Restoration-Mini

General Discussion => The Lounge => Topic started by: MPlayle on May 09, 2019, 12:38:01 PM

Title: My latest acquisition
Post by: MPlayle on May 09, 2019, 12:38:01 PM
I officially pulled the trigger: 1974 Mini Marcos, Mk-4     71.gif

Here are a few pictures.  Will be making arrangements for its transport from Oregon to San Antonio, Texas.

Title: Re: My latest acquisition
Post by: MPlayle on May 09, 2019, 12:40:22 PM
And a few more pictures.

Title: Re: My latest acquisition
Post by: MiniDave on May 09, 2019, 12:59:01 PM
Wow, what a cool little Mini!

Looks like 7 Ent. built them a motor for it? 1275 too.....
Title: Re: My latest acquisition
Post by: Willie_B on May 09, 2019, 01:40:50 PM
Very neat. That should be a real hoot to drive.
Title: Re: My latest acquisition
Post by: 94touring on May 09, 2019, 02:05:20 PM
Very cool  77.gif
Title: Re: My latest acquisition
Post by: Vikram on May 09, 2019, 02:08:53 PM
Very nice! I don't know much about these cars, is the majority of the bodywork fibreglass?
Title: Re: My latest acquisition
Post by: MPlayle on May 09, 2019, 03:27:16 PM
Yes, the body shell is fiberglass.

It is a 1275 from 7Ent with a rod change transmission and 3.1 final drive.

Title: Re: My latest acquisition
Post by: BruceK on May 10, 2019, 05:04:37 AM
Beautiful car!     Looks like the photos were taken in the driveway of Jet Motors?

Cool bit of history of the Mini Marcos:  they were raced in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the mid-60s.  The only Mini model to compete in that prestigious race and selected because of the aerodynamic body shape.

(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/63/d1/13/63d113050bb3db8a358d91e798f0f1dc.jpg)
(https://assets.hemmings.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//2017/07/Mini-Marcos-Le-Mans-24hrs-1966.jpg)
Title: Re: My latest acquisition
Post by: MiniDave on May 10, 2019, 06:47:49 AM
Hang on, in the first pic, who's going the wrong way?   ;D
Title: Re: My latest acquisition
Post by: tmsmini on May 10, 2019, 06:51:33 AM
How fast on the Mulsanne did it go? I know I read it in one of my books. There are some great stories about the Lemans race for Marcos.
Title: Re: My latest acquisition
Post by: MPlayle on May 10, 2019, 07:45:39 AM
Yes, the pictures are in the drive at Jet Motors.  They are handling the sale for the current owner.

It is going to be transported for me, possibly leaving as early as next week.

I can't make Snowmass due to my nephew's wedding the end of that same week.

Title: Re: My latest acquisition
Post by: BruceK on May 10, 2019, 12:51:57 PM
Quote from: tmsmini on May 10, 2019, 06:51:33 AM
How fast on the Mulsanne did it go? I know I read it in one of my books. There are some great stories about the Lemans race for Marcos.

I found this mention of the Le Mans Mini Marcos top speed in an old BaT auction. Says it went 147 mph down the Mulsanne Straight.  :-\   That's rather fast for a Mini, right?

Title: Re: My latest acquisition
Post by: MPlayle on May 12, 2019, 08:45:53 AM
Whee, Thanks!  The front overhang is why I need to get a longer trailer.

The backstory: 
It got mentioned to me by Michael Lewis that he might know of a Mini Marcos just coming on the market.  I asked if it was a MK-6 I knew that had recently been finished in California.  It was not the one I knew of, so I did some digging and found a reference to this one at Jet Motors on the MaximumMini.blogspot.com website and it was the one Michael Lewis was referring to.  Jeremy Thorpe at Jet Motors was beginning to work with Michael Lewis about posting it on the MiniGuy site as well as beginning contact for another high-end buyer.  The price in the listing I found seemed fair and after getting some basic information on it, I put a deposit on it.  I was then informed by both Michael Lewis and Jeremy Thorpe that I had beaten Jay Leno to getting the car.

Title: Re: My latest acquisition
Post by: tmsmini on May 12, 2019, 06:01:34 PM
Great car and great story. That seems to be the speed I remember reading about. Way too fast for me in a Mini.
Terry
Title: Re: My latest acquisition
Post by: BruceK on May 13, 2019, 11:29:52 AM
Quote from: MPlayle on May 12, 2019, 08:45:53 AM
The price in the listing I found seemed fair and after getting some basic information on it, I put a deposit on it.  I was then informed by both Michael Lewis and Jeremy Thorpe that I had beaten Jay Leno to getting the car.

Having watched a ton of his videos, there are very few cars that Leno does not own!   Now you've got to swing by Jay's shop and show him the one that got away!
Title: Re: My latest acquisition
Post by: MPlayle on May 18, 2019, 07:09:53 PM
Getting loaded on the transport today for its trip south and east to Texas.   71.gif

Title: Re: My latest acquisition
Post by: MiniDave on May 18, 2019, 07:56:17 PM
You must be getting excited!

Did you sell your Moke, or will you be a Multi-Mini owner?
Title: Re: My latest acquisition
Post by: MPlayle on May 19, 2019, 06:18:35 AM
I have not yet sold the Moke - it is listed with MiniGuy at the present.  Looks like I will be a Multi-Mini owner for a little while.

Marcos is due in 5-7 days.

Title: Re: My latest acquisition
Post by: MPlayle on May 22, 2019, 05:16:32 PM
I heard from the transport driver today.  The Mini Marcos is supposed to be delivered tomorrow afternoon!

I get to rent a temporary space nearby for the Moke.  It will be short term as the Moke is also now sold and awaiting arrangements for its transport to a new home - eventually in California.

Title: Re: My latest acquisition
Post by: MPlayle on May 23, 2019, 01:53:36 PM
IT'S HERE!!   71.gif

Title: Re: My latest acquisition
Post by: MPlayle on May 23, 2019, 01:54:42 PM
More of it being unloaded.
Title: Re: My latest acquisition
Post by: MiniDave on May 23, 2019, 02:21:37 PM
Yay, tiny little car!
Title: Re: My latest acquisition
Post by: MPlayle on May 23, 2019, 02:59:15 PM
Yes, it is tiny.  Feels like it sits lower than a regular Mini.

With the tail lights as low as they are, I am definitely going to upgrade to LED bulbs in the tail lights and turn signals.  I also need to troubleshoot the high beams before I try to get it inspected.

Title: Re: My latest acquisition
Post by: Willie_B on May 23, 2019, 06:45:45 PM
Cool looking car. Looking forward to the updates and driving reports.
Title: Re: My latest acquisition
Post by: MPlayle on May 24, 2019, 11:59:33 AM
Fixed the headlight high-beam issue: loose wire connection in the column switch.

Also changed out the vintage 4-point style racing seat belts to standard lap belts.  I had extra bits from installing lap belts in the Moke.

Title: Re: My latest acquisition
Post by: MiniDave on May 24, 2019, 12:24:23 PM
You're going to have to get us a driving video!
Title: Re: My latest acquisition
Post by: MPlayle on May 24, 2019, 01:30:50 PM
Unfortunately, I do not have any sort of video camera.  I use an old style flip phone, so no video there.  My digital camera has a limited video mode, but no sound.

I'll have to think about who I know that can fold in/out of the car that has a better video making source that would be willing to ride along to make one.

Title: Re: My latest acquisition
Post by: Willie_B on May 24, 2019, 02:02:59 PM
Quote from: MPlayle on May 24, 2019, 01:30:50 PM
Unfortunately, I do not have any sort of video camera.  I use an old style flip phone, so no video there.  My digital camera has a limited video mode, but no sound.

I'll have to think about who I know that can fold in/out of the car that has a better video making source that would be willing to ride along to make one.

Is there a local tech school that may have a video class? Bet you find a young person that could fit and would love to make a video, maybe even for a class project.
Title: Re: My latest acquisition
Post by: MPlayle on May 25, 2019, 12:10:06 PM
It passed inspection today - with flying colors.  I didn't even get changed to base fee as the inspector liked the car.  It drew everyone's attention when I pulled up.  It also drew lots of attention from other drivers on the short drive to/from the service shop to get the inspection done.

The next step is getting the title/registration application submitted on Tuesday.

Title: Re: My latest acquisition
Post by: Jimini II on May 30, 2019, 09:39:19 AM
Nice find Michael.
Along with the LED bulbs maybe a 3rd brake light would help get some light in a more visable position in the sea of SUV's out there.
Title: Re: My latest acquisition
Post by: MPlayle on May 30, 2019, 05:31:13 PM
Third, high mount brake light is already on the list for that very reason.

Title: Re: My latest acquisition
Post by: BruceK on June 06, 2019, 02:51:19 PM
Quote from: MPlayle on May 30, 2019, 05:31:13 PM
Third, high mount brake light is already on the list for that very reason.

Oops.  I just made a recommendation for you on a 3rd brake light in another thread.  Looks like I should have posted it here instead.  Anyway, take a look at it Michael please.
Title: Re: My latest acquisition
Post by: MPlayle on June 06, 2019, 03:26:17 PM
Hey Bruce,

Actually, the other thread is now the better place for posting recommendations and comments as I do the tidying work.