This early and very original Mini arrived requiring a full restoration- as you can see by the photos, it was rescued from an orchard by the current owner. It was,despite the photos, in quite good condition. The first job was to take every part off the vehicle, label them and put in correct boxes for re-painting, re-chroming, or just to store in order for the refit.

 The next task, once the strip-down was complete, was to blast the shell. The work on the shell was made a lot easier by the fact that I had a custom-made roll-over frame.  As you can see the shell came up well but the boot floor had seen better days so the decision was made to replace it, as well as the N/s A panel, door skins, door frame bottoms and front panel repairs. Once all the welding was done, the shell was treated to several coats of 2-Pack primer and then a top coat of BMC Cherry Red. Whilst all the body refurbishment was being done the suspension and brakes were being completely overhauled. The rear required a new sub-frame, both sub-frames were blasted and then powder coated for durability, all new brake parts were used with new cables and pipes so that what we now had was as good as if not better than when it left the factory.  The engine was also given the once-over and got a new clutch, oil pump, water pump and had the head machined to accept unleaded fuel. It was then painted in BMC Green and refitted to the sub-frame on a purpose-built trolley.

  The running gear was refitted to the shell along with all new fuel and brake pipes and also a new wiring loom was fitted. The wheels were refurbished in Old English White and new Firestone tyres. With the shell now rolling,, the front seats were refurbished with new webbing and padding, then fitted along with a new carpet trimmed with the original heel rubbers. Due to the poor condition of the original, a new white trim set was required. Once this was all fitted along with the glass it was time for its first MOT for 20 years, it passed first time and also ran like a Swiss watch, a job well done.

  The fully refurbished Mini was then transported nearly 600miles to be reunited with its ecstatic owner who then drove the Mini for the first time since its liberation from the orchard all those years ago.

We received this testimonial from the owner of the car..

"I saw a write-up in Mini World introducing a new restoration company.
 I found Keith to be enthusiastic, interested and above all else to have the care and skills needed to do the best possible restoration. The communication throughout was fantastic, with weekly updates via phone and email pics keeping me up to date. The car was delivered back to me for Christmas 2002, I was quite speechless!  I have enjoyed the experience throughout and I can not recommend ASK Restorations enough, they have created a master piece. 773 LKJ is as good as new.  

My trust in ASK Restorations is complete, nobody else will touch a Mini of mine again." - Bill Bell

Click the thumbnails for full scale pics.......