USD 45,000.00
Contact Information
Phone: +1 8053166464
E-Mail: sales@gildredracing.com
Address: Open In New Tab
Summary
Location: United States / California
Year Of Manufacture: 1988
Mileage: 1 mil / 1 km
SPECIFICATIONS
- Year Of Manufacture: 1988
- Mileage: 1 mil / 1 km
- Car Type: Saloon
- Drive: N/A
- Condition: Restoration Project
- Interior Colour: Orange
- Number Of Doors: 2
- Number Of Seats: 4
- Location: United States / California
- Exterior Colour: Green
- Gearbox: Manual
- Performance: 0 PS
- Drivetrain: N/A
- Fuel Type: Petrol
DESCRIPTION
We have a 1988 classic Mini with a VTEC D15 JDM motor installed in a MiniTec MTD front subframe. It’s a clean, well-executed swap with plenty of thoughtful upgrades throughout. Some of the standout mods include our custom-welded aluminum intake manifold, a custom fuel rail, a short shifter, and a coil-on-plug conversion that replaces the standard plugs. It’s a setup that delivers both reliability and performance.
One of the most unique features is the air conditioning system. Rather than using a traditional engine-mounted compressor, this build features a Vintage Air system paired with an electronic compressor mounted in the boot. We tested it—it works great and completely solves the A/C challenge most VTEC Minis struggle with.
Inside, the car features a full interior swap from a newer-era Mini, likely around 2010. It fit right in without major modification, which is pretty remarkable. While it’s not trimmed to a Super Cooper level, it’s comfortable and fully functional. The dash could use a new switch panel and a few minor updates, but overall, it has a fresh, usable feel.
Driving it was a pleasant surprise. The torque steer is minimal, and the power delivery is smooth and lively. It’s the kind of car someone can buy and immediately enjoy—no weird handling quirks or sketchy conversions like you sometimes see with VTEC Minis.
We do have a short list of recommended improvements to take it to the next level, but as it stands, this is a much better-than-average example of a VTEC-swapped Mini. If you’ve never driven one before, this car is a fantastic place to start.
The car is registered with a Texas title. Sadly no it’s not a California legal car yet. If Jet Leno can make progress with his classic car bill that could change!
One of the most unique features is the air conditioning system. Rather than using a traditional engine-mounted compressor, this build features a Vintage Air system paired with an electronic compressor mounted in the boot. We tested it—it works great and completely solves the A/C challenge most VTEC Minis struggle with.
Inside, the car features a full interior swap from a newer-era Mini, likely around 2010. It fit right in without major modification, which is pretty remarkable. While it’s not trimmed to a Super Cooper level, it’s comfortable and fully functional. The dash could use a new switch panel and a few minor updates, but overall, it has a fresh, usable feel.
Driving it was a pleasant surprise. The torque steer is minimal, and the power delivery is smooth and lively. It’s the kind of car someone can buy and immediately enjoy—no weird handling quirks or sketchy conversions like you sometimes see with VTEC Minis.
We do have a short list of recommended improvements to take it to the next level, but as it stands, this is a much better-than-average example of a VTEC-swapped Mini. If you’ve never driven one before, this car is a fantastic place to start.
The car is registered with a Texas title. Sadly no it’s not a California legal car yet. If Jet Leno can make progress with his classic car bill that could change!
