Time for another piece of imaginative DIY-work. Why buy that expensive Mini based fastback GT if you can build it yourself? That's what a certain John must have thought when he started work on his 'XP3 prototype'. What was the idea? Certain is that he sold it after not too long, as this old ad proves, sent in by Pete Flanagan. This is what it says:
If you want to be seen - buy my XP3 prototype
This unique car offers hand-made bodywork combined with 'standard' components that are easy and inexpensive to maintain. The above prototype is based on a little-used 1964 Mini ('Dry '64 cars had greater roadholding ability') and is powered by a 60 bhp 848 cc engine fitted with just one 1 1/4 in. SU and a special Piper head. This offers more than adequate performance for this light car and combines it with a good petrol consumption. Its specification is very complete including 13 in. steering wheel, complete instrumentation, bucket front seats, tinted windows all round, opening rear window and simply requires tailoring to meet its new owner's requirements. Mechanics include lowered suspension, competition shock absorbers, anti-roll bar, etc. This car has taken nearly a year to make and has cost over 1,000 pounds. Further enquiries and offers to 'John' (followed by a London address and telephone number).
Like or dislike? Of course it gets my thumbs up, but it would be nice to see a bit more of it. Let me know if you can help with that!
John's homemade fastback. But what happened to this XP3 prototype?
Am surprised that no one over the years seems to have attempted to commission what I'd like to call the *Mini to End all Minis" that takes all the unique elements from various coachbuilt, stillborn prototype, tuned and limited-run or existing Classic Mini variants in order to incorporate them into a single Mini.
ReplyDeleteIn other words, a road-going Classic Mini 5-door hatchback (or 4-door with split-tailgate) with Rover Metro/100-like interconnected Hydragas suspension, 5-speed gearbox, 1340cc A-Plus TPI engine (featuring possible light turbo with 120-130 hp output as originally intended for the MG Metro Turbo), ERA Mini Turbo-inspired bodykit and interior as well as Minki prototype-style improvements.