Learning Curve
MiniWorld|April 2017

Gavin Bowern sourced a new engine for his first Mini but, feeling it was actually too good for the old car, he went in search of a new project for his first full-on rebuild with his dad. It has evolved into an homage to the Mk3 Cooper S.

Jim Jupp
Learning Curve

Gavin Bowern felt that his 1980s Mini could really do with a new engine, and, looking on the net, found himself what he’d hoped was a suitable starting point. But there was trouble ahead. “I did the classic thing of buying an engine off eBay and it was the biggest pile of s*** going.” Gavin’s dad, Tony, explains their frustration with the supposedly ‘reconditioned’ engine. “We couldn’t believe it. It looked like they’d gone round a workshop finding bits and put it all together. They painted it a lovely blue. I kept looking at it in disbelief. The rockers were covered in dirt but were not oily. In the end we just took it to bits. There were a lot of wrong and worn out parts. All we had was a good water pump. Everything else was knackered.” The next rebuild, performed by Ted Sparrow at East Anglian Mini Centre, became extensive with work required on the crank, a replacement camshaft, re-bore and suitable pistons. “The crank was usable but some work needed to be done to it.” The gearbox also needed a rebuild. The 1275cc A+ Metro block had to be bored to 1330cc, a capacity very much defined by the poor state of the bores.

The gearbox retains a standard single pin differential, which is an unusual choice for a tuned 1330cc engine. “I didn’t know any different!” admits Gavin. A lot of Mini owners would opt for a beefier option. “Looking back I would have done things a bit differently.”

With a completely rebuilt engine the project took a sharp change of direction. “This engine was going to go in my old Mini. As the engine was as good as new after rebuilding it, I ended up building up a new car to go with it. Started afresh,” Gavin laughs. A few parts were used from the 1980’s Mini, and the car found a new home via East Anglian Mini Centre.

Denne historien er fra April 2017-utgaven av MiniWorld.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra April 2017-utgaven av MiniWorld.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA MINIWORLDSe alt
Skin Deep
MiniWorld

Skin Deep

Scott Whitmore raced Mini Stox from the age of 10 and bought his first road Mini at 14. He already knew he was going to work in car body restoration. Just as well really...

time-read
7 mins  |
December 2019
Master Class
MiniWorld

Master Class

Back when concours restos were on the fringe of the mainstream scene, Roy Gudge joined a small band of visionaries who made their Mini Coopers better than new. He tells us about his stunning twice-restored 998cc Mk2 Cooper.

time-read
10+ mins  |
December 2019
Weekend Warrior
MiniWorld

Weekend Warrior

This early Clubman was destined for a tough dual-purpose life as a daily driver and international competition car but a thorough restoration has given it a surprising third role, as a prize-winning show car.

time-read
10 mins  |
November 2019
Tyred & Tested
MiniWorld

Tyred & Tested

Martin Hockley took what was a relatively plain-looking Mini Van and turned it into an eye-catching homage to a great British brand.

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2019
The Italian Job 50th Anniversary With Art
MiniWorld

The Italian Job 50th Anniversary With Art

Bex Celebrates The Iconic Italian Job Anniversary With Her Exclusive Signed Artworks.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2019
Mothballed Revival
MiniWorld

Mothballed Revival

Even though Michael Gill’s humble 1972 Austin Mini 1000 had been unused for eight years when he bought it back in 2015, it still required a thorough restoration.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2019
A Mini Addiction
MiniWorld

A Mini Addiction

Gary Pearson, of SELKent Mini Club, is a self-confessed Miniholic…

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2017
Rylstone Classic
MiniWorld

Rylstone Classic

Rylstone Classic

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2017
Goodwood Revival
MiniWorld

Goodwood Revival

Goodwood Revival

time-read
1 min  |
November 2017
Legendary Grand Tour
MiniWorld

Legendary Grand Tour

Legendary Grand Tour

time-read
1 min  |
November 2017