We got 'm!
It has taken me at least a year of my life and quite a lot more of my bank account. But after three nerve wrecking months and a mad 5,000 kilometer journey through Europe, I can now confirm that the most legendary of all Mini derivatives is still alive. In fact I bought it: the Mini Marcos that came 15th overall at the 24-hours race of Le Mans in 1966. Also known as Le Mans' most heroic entry.
It's not more than a bare shell with doors and modified bonnet in their original blue and yellow hidden behind many more layers of paint; a massive petrol tank and an adjustable pedal box. But what a find...
When I photographed it today I stumbled upon details I hadn't even noticed before. This car is full of history marks and I'll share some of the details in the coming days here. I'm a happy man. Stay tuned.
It has taken me at least a year of my life and quite a lot more of my bank account. But after three nerve wrecking months and a mad 5,000 kilometer journey through Europe, I can now confirm that the most legendary of all Mini derivatives is still alive. In fact I bought it: the Mini Marcos that came 15th overall at the 24-hours race of Le Mans in 1966. Also known as Le Mans' most heroic entry.
It's not more than a bare shell with doors and modified bonnet in their original blue and yellow hidden behind many more layers of paint; a massive petrol tank and an adjustable pedal box. But what a find...
When I photographed it today I stumbled upon details I hadn't even noticed before. This car is full of history marks and I'll share some of the details in the coming days here. I'm a happy man. Stay tuned.
Excellent find Jeroen, I know it will bring you hours of joy !!! Happy christmas.
ReplyDeleteIan.
Thank you very much Ian.
DeleteGlad you could make it ! What a fantastic piece of history. Good luck and patience before being able to go to Le Mans with it !
ReplyDeleteThanks Francois!
DeleteFantastic! I look forward to your story!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat find ... I'm so happy you found it and own it. I'm also looking forward to reading about the battle marks and etc.
ReplyDeleteThank you Carl! I'll keep you posted here.
DeleteWell done Jeroen, You'll have your work cut out to get it finished in time for Bltyton though;)
ReplyDeleteFinished or not (and I don't think it will be); I'll try to bring it, Mark!
DeleteSounds like a fantastic find, well done!
ReplyDeleteDon't forget to post loads of pictures, the long range tank and the pedal box sound interesting.
Thank you. You bet I'll write more about it here.
DeleteWell done Jeroen. What a find!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you. A bit of a deja-vu for you!
DeleteGeweldig Jeroen! Gefeliciteerd met deze fantastische vondst!!
ReplyDeleteDank!
Deleteand where was it?
ReplyDeleteIn Portugal
DeleteReal great - would like to find the mini marcos Jem Marsh raced here in the Kyalami 9hour
ReplyDeleteThank you. I think the car you mean was in fact found and restored in Zimbabwe some time ago now. See also here: http://maximummini.blogspot.com/2011/07/minis-at-le-mans-1967.html
DeleteJeroen - Fantastic !
ReplyDeleteIt must have had your name on it.
Andy
Thanks Andy! I like to think that (although I am not too sure)
DeleteYes , get it rolling and bring it to Blyton! :-) Well done Jeroen! Pete Flan
ReplyDeleteThanks mate! I'll do my best to get it over in 2017.
DeleteHij had niet beter terecht kunnen komen! Gefeliciteerd Jeroen. Dennis van Eck
ReplyDeleteWow jeroen did it take some tracking down
ReplyDeleteYou must beso pleased to have tracked it down
It did indeed take some tracking, but I am very pleased with it! Thanks Mark.
DeleteThe gel coat on the Le Mans car was green, and the rear wheel arches were pop-rivetted on.
ReplyDeleteBilly Dulles
Good to hear of you. Could you please drop me a line on jeroen at jeroenbooij dot com ?
Delete