BUYING * SPECIFICATION * BODYWORK * MECHANICS INTERIOR * ELECTRICS * MODIFICATIONS

With the aid of nearly 800 illustrations and a text aimed at the Do-lt-Yourselfer, this book tells you:
* How to renovate bodywork — including the renewal of major panels and repainting.
* How to renovate interiors — including fitting new carpets and headlining.
* How to give new life to mechanical and electrical components — including engine overhaul and suspension subframe renewal.
* How to modify your car for improved performance and appearance — including engine swaps and wider wheels.
* What to look for when buying a Mini and the pitfalls to avoid.
This book was compiled with the assistance of the Mini Spares Centre Ltd, London, England.


In 1984 the Mini celebrated its 25th birthday — and was still selling strongly. In fact since 1959, around 5 million — Yes! FIVE MILLION — Minis have left BMC's and latterly BL's production lines, and every single one of them has retained the cheeky and loveable character of the original.

Enthusiastic owners of Minis, particularly older models, will need to restore, or at least partly restore, their cars if they are to be kept roadworthy in future years. Unfortunately, professional restoration is an extremely expensive business, particularly when the value of the finished car is unlikely to equal the cost of restoration. However, the solution is simple — you can do it yourself with the help of this book!

Author, Lindsay Porter, first gives the reader a basic history of the Mini and then tells the prospective buyer how to find a good example. Next come several sections dealing with the nitty-gritty of restoration, quite literally from the wheels upwards. Particular attention is given to bodywork repairs, the information supplied being sufficient to create a 'good as new' car from a basket case.

Similar attention is paid to interior renovation and repair, whilst there are also sections on mechanical components, electrics and tuning/modification. The text is supported by nearly 800 illustrations, mostly of practical restoration.

If you own a Mini, or are thinking of buying one, you really cannot afford to be without this book ...