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This restored, potent 1971 Mini could be yours
Sydney-based restorers, Modern Classic Cars, is raffling a restored and heavily reworked, 295bhp 1971 Morris Mini, to raise funds for its Foundation’s apprenticeship program.
The Modern Classic Cars Foundation trains the next generation of automotive tradespeople in specialist vehicle restoration. MCCF currently employs three apprentices in different trades and aims to have 10 by this time next year, given sufficient funding and support.
When Historic Vehicles inspected this little pocket rocket at MCC’s Bankstown (Sydney) HQ there was no external hint to its performance potential. However, with the bonnet up, it was obvious that the electrifiers had been involved.
At Historic Vehicles we’re in two minds about the trend to repower classic cars electrically, but there’s a growing market for such machinery. The growth is inevitable, particularly in the case of treasured vehicles for which there are no longer any vital engine and transmission parts to preserve originality.
The power package for this Performance Blue and Diamond Black ‘sleeper’ was obvious under-bonnet, with labelling from Welsh EV-repower specialists, Electric Classic Cars. Also, the flick-up fuel filler cap hid a fast-charge power socket.
ECC designed the first ever Tesla-powered Mini and is one of the leaders in electric conversions of classic cars from the 1950s to early 1980s – including iconic classic conversions of a Ferrari Testarossa and an Aston Martin Vantage.
The MCC Mini’s powertrain consisted of a Tesla Model 3 small motor, with output of 220kW (295bhp) and around 420Nm of torque. As with all EV powertrains, that torque was available from lift-off – hence the fitment of a Quaife ATB limited slip differential.
Front disc and rear drum brakes were from a 1990s model that provided improved stopping power. Adjustable coil-spring suspension allowed for changes to suit different driving styles. Wheels were genuine, UK-made Minilites.
If you’ve never driven a modern EV, you really can’t appreciate the dramatic but quiet, inexorable ‘push’ you get when you depress the accelerator. Even a ‘cooking’ Chinese EV has acceleration rivalling high-performance sports cars that cost many times as much. In terms of sheer grunt, the MCC Mini rivals that of the current John Cooper Works GP Mini.
Restricted space in the little 1971 MIni bodywork limited battery capacity, so the 32kWh volt box offered only up to 225km of range, but that’s plenty for car club daily drives and the odd track day.
The car had a 7kW charge system, with a full charge said to take less than five hours from flat.
The interior was obviously much better trimmed and finished than the factory’s sparse, 1971 BLMC fit-out, but the original layout and instrumentation positions were retained.
A custom made gauge cluster mounted centrally reflected the original Mini design, but was customised to operate with EV requirements (the fuel gauge measured battery charge level) and was accompanied by a custom-made drive selector, wireless phone charger and Mota-lita steering wheel.
Golf GTI Blue Tartan seat and door highlights were a tasteful choice, in conjunction with black Nappa leather. Floor covering was leather-edged charcoal wool carpet.
Tickets are available now and a raffle entry costs A$100: https://rafflelink.com.au/mccfevmini. The winner will be drawn on 14th January, 2026.
Modern Classic Cars Foundation
The specialist vehicle industry is in rapid decline, due to an ageing workforce, a shortage of apprentices and the high costs of training for small businesses. Modern Classic Cars Foundation’s mission is to address this decline, building a future where skilled automotive trades thrive and where young Australians have access to meaningful, hands-on careers.
As a registered charity, MCCF provides cost-free, supportive apprenticeships across trades including motor mechanical, auto electric, paint/panel, trimming and engine machining.
Each apprentice receives above award wages, a tool kit, PPE, uniforms, education and one-on-one mentorship, ensuring success for both young tradespeople and their future employers.
Australia’s historical vehicle sector generates $25.2 billion annually, supporting over 78,000 jobs. Modern Classic Cars Foundation exists to protect these jobs, preserve skills and build long-term career pathways.
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