Kit cars use all sorts of vehicles as donors; for example, with Cobras and seven-esque roadsters (Lotus, Caterham, etc.) being among the most popular, there are bound to be a few builders who think outside the box. I have been browsing JDM auctions with an eye to a possible future purchase, and I have come across a few gems that are too good not to share, including this Cobra-like roadster based on a front-wheel-drive classic BMC Mini, of all things.
Cobra replicas are popular on both sides of the Atlantic, North America and Europe, with donors varying between the two locations. In North America the major mechanical components are often sourced from Ford Mustangs of various vintages. In Europe, lacking a ready supply of cheap or damaged Mustangs, a Ford Cortina or Sierra often provides the running gear. Other vehicles have been used but they are generally something rear wheel drive based to provide similar proportions and driving experience.
Not so with our classic Mini based Corba as it features the transverse engine/gearbox layout of the front wheel drive donor Mini. An interesting choice when there are several BMC vehicles that use the A-series engine in a rear wheel drive format. The listing specified this one as a 850cc example which I would assume to be the 848cc which was sold from 1959 to 1980. The year of the car was listed as 1995 but model years are often meaningless on kit cars.
The engine retains a single carburetor, perhaps for packaging reasons, but has a few other performance and dress up features such as the alloy valve cover, red spark plug wires and upgraded hoses. The radiator has moved its traditional spot in a Mini; the side of the engine, likely to be in front of it. Perhaps this would solve one of the classic Minis flaws of the ignition getting wet. Stock output would have been 34hp likely making this one of the lowest powered Cobras.
Given the small size and front wheel drive the proportions are not too bad. Perhaps closer to the equally diminutive Berkeley roadsters.
The car looks great on a set of American Racing Libre rims. The fender mounted side view mirror is a nice hat tip to its Japanese location.
Moving to the interior we can see that this is no low dollar home built car, with some lovely bucket seats and what looks like a Moto-Lita steering wheel. The bigger speedometer of the Mini does not seem to be present but a full complement of Smiths gauges is probably a more genuine look.
One more look at the comfy looking buckets.
The builder has even gone to the lengths to fix a rather reasonable looking top. Again, more evidence that this is not a low cost build.
When I spotted this logo photo I had hopes that I would be able to trace down its heritage, but no luck so far with searches on “FG MAKE”. Perhaps if anyone of you are more successful you can comment below.
The Luft plate seems to be the selling dealership in Japan. This one was listed at 3 590 000 ¥ which is approximately $23 990 USD. I find it interesting that the builder re-used or added the Austin script on the boot lid. Morris valve cover, Austin badges and Cobra styling. Talk about confusing messages.
The rear angle is perhaps the most authentic Cobra looking. It could be mistaken for the rear thing at 100ft away and 100mph although I am not sure 848cc will get you that fast. Unfortunately, there are no underside photos so it is impossible to know if this rides on a bespoke space frame chassis or a stretched Mini platform. What are your thoughts on this odd Mini Cobra? Is it the most unusual donor you have seen?
That is just too cool and cute!
+1 Count me also as a fan!
I too like the cuteness of this tiny roadster .
I bet fitting a 1,275 C.C. BMC A engine would wake it right up .
Maybe a 5 speed box to make it sweeter yet .
-Nate
I love it!
Berkeley was the first thing to come to mind. I’m not surprised it’s Japanese as they do have a thing about iconic British cars and small packages.
I’m sorry, but I love it…
The small wheels (though at 12-inches they’re not 850 Mini 10” small) really help the proportions. Very nice!
Simultaneously terrible and endearing. I would have aimed for Berkely instead of Cobra, or perhaps a GT6 based Cobra Daytona Coupe?
I have another Japanese built Cobra to share and while not GT6 based it does use a small, rwd donor.
A new one on me and so many questions. Logically it would use the front and rear subframes from the donor Mini, but in the open bonnet shots I can’t see that. The SU carb looks bigger than a standard 848cc A series and if it was fitted with camshaft and manifolds readily available for an A series it could make more than 34bhp, probably not enough to live up to the Cobra looks though.
I’m just surprised they didn’t go for a Frogeye Sprite, but perhaps they like front wheel drive.