Hi from the other "Downunder"

[askalbert]

Hi all.

I am in Australia. I joined the forum to help find out more about the SA cars, specifically the GTS as I have purchased one, and don't know much of its history or originality. I can post a little about the car when it is clear where that should be posted - not wanting to muddy the "GTS" thread when much of my vehicle is an unknown. The "Minis Spec" area may be the one. It is possible someone on the forum knows the vehicle.

The above car joins a collection of "pets" ie projecs stored around and under my house, mostly Minis. Earliest Mini a 61 Aussie build, latest a 96 Rover Cooper scrapper bought as a parts car. I had been away from them for many years, but they started to return....

Non Minis include a couple of Range Rovers, an AH Sprite and an A40 Farina. Most (read all) need some work or other. Cars are patient things at times, at least when not in use.

Cheers

A.

[Vinay-RS]

Welcome to the forum. Looks like a nice clean clubby.

I think the engine number, gearbox number and chassis numbers would be the first things to check when identifying whether it is a GTS.
Other information, such as whether there are 7.5"/8.4" disc brakes and reverse lights, would help in narrowing down the year of production.

The registration is from Cape Town and the picture was taken at the Killarney race track. The minis in the background of that photo are a red GTS and supercharged mk1. (Not that that helps you at all )

Hope you can get all the correct information on the car. What are your plans for it? Restoration or restomodding?

[askalbert]

Thanks Vinay, and full points for recognition of the other vehicles.

The photo I believe was passed on to the exporter by the prior owner, the car has passed through two hands over here but remains as shown. First thoughts were to just register and drive, I may still do that to better appreciate what I have before going further.

Current thought is for a silver blue body with contrasting light grey roof, grey GTS stripes and wheels to match. I believe the engine has been changed, after a look around on this forum went back to the car and found the body plate on the rear parcel shelf which does match the underbonnet slam panel ID. I have no idea as to what the correct numbers should be for either, if there is a post somewhere that gives a clue please pass that on.

Whether a strictly kosher car or not, it will likely remain representative of such as a rarity on these shores. I likely won't be able to find any dates of significance without disassembling door locks or similar, the boot lock is not original and I suspect the same of the wiper motor.

I will post a little more on a separate thread when there is time.

A.

[Enzio]

Hi Albert.

Easy check on the body is to see if it has the extended lip beneath the arches. I see it is not fitted with the original items but mini special arches, so this may point to the lip having been cut off.

You are in luck being in Australia, as I understand replica GTS arches are made there since it was used on some of your local models.

Other GTS specific bits:
- Gearbox (can only really be identified by the number stamped on the layshaft, so not possible to check as is - 1040)
- Engine (should have 12GTSxxxx engine number)
- Head (11 stud with double valve springs and 35.6mm inlet valve, 29mm exhaust)

Other, more knowledgeable members (read anoraks) will chime in with more details

[Jared Mk3]

Welcome

Nice looking car you have there. The body number on the GTS was XAD2S I think. The GTS was basically an evolution of the GT (read, making it better). Get some more pictures up soon.

[askalbert]

Thanks Enzio and Jared.

A big relief on the body information, it has had some use and many cars end up being reshelled when bent. This has had a hit in the rear and replacement boot fitted. Engine is likely not original, ditto the interior. (I could be wrong in both cases.) I will need to get a copy of Ryno's book soon I guess. Yes, the GTS arches I see in some of the photos I see here are similar to Aussie Cooper S, Clubman S SS LS and GT. Perhaps second favourite in my mind to the UK Wood & Pickett arches for a road car.

I will post more on the "Your Classic Minis" section.

A.

http://samini.co.za/showthread.php?tid=428