1978 Classic Convertible Mini Fully Restored

The Legend of 1978 Classic Convertible Mini Rebirth
This 1978 Austin Mini was acquired by the current owner in late 2016 from the United Kingdom. It was then shipped to Canada in the same year The Mini was originally in ocean blue color and was converted into a convertible in UK by the previous owner who stored the car for over 10 years. It came with beige soft top and bumper/lights guards which were being used in the old days in Europe. Very rare these days. You can see a few pictures taken when it was in UK.
This Mini has a 1275 cc engine with twin SU carburetors and manual transmission. Once the Mini arrived Canada, it began its full restoration mission. All the mechanical parts and seats were taken out leaving a bare body which was then stripped down to bare metal. All the surface rust which was not many were being fixed and the complete body panels were rust proved and primed. The panels have been applied with four layers of English white paint and three layers of clear coatings.
At the same time, the Mini has gone through a complete servicing of the mechanical components including re-tooling of the engine head, cleaning and servicing the twin carburetors, all the rubber hoses for the engine were replaced with Minispares high quality blue hoses. Engine oils were being drained and replaced with fresh engine oil. A new fuel pump is being replaced. A new alternator and new radiator were also installed. As the Mini is RHD from UK, therefore a new LHD steering rack was being installed to convert the Mini into a LHD.
In terms of the brake system, front rotors were replaced with new pads and the calibers were serviced. The rear drums were services and new pads were installed. Both the front and rear suspension springs were replaced with a performance set. A new down pipe and exhaust system were being installed.
A complete electrical harness has been replaced with a new one. Both headlights and side lights were replaced with new ones. Two new spot lights were installed onto the front bumper guard to improve night driving. A new walnut dash board was installed using the existing gauges which are still in good running condition. A new stereo unit with MP3 and USB input was also installed. A new retro steering wheel with new turning indicator arm were installed to make a classic look.
In order to strengthen the convertible body and improve the safety feature for the Mini, a new roll bar was custom-made which meets the track racing standard. The soft top was also custom made with high quality water-proof mohair cloth material with a tonneau made of the same material.
With all of the above being done, the following final touch is being made. The two side mirrors were replaced with new ones. A new set of 16” alloy wheel and tires were being installed. Please note that the front wheel arches were being widened to allow the front wheel free clearance. A Mini 40 Anniversary boot badge was installed and a matching 40 Anniversary body stripe was also put on. The door cards are wrapped with an Union Jack graphic. Both the front seats were replaced with a set of leather seats which came from a VW Jetta which are in very good shape. All the front and rear seat belts were replaced with new red ones. New leather seat covering was being applied to the rear bench seat.
The whole restoration project took about a year and this beautiful Convertible Mini was put on the road in the summer of 2018. All the restoration job was being done by various Classic Car specialists under the direction of the current owner. Since then, about 200 km were put on it primarily going to various Mini Meets and Festivals. It won a Frist Prize in the under 1300 c.c. British Classic Car Category in the Bris-on-Lake Event at Port Perry, Ontario in that summer. This Mini never runs under the rain not to mention the snow in winter. It is always stored under roof in a heated and air-free environment. Engine oil and filter, spark plugs , tune up and servicing have been done in June this year as usual after the winter month storage. This Classic Mini is spotless and no issue what so ever and ready for any enjoyable cruising trips. The mileage cannot be verified as it is classic car and the odometer might have been replaced at some point.
A Mini Specifications List and a list of all the new parts being installed will be provided on sale for reference. All available invoices and paper work with a photo album for the Mini restoration will be also be provided too.
The reason for the sale is mainly the owner wants to move on to another restoration project. He has done 5 restoration for Classic Minis over the last 20 years and indeed he is a Mini enthusiast
Buyer need to pick up the car and test drive can be arranged. Serious buyers to make bids only. Buyer needs to arrange his/her own shipping but the current owner can provide assistance.
Successful bidder requires to make a non-refundable deposit of $500 within 48 hours and the balance can be paid within 7 days by bank wired transfer or cash on collection.

Also published at eBay.com