This British spec Mini Clubman is one of few on Australian shores, and different in many ways to the Australian Clubman and later Aussie Leyland Minis. This is the MK3 Mini body shell, which can be purchased brand new for just over $14,000 AUD - see it here. The most obvious difference between this shell and the Australian shells / MK1 shells generally is the internal hinged doors, as appear on all MK3 onward minis including the later Rover Minis. However, there are many other changes that are less noticeable. For instance: larger drains on the roof gutter corners, a welded bonnet slam panel (as opposed to the bolted Australian design), among many other subtle differences.

The car is perfectly suited for a project such as a 1275 GT or Mini GTS tribute, or simply to build it as you want and fit it out with all the Rover gear (of which there is a huge factory range and variety). All Rover trim and accessories are compatible with this MK3 body. There are plenty of places in Australia that sell the trim and other parts for the cars, such as Minisport's Rover only section here; their trim section, and Oz Minisport.com - which has a large selection. You could also import a cheap rusty late model rover mini that can't be registered, and transplant all the gear straight into this body. This car has been registered in NSW (number plates last registered with are in the images - It was last on the road probably 30 years ago) However, you would need to source a new compliance plate which is not with the car - the only plate on the car is the British plate welded to the body - see images. Any purchaser would need to make the necessary investigations themselves as to how a new compliance plate can be issued.

A lot of bodywork has been completed, as detailed in the images. This includes new A panels, sills (internal and exterior), floor pans, air vent holes (behind dash corners), new front driver's mudguard, plated edges of rear seat, new battery box, and some repairs around the front driver's headlight. Very little welding is required to have the body ready for finishing and paint, with just the lower door-skins and a couple of other small spots - one being at the base of the rear passenger wheel arch. The car has evidence of a minor accident repair weld in the rear trunk floor corner (just behind the fuel tank). It looks like a new rear panel was welded on - which also likely explains why the beaver panel had no rust - I'm assuming it would also have been replaced at the time of repair.

For the work so far completed, the car was taken off its sub-frames, completely stripped, sandblasted and undercoated. Prior to the front sub-frame being installed, the engine bay was painted 2-pack metallic BRG (2004 Mini Cooper S paint code 895). The intention was to paint the car this colour, with a white roof. The engine bay is very dusty in the images, but the paint is in great condition. The sub-frames were also sandblasted, painted 2-pack gloss black, and re-assembled with new rubbers / bushes. The rear left still needs a cone installed. I note that the original sub-frames which I removed were hydrolastic - which I've replaced with the rebuilt rubber cone frames. The car rolls and steers fine, and has been fitted with a new steering rack, so it can be easily transported on and off a trailer. The brakes are not hooked up (no handbrake either).

Sad to see it go as I've had the car for some 17 years. However, I've got 2 other projects to focus on getting on the road, and would like a bit more space in the garage. The sale is not urgent so if I don't get any bites I'll simply hold onto it.

Inspection can be arranged on weekends, near Gosford NSW. Contact Tim by signing in and clicking the contact seller button above.