Go the mighty Mini Clubman
Shelly the 1975 Mini Clubman
Dedicated to the love of my 1975 Mini Clubman, and the fun things I do with her.
Some club meets (I’m a member of Minis Waikato Inc ).
Some drives around the countryside.
Some modifications, and upgrades, and repairs 🥹
News & Blogs
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Two Days, One Classic Mini, and Approximately Zero Brakes
There are road trips, and then there are Classic Mini road trips. A normal road trip involves sensible things. Air conditioning. Cruise control. Cup holders. A vehicle that was designed after the invention of the cassette tape. Maybe even brakes that remain…
The Joy, Drama, and Tiny Electrical Gremlins of Owning a 1975 Classic Mini
The Joy, Drama, and Tiny Electrical Gremlins of Owning a 1975 Classic Mini There are many sensible ways to commute to work. A modern car, for example, will usually start when asked. It will have cup holders, Bluetooth, airbags, heated mirrors, and probably some sort…
And so the blog journey begins
🚗 Welcome to the New Classic Mini NZ — A Home for Kiwi Mini Enthusiasts! If you love the charm, history, and community surrounding classic Minis, there’s something exciting on the horizon for you. Introducing the brand-new website…
About Shelly
The Shelly project
So, in September 2024 I pulled the plug on an, average at best, Mini Clubman.
It came from a member of the Mini Car Club of Auckland.
I knew from the very start this would be a “mission”, and boy what a mission it has been!
My Mission
When I bought the car my sister asked me “what’s the plan with this car?”.
Well, it started out as a replacement for motorcycles. Y’know weekend trips to coffee shops.
Then I found rust!
After stressing, pacing, drinking, I decided bugger it all, I’m going to restore this car to a car I can use every weekend if I want. A car that is reliable, looks great, drives great, a proper restoration project.
The Players
A Great Car is made by a Team
It’s not very often a project like this is a one man effort.
And definitely not in this case!
This car is great because of a team of people and businesses that have helped me along the way.
The Engine
Not a great deal has been done to the engine.
I bought a set of twin SU carburettors and paid Classic Mini Spares, in Te Puke to install them, along with a larger exhaust.
I’ve bought a replacement starter motor, coil, and alternator.
The Bodywork
I found rust !
My friends at Bernie Fama Panel and Paint, Jamie Mace, and David Van’t Wout were absolute legends helping me out.
I’ve never done a body restoration before, and those two mostly gave me shit, and teased me about my love life, but genuinely did magic with my car.
Thanks heaps guys!
The Interior
More magic came from Shayne Forkert at Master Trim.
I bought some slightly more modern front seats, then visited Master trim.
Shayne had some great ideas for the upholstery.
He asked me about my “vision” for the car, what a legend question to ask when helping fulfil my vision!
Thanks Shayne.
The Sounds
Of course I started with a visit to James Wilkins from Mad Soundz Hamilton.
James has built the sound systems in 3 of my previous cars (read about my Cannon), but this time, the Mini just seemed too hard, too custom, and probably too expensive (we didn’t even talk about costs).
So, I did it myself!
- 1x Kenwood KMM-BT304 Head unit
- 2x Rockford Fosgate P142 punch series front 2-way speakers
- 2x Rockford Fosgate R169x3 6X9″ speakers
- 1x Rockford Fosgate P300-10T 10 inch powered sub woofer
The Decals
Well, I started with AliExpress decals.
I shopped around and found some; I wanted it similar to my Cannon with a chequered flag vibe. 🏁
Then people commented on how shit the decals were 😳
So a trip to Nic Ross at Hamilton Stripes and Signs, with a sheepish look on my face “Hey Nic, can you make my car look less shit?”
The answer was of course, YES!
The Electrics
12v systems are right up my alley.
I’ve been fiddling with 12 volts for as long as I can remember, so when things started bugging out in the electrical system it was a job for me.
A lot of the electrics have been replaced, including two new fuse boxes (Minis don’t normally have a fuse box), and LEDs where I can without breaking the law (You’re not allowed LED headlights in old cars in NZ .. basically).
Why own a Mini?
So you’re thinking of buying yourself a Mini?
Parts availability
Parts are readily available!
Two specific businesses come to mind.
Classic Mini Spares
Minibitz
The People
You meet the nicest people while driving around in your Mini.
Just about everyone has a “Mini story” 💖
Affordable Price
Stuff is pretty cheap!
I paid $295 for a starter motor .. that’s pretty cheap!
100% Satisfaction
This car is SO much fun!
I guarantee driving a Mini will make you smile every time!
Men want to be you
Women want you
Cost of restoring
Fun
What people are saying
Stuff I’ve heard people say
” As far as restorations go, this is one of the best in the Waikato “
Paul “Pawlie” Smith
Mini owner
” My partner and I saw you roll up to the beach that day! We were sat by the dairy on the corner. It brought us a great deal of joy seeing that little gem roll through, windows down blasting Katy Perry with two big smiles behind the windscreen 
“
Jeremy Epplett
Random dude on the street
” Yeow“
Rob Joyce
Mini owner
Lets see some pics
Show us Shelly
Here’s a sweet gallery of pics
Paul Willard
Meet our expert Driver
Paul Willard
The Driver
I’m basically a geek.
Although I do like cars, and I do like OLD cars.
I’ve had a few old cars in my life:
- 1986 75 Twin Spark Alfa Romeo
- 1968 13/60 Triumph Herald
- 1990 Chris Amon Toyota Corona
I run a few websites about stuff and things: