The remit was simple-
1) Improve the powerunit, by installing the ‘K’ series engine with a
5-speed gearbox
2) Improve the suspension, by
installing hydragas suspension.
3) Improve the driving position,
by installing better seats, altering the rack of the steering column, and along
with the fascia / controls
4) Improve its overall luggage
capacity, by making it into a hatchback and altering the rear end package.
Most of the parts needed for the above seem to be taken from the newly
produced MGF. Then there’s the icing on the cake, a hatchback. Now some
specials had been built before, most notable Ringo Starr in the 60’s for his
drum kit, but this would potentially be a production version to take the fight
to a new battlefield. Oh and with that K Series engine into hot hatch territory.
Now I could go on about the what if’s this had been built, could it have
saved Rover or just prolonged its agony. But for the amazing story about the
possible future of a British icon make a cup of tea and head over here to Austin Memories to read all about its development and how a team took some
scrap cars and transformed them all in house and certainly wouldn’t happen
today.
(pictures from Austin Memories)
I worked on both Minki 1 and Minki 2.
ReplyDeleteI worked on a Mini hatchback for Ernie Marples who was the current Minister for Transport at the time.
ReplyDeleteI also worked on an MG version of the Mini, looked great but unfortunately was another missed opportunity. Both these were produced at Longbridge Body Experimental Department.