Tuesday 9 March 2021

Mystery Mini derivative (72)

I'd totally forgotten about this sporty little two-seater, parked in the folder 'Unknown' all the way back in 2009. It's a real mystery of which I still know nothing after all those years. The registration is part-blurred although we can make out 'STF ***H', which would indicate it was registered on a 1969 plate. 

So... anyone who recognizes anything in it? Could it be another Status Symbol or Status Minipower chassis built up with a home-made body? The wheels seem unlike anything I've come across before also. Who knows more..?


Two-seater sports car has been in the 'Unknown' folder for years now
Picture Jeroen Booij archive

No doors, flat glass as well as most of the body parts. Surely a DIY creation..? 
Picture Jeroen Booij archive

Mini engine caged at the back with exhaust making some fancy turns
Picture Jeroen Booij archive

Registration is unknown but STF***H indicates it's on a 1969 plate
Picture Jeroen Booij archive

Design seems to have been inspired by Status Minipower. Chassis possibly from that?
Picture Jeroen Booij archive

Narrow cockpit, simple dashboard layout. What is this mystery Mini derivative?
Picture Jeroen Booij archive

Status Minipower surely seems to have been an influence but was more sophisticated
Picture Jeroen Booij archive

2 comments:

  1. There's a few things visible that seem to me to suggest it isn't a Minipower, or at least it's been hacked about from standard. First the front suspension upper arms. Not the same as a Minipower which has a one piece upper part and spring/shock with lower pickup towards the inside of the vehicle. This has the spring/shock going between two upper arms and the lower pickup close to the outer lower ball joint (Look at online Minipower pics). Also, it has a central gear lever, rather than the right hand one on a Minipower. Lastly the rear wheels appear to be further forward than on a Minipower, although that could just be the angle that the second photo was taken from. Can't see enough from the rear views to tell if it's a Minipower chassis or not, too much mesh in the way. The headlights look familiar tho :-)

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    Replies
    1. Yes, I agree on the front suspension. Possibly just 'inspired by'...?

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