I
t
a
l
i
a
n
J
o
b
2
0
0
2
T
e
a
m
3
9
Our Mini (Charlie) is a 1991 Rover Mini Cooper, 1275cc (carb, not efi). The standard exhaust
(incl. cat) has been binned in favour of a 2" straight-through stainless centre system, with
a matching K&N air-filter giving a Stage-1 tune. The points have been upgraded to electronic
ignition. The shell has been fitted with Rover Sportspack arches, which barely cover the 175/50 R13
Bridgestone tyres on Minilite-style alloys. Everything else is standard Cooper spec except for
halogen headlights, 4 spotlights, twin airhorns, an upgraded stereo, and various security devices.
We bought it especially to do the Italian Job, from P&L Mini's in
South Yorkshire. The stunning airbrushed paint-job on the roof is a speciality of theirs, and
received admiring comments wherever we went. Charlie behaved faultlessly during the event,
returning 43mpg overall and only blowing the odd fuse due to overuse of the spotlights and airhorns...