Scott's Mini
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Austin Mini Mayfair, B*** XHJ “Julie”

As we all know, with age comes the need to drive, especially around rural Kent, and a few months after my 16th birthday both my parents and me decided that it would be good to get a car for me to start practicing my driving in. We looked at a whole load of mini’s, around 100 in total, from Ashford Kent to Ashford Middlesex, when my dad eventually stumbled across “Julie” my pride and joy!

 

"Julie"

She is coming up for 19 years old, and has had two owners, she had 40K on the clock when I got her, and was in brilliant nick.

 

This was way back in April 2001. She was then, what many people would have called factory standard, apart from her unique Mayfair decals, the Mountney steering wheel and the Wolfrace 5jx10 alloys that the first owner had fitted to the car.

130Mph Speedo and Grey clocks from a Mini 25.

 

Since acquiring the car I have done a lot of work, with the use of aftermarket bits and pieces, and with the help of my good friend Dennis. I have added the following;

 

  • A Bespoke Walnut dash with 2” Smiths voltmeter, oil pressure gauge, analogue clock, and the usual 3 standard clocks.
  • New carpet set and mats, with carpeted boot.
  • Aluminium chequer plate door cards, with chrome interior handles. 
  • Removed rear seat, 4-point harnesses, and Corbeau Clubman bucket seats.
  • Halogen headlamps, with a genuine Rover 4 spot-lamp set (bought from Dennis)
  • Mini-shop bullet door mirrors.
  • I have a whole load of additional accessories, too many to list!

 

A couple of nice rear and side shots. Piper Cams, ultimate in rust concelement!

The engine has been treated to a stage one kit equivalent with single box stainless RC40, cooper free-flow manifold, mini-spares inlet manifold, K&N air filter and profiled carburettor needle.

The freshly painted engine bay.

 

My most recent upgrades include a complete suspension upgrade consisting of

 

  • Lowered GAZ 32 point adjustable shock absorbers.

  • Modified shock mounts with poly bushes all round.

  • Hi-lo adjustable suspension cones.

  • Heavy duty adjustable tie rod and bottom arms.

  • Longer track rod ends.

  • Rear camber brackets.

 

The Wolfrace alloy wheel  

I have opted to fit a Cooper ‘S’ setup (rare as hens teeth), which I got for the bargain price of £200, in full working order. This helps stop the car, and makes room for a 1275 conversion when I can afford it!

Julie has and will always be my pride and joy, I clean her once a week, and every time she comes up like new!  

I am also a founding member of Runnin’ AMOC – Ashford Mini Owners Club, we have been going for a year and a bit, and have had great fun and runs to shows and events!

My future plans include the following

 

  • A Carbon fibre flip front complete with the weave showing, allowing proper access to the engine bay!
  • Engine conversion, either up to a bigger A-series engine, or one of the many modern conversions available today. I have spent some time looking into the twin cam Vauxhall conversions, alongside the Honda Vtec route; I am yet to come to a decision on this!

 

Julie has come to be loved and appreciated within my family and friend circle, and I will stick to my guns on the fact that me owning a mini is sensible, even if I spend all my wages on it! Many people will make passing comments on how she looks, or on new things that I have done, and it makes me happy!

It’s a hobby, keeps me outta trouble, and that’s why I like it! I say, “sod off” to all the people who laugh or think I’m mad!

Any more questions email me! Scottmodha@hotmail.com