Mighty Minis

I share Richard Meaden’s love of the original Mini (column, evo 263). I have a small collection of classics, including a Ferrari F355 (manual of course) and a S1 E-type – both wonderful cars I couldn’t sell. But I also have a couple of classic Minis that I drive all the time: a pure and completely standard ’63 Mini Minor and a ’65 Morris Cooper with the hydrolastic suspension.

The ’63 car is still the best shopping car I’ve ever owned and looks wonderful in its original Almond Green. It’s huge fun at 40mph, and with 34bhp and little in the way of brakes, you really have to drive the thing, even if just on the way to Sainsbury’s.

The Cooper [pictured above] is still very capable. I use it on regular 80-mile fishing trips across Dorset, where the hydrolastic suspension transforms the ride and helps keep the tyres in contact with the tarmac longer. It is perfect on country lanes and even the tiny disc brakes work.

If you’ve never experienced a classic Mini but can drive or buy one, do. Mine have been fully restored as they are keepers, but I’ve owned at least eight over the last 30 years in varying conditions and with up to 110bhp (which is a bit too much really). My favourites are the original 850 and the Mk1 hydrolastic Cooper that I’ve kept, but they are all great fun, especially when they’re roadtax free, MOT exempt, cost £100 a year to insure, and can have their tank brimmed for £25. Enjoy. Richard Carter, Sherborne, Dorset