M-tech

This page is an area that I will update when I feel like it (get a chance)! I hope it will be an interesting and informative compilation of my exploits in the world of Minis. If you have anything you'd like me to list on this page (special Mini sightings, show experiences, interesting Mini history) please send me an email.

Don't forget to hit 'refresh' when you come back, so you don't miss any updates. If you are a new reader, please start a the bottom date and work upwards. Thank you for your interest.

M-tech is in the news again! This time in the Mini Magazine Awards 2007. The winner of the 'Original-Spec Restoration' for Minimag feature cars was awarded to the black Mini 1275GT 'Tigger' owned by Suzy Kinsman (club secretary of Minis Unlimited), restored and built several years ago by M-tech. Congratulations to Suzy, more details can be found in the Autumn 2007 Mini Magazine and the full feature in MM June '07. This Mini was also used numerous times as a reference and for photos in the Haynes 'Great Cars' Mini book published earlier this year.

Several years ago we supplied a very nice Italian Job look-a-like Mk3 Mini to Patrick in LA, California. He had a project Mini before this one but wanted a Mini he could just jump in and enjoy. We do our best to find nice Minis that match the buyers criteria.

Patrick has been displaying his Mini at various car shows in the USA over the years and has now had the chance to show off his pride and joy to a wider audience as it was selected to take part in the filming of a pilot episode for a possible TV series. Everything was shot on green screen with effects to be added later.

It's been a while since I've had a chance to update this page as lots of smaller jobs and a reshell of a Clubman Estate have been keeping me busy!

The white Cooper S is with its proud new owner in Paris, having been driven there via LeMans 24h from here at M-tech.

The KAD 16 valve Mini has immigrated too and is now in Madrid, scaring the locals! Quotes from owner:- "got it!! and sounds terrific...!! many people coming to see and listen the monster..." , "well...people in the surrounding area go crazy..sounds like an F1 and 110 in 2nd gear is just incredible.." If you missed the on-road videos, here they are below.

We will be starting our next Mini build in early August for a customer in Hawaii. This will be a mid 70s Mini Saloon, 1380 Swiftune engine, late interior, air conditioning and many other special parts. Keep visiting this page for progress.

The latest M-tech build is complete and now with its owners, Peter and Petra. I had the pleasure of taking it for a 50 mile initial test drive and found it a delight to drive. The supercharger gives the engine the feel of a much bigger capacity; low speed running is like a factory unit, smooth and easy to drive, but when you put your foot down and the revs increase an unexpected amount of torque builds and pushes you in the seat. Obviously this is a brand new engine so will need running in and rolling roading before it gives full potential but it is already apparent that this is a superb useable road Mini that will really deliver the goods when demanded (expected power is 145bhp!). Handling and ride is faultless thanks to the coil springs we fitted in place of original rubber cones and the uprated adjustable Gaz shock absorbers allowing the 10" wheels to provide all the grip you could want with legendry precise balance and feedback.

Despite all the hard work, headaches, set-backs and time consuming obsession to detail, once again we are very proud of our Mini creation and I know Peter and Petra are too. Here's to Mini Years of enjoyment!!

Mk1 build almost complete and looking fantastic, its going to be a real wolf in sheeps clothing. Oil, water and fuel were added yesterday and, after letting it turn over without the plugs in to build up some oil pressure, it fired up straight away. We don't have the exhaust here yet so a very brief running but all is in order and it sounds potent!

Back from Egypt now and busy with the Mk1. Here are a few pictures of it just after paintwork and one of the front subframe and engine in place:

A very busy last few weeks and I've had little time for updates to the website. The Mk1 build is in the workshop progressing well. The 16 valve has returned and now delivering over 150bhp! See this video clip of it on the KAD rolling road:-

Pics and more details of both Minis to come. We are now shut for a week for a well earned break so please be patient if you send an email.

The supercharged Mk1 project will soon be at the assembly stage. All mechanical components are assembled and the bodyshell should be primed and painted this week and the beginning of next. Here are a couple of pictures after the basic rustproofing etch primer application.

Last Sunday we attended the 'Mini Fair' show organised by the British Mini Club. A very well run indoor show, the first show of the year and a huge number of visitors.

We were invited by Mini Magazine to display our lastest Countryman Sport on their stand alongside a retro styled Mini Sprite featured in the latest Mini Mag. Many thanks to Helen, Mini Mag editor for the invite. The Countryman was constantly surrounded by enthusiats and received a great number of compliments.

It was also great to see the Mk1 Mini used by Marks & Spencer in their recent advertising campaign at the show, prompting lots of Twiggy 'look-a-likes' to attend in appropriate outfits!

A belated Happy New Year to M-tech Blog readers, new and old. I've been so busy since the last update so I haven't visited here for a while.

Progress with our latest build (the Mk1 replica 1293 supercharged Mini that I mentioned back in September) is going well. The bodyshell is restored and in the paintshop ready for priming. The engine, gearbox and supercharger set-up is being built. The subframes are powdercoated and about to be assembled. The interior is complete and ready to be fitted and the plethora of new and reconditioned parts are either in stock or on their way. (Pics to come.)

The KAD 16 valve Mini I mentioned in October is having a performance hike at KAD themselves. Whilst it was a beautifully smooth and quiet engine with great performance for an A series engine, it didn't set the pulse racing as the potential of the 16 valve head was barely being exploited. It was equipped with the mildest camshafts and its induction system was built with efficiency and emission control as the first priority. Power was guessed to be approaching 120bhp. Also, the gearing was very long making it fantastic on a mundane 80mph motorway cruise but not optimised for what most of us actually want a fast Mini for, a damn good blast on quiet, sweeping country roads.

So the engine is pulled out and being given a rebuild where required, the head is being upgraded to rally spec camshafts and the differential changed to a stronger twin pin type and fitted with a shorter ratio final drive allowing all the 5 gears to be explioted. All this together with an ultralite steel flywheel / backplate, twin Weber throttle bodies and a re-map should give over 140bhp, enough to put a big smile on anyones face (apart from the other road users attempting to keep up!!)

Other news, we've just aquired a fantastic Mk1 Cooper S. This is a well travelled Mini that spent its first 27 years living in California before being brought back to England in 1993 after being fully restored and modified in CA. This Mini will, reluctantly, be in our 'For Sale' section after servicing and preparation.

Also, recently into stock, we have an Australian Mini Moke 'Californian' and as such is very low on rust. It is surprisingly original too and we have it in mind for restoration as it has been well used, although would be willing to sell as it stands or with an MOT as it is driving and just needs a few jobs and the brakes sorting out to get it on the road.

The BRG Countryman Sport is now complete, we had a couple of extras to add but it always amazes me how long the 'simple' little details take when you feel you've almost finished. They can't be rushed and it is getting these things right that is the essence of a great Mini. Even if you build a perfect body, fit a fine engine and purchase the best parts you still need to have the patience to make sure everything comes together correctly. Although a Mini is basically a simple car, it is this simplicity that means everything has to be just right to produce the desired package. Despite some critisism, Rover mastered building the Mini very well mostly, but some cut corners which just doesn't work.

I dropped David's Countryman at the docks yesterday, all finished and looking great. We fitted a biscuit vinyl interior which looks very smart.

Whilst at the docks, I noticed a very unusual Mini based vehicle. A three wheeled convertible. I've never seen one of these before. It appeared to be heading to Baltimore.

And another vehicle you don't see everyday, a new Ford GT in the old Gulf Racing colours. Its a shame I couldn't quite fit it on my trailer!!

Don't be alarmed!! We've reversed the Blog dates by popular demand. If you are a regular visitor here you can now view the latest additions to this page at the top without trawling through past ramblings you've already seen. If you are a new reader, please start at the bottom listing.

We were privelidged recently to have a visit from a client we are building the BRG Countryman Sport for. Jan and his wife were on a touring holiday from the US and travelling through the UK from Scotland southwards. It was great to meet as, because many of our full builds are for new homes abroad, we rarely see or even speak to customers ordering these stunning Minis. Much of the satisfaction of creating one of these automotive works of art is hearing first reactions and receiving glowing praise for all the hard work and attention to detail. We were not dissapointed when Jan came to visit, he and his wife loved the M-tech Mini and took many photos to show off when they get home.

Whilst we await some final parts and a few extras added by Jan to complete the project we have been able to carry out the work to convert the Island Blue Countryman for David. We've converted to 10" wheels and fitted the centre dash, just the interior to go.

Countryman Sport almost complete; the wood is fitted, seats carpet and panels are in, engine is now in place awaiting carb and exhaust. The client from Conneticut is visiting this coming Sunday so it would be great to have it driving by then, if all goes to plan!

Here is a teaser pic of the almost complete interior. I'll post lots more when the Mini is finished.

Last Thursday M-tech aquired a very special Mini. This Mini was built brand new in 1994 as a show stopping competition prize for the 35th Anniversary of the Mini Celebrations at Silverstone in August '94.

The competition was to raise money for the NSPCC charity and anyone could enter to win this Mini for just one pound. The prize: possibly the ultimate fast road A series powered Mini saloon ever created.

Fitted with a 1380cc engine built from the best new parts, sat on a 5 speed close ratio straight cut gearbox and crowned with a KAD 16 valve twin cam aluminium cylinder head. Fuelled by the advanced Weber Alpha fuel injection system with fully mapped distributorless ignition control.

Not to be outdone, the interior was retrimmed with top quality cream leather, red piping and deep pile dark red carpets, walnut dashboard and door cappings complete the luxury feel.

The brand new bodyshell was then prepared with blended wheel arches, sill skirts and a bonnet bulge to clear the cam sprockets and then given fresh paintwork in stunning Nightfire Red pearlescent. 13" alloys with colour coded spokes wrapped in Pirellis finest rubber and a healthy dose of suspension upgrades as well as a heated front windscreen and a total of £18000 in cheques turned this into an extremely desireable road Mini and a most wanted prize. I know this as I was there, queueing for my ticket whilst dreaming and drooling!! Here is the pic I took 12 years ago.

Rumour has it that a 15 year old won the Mini (urrgh!!) who, swift to realise the asset he had and couldn't use, sold it to a doting enthusiast who clocked up just 4000 miles in his may years of ownership and kept the Mini in its pristine condition. He sold a couple of years ago after being persuaded to part with it in a restaurant car park when the Minis eye catching appeal and hidden 16 valve treasure overwhelmed the last owner, a Bristol businessman with a soft spot for an interesting vehicle.

However, being a typical businessman with many commitments and lack of time, the Mini was barely used and with just 4200 miles from new, the Mini is now in my possession and has every bit of the appeal that it had 12 years ago. Unlike most Minis, it hasn't aged whatsoever over time and is as immaculate as it was when built.

To drive it is fabulous. It is remarkably smooth and quiet, even compared to a low mileage late Mini but when you build the engine speed up and give it full throttle it has an addictive muffled growl, faint straight cut gear whine and progressive power delivery that proves this is no ordinary unrefined 'cammy' performance A series.

Here is a pic of the Mini now at the MiniWorld Action Day last Saturday. It is identical in every way besides the addition of a canvas Webasto roof, Cooper grille (I have the orignal) and a good sprinkling of rain!

Wood framework is now finished for the BRG Countryman Sport we are building. The frame is ash and has the extended wooden arches that we are famous for, crafted by hand, it takes half a day each. The individual parts of the frame are stained both sides, twice. Then it is assembed and given several coats of top quality varnish. The frames are now ready for fitting with body caulking to stop moisture creaping between the wood and the body.

I found this whilst roaming on the internet. I believe its Subaru Impreza running gear..... with handlebars?? Must be the fastest quad ever!!

I took two orders this week, one is for a MOALA (Mini Owners of America and Los Angeles) member that I had the pleasure of meeting whilst visiting California a couple of times a while back (first time was Mini Meet West in Orange County a few years back, more about that another time). He was the owner of a great '65 Mini Traveller with S discs, wheels and a tuned 1293cc engine, with the licence plate 'MiniWag'. See the picture below of David and 'MiniWag' enjoying themselves!

David has purchased the Island Blue Mini Countryman from our 'Minis For Sale' section. Whilst not being one of our highly reputed 'full builds', its a tidy usable Mini with a late 1275 engine and, although the paintwork is reasonable, David plans to have it resprayed to replicate his old wagon. He has specced out a new biege vinyl interior retrim, S disc brakes and S reverse rim wheels. We hope to see a similar picture to the above of David burning rubber in this one when he receives it! Look out for MOALA in this months MiniWorld magazine.

The other order we have is for a very serious Mk1 Mini saloon, the order is from a customer here in England. He popped in to view a nice Mk1 850 we had in stock but it soon became apparent that 'nice' & '850' wasn't quite good enough for Peter. After talking through various options, Peter has come up with a wish list that most Mini enthusiasts would die for:- A fully restored to M-tech stardards Mk1 Mini with wind up window doors, gleaming new top quality paintwork, all Mk1 chrome badges grille bumpers etc., 4 pot disc brakes, 10" Minilite wheels (narrow enough to fit without arches but allowing some decent tyres to fit), heated windscreen, fully rebuilt powdercoated subframes with new suspension and a host of other desireables including a lightened, balanced rebuilt engine with a supercharger to give around 140bhp. This is going to be a real 'wolf in sheeps clothing'!! This project is due to start mid October.

If you haven't noticed it before, check the magazine feature in our 'Countryman Sport' section on a Countryman that we built with a supercharger for Skip in Texas. The suprecharger 'add on' really works with the good ol' A series engine to give easy power and very useful torque. One day I'll get a chance to build a Mini for myself with one!!

The last day in August, ouch! Where did that month go? M-tech is on full throttle with the Countryman Sport build as well as selling 3 cars in 1 week and trying to fit in a host of other smaller jobs.

We have some new Mini suspension springs on their way that we will be fitting to a 1380 Mini and after evaluating them hope to be agents for this exciting new product. We have fitted 'S-racer' springs in the past but availability is a problem as the full kit comes from the US. I'll let you know how these new ones fare.

I came across some pics from the 1999 MINI 40 Celebration show at Silverstone, I had the first Countryman Sport we produced on display there on the Mini Magazine stand in the grandly titled 'Best Mini In The World' contest! I wasn't too dissapointed when it was judged in 3rd place behind 2 immaculate 'money no object' Mk1 Cooper S's that cost their owners over twice the value of the M-tech Countryman Sport. I guess that made it the 'Best Modified Mini in the World'.

Great memories from a great show. Its a shame BMW doesn't get more involved with the classic Mini in the UK. The only way the MINI 50 is going to be anything like as good will be with a sponsor with big investments to make, as Rover did at the 40th. It would be great if the two Mini mags came together and made a single 50th celebration to be proud of. Only 3 years to go, that time will fly too!!

Work progressing with current M-tech Countryman Sport build. This one is for a US customer and has a number of options including Sportspack (13" wheels, extended wood rear arches), 1275 engine with stage 1 kit, full beige leather trim, walnut dash with magnolia gauges and walnut furniture. The colour is the beautiful Jaguar British Racing green. This is the third Mini we have built in this colour. More updates and pics to come.