Streamlined Mini racer (1965)

[mab01UK]

The photo below was posted recently in the New MINI section of the MCR forum.



Quote: "I thought it an interesting take on streamlining a mini, and a freaky resemblance to the BMW MINI."
A glimpse into the future....back in 1965 (ish)
http://mcrforum.minicooper.org/viewt...hp?f=12&t=1246

[275 GTB-4]

Chopped top and Jem nose?

[Mike Harte]

Somethings just don't seem right for the year, although my memory may be playing tricks on me.

Firstly, the paint job doesn't seem period correct, and nor do the wheels; I would have said that they were more of very late 60s or early 70s.

[VIVA GT]

Originally Posted by Mike Harte

Somethings just don't seem right for the year, although my memory may be playing tricks on me.

Firstly, the paint job doesn't seem period correct, and nor do the wheels; I would have said that they were more of very late 60s or early 70s.

Hmmm. I know what you're getting at there Mike, but to me the clothing & hairstyles could be about right, plus the only other vehicles I can recognise ar the Mk I Cortina Lotus nearby, plus what looks like a blue Morris 1000 and a red Austin A40, which could also be early - mid 60's...
What's baffling me (considering that all I can see are British cars) is that I don't think the picture was taken in Britain. I don't recognise the location (that high viewing/control tower thing), plus there's what looks like a very unusual telegraph pole in the picture too (or am I just looking too hard?)

[D-Type]

Somewhere in the Southern Hemisphere perhaps? ie Australia, New Zealand or South Africa?

[Mike Harte]

Originally Posted by D-Type

Somewhere in the Southern Hemisphere perhaps? ie Australia, New Zealand or South Africa?

Well, if it was New Zealand, then the photo would be period correct at any time up upto the mid-nineties!

[Scrut]

Judging by the number plate, it is not Australia.

[mab01UK]

More details and photos have come to light on the Mk1 Mini forum. Apparently this Mini was raced in New Zealand by Frank Hamblin in the late 60's and still exists. It looks like the windscreen is raked back and the front gutter is removed plus a roofchop but no sectioning to the lower body like the 60's Minisprints.

[Mike Bell]

Originally Posted by mab01UK

More details and photos have come to light on the Mk1 Mini forum. Apparently this Mini was raced in New Zealand by Frank Hamblin in the late 60's and still exists. It looks like the windscreen is raked back and the front gutter is removed plus a roofchop but no sectioning to the lower body like the 60's Minisprints.

That's a cool looking Mini in my eyes. I want one!