1969 Mini w/ automatic gearbox and air bags

d_valentino

Senior Member

Offline

• Oct 22, 2009

• #1

Has anyone ever seen a 1969 Mini with an automatic gearbox and airbag? Was this a conversion that someone is doing? if so, does anyone know the company? Thanks

 

racingenglishcars

Darth Vader

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• Oct 23, 2009

• #2

The auto box was probably factory. It's a 4 speed forward. Airbags didn't come out at all, in any car, until the 90's I think.

 

dklawson

Yoda

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• Oct 23, 2009

• #3

That's called a "re-vin". They are unfortunately very common and a topic of hot debate. Basil doesn't like us posting links to other sites, however, I encourage you to go to Mini Mania and in the community forum section do a search for that word. MANY lengthy and heated threads will be found. I don't really want to get into the discussion here. Suffice it to say what you are looking at is a conversion of sorts, most likely converting a 1990s car to sit under a 1969 VIN tag and paperwork.

 

racingenglishcars

Darth Vader

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• Oct 23, 2009

• #4

Highest illegal!
Just try that over here and see how long you'll be breaking rocks at the quarry.

 

dklawson

Yoda

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• Oct 23, 2009

• #5

I agree completely Donn. But you would be amazed at the number of cars on eBay over here that clearly fit that description. The listings all read similar. They'll say something like:

"I just imported this 1970 Mk3 Mini updated to 1999 specs" and every picture of the car will show late model components and bodywork. Or, they'll be even less representative and say simply "Restored 1970 Mini" and you'll see an A+ engine, triple gauge cluster, side repeater lamps and so on. I've even seen licensed "regular" car dealerships listing Minis on eBay like that.

As my car is an honest-to-God, real '64, it really gets my dander up when I see things like that.

 

OP

d_valentino

Senior Member

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• Oct 23, 2009

• #6

I'd have to believe that the gearbox is factory as it is an Austin engine. Not worried about the airbag that much. Anyone know of someone repairing the automatic gearbox?

 

dklawson

Yoda

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• Oct 23, 2009

• #7

I don't know anyone who works on them. Since you're on the west coast you could always contact Mini Mania to see if they know of shops out there who work on these professionally.

If you're interested in reading up on the auto box and considering working on it yourself, you could also contact Todd Miller through the Austin America web site. He has information on the auto box on his web site:
https://members.tripod.com/austin_america/index.html

 

Sherlock

Yoda

Offline

• Oct 23, 2009

• #8

It might be an ex-Japanese car, as apparently they don't like standard gearboxes much over there, and Rover Mini's were very popular there...

I'm not sure I'd want an automatic on a Mini, I'd think it would suck a lot of the performance, particularly as it's a small car to begin with...

 

racingenglishcars

Darth Vader

Offline

• Oct 26, 2009

• #9

I had several Austin Americas with the automatic. It was really a great box. I wouldn't convert a car to the auto, but if it was factory I think I would keep it.

 

Hedgehog

Jedi Hopeful

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• Oct 27, 2009

• #10

If you're on the West coast I'd check with either Seven Enterprises (Mike Kearney)in Auburn or Heritage Garage (Graham Reid) in Costa Mesa. Most likely either can take care of an auto box for you. Both are top quality places to get your classic Mini either repaired or order parts. They are price competitive with Mini Mania as well.

 

QuickSilver

Jedi Trainee

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• Dec 1, 2009

• #11

d_valentino said:

Has anyone ever seen a 1969 Mini with an automatic gearbox and airbag? Was this a conversion that someone is doing? if so, does anyone know the company? Thanks

Click to expand...

I've seen many.

In fact I was at a show in Texas in my 1967 Austin Mini and was beat out by an alleged 1969 Mini that spotted airbags, fuel injection, front mounted radiator, etc

 

dklawson

Yoda

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• Dec 2, 2009

• #12

QS, I'm sure all his paperwork was in order though !!!

At the last show I went to I lost out to a late model van that had been pimped out. This was a show voted on by the participants, not judges so I guess they liked the look. It's disappointing to loose but it's sort of an insult when you loose to a car that is not what it says it is. I feel your pain.

 

B

Billm

Yoda

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• Dec 12, 2009

• #13

Dom
An Austin America automatic engine/trans unit will fit very easily into a Mini (or MG1100, etc). I have done it and so did another guy in the San Diego Mini club back in the '70's.
Even if it was an automatic it (the 1275) has plenty of power when put into an 850 Mini but the diff should be changed out to a higher ratio or the engine will spin out-of-sight with the 10" wheels.
BillM