Press kit

Dakar Mini

Press kit: Story, photos and video of the Dakar Mini. Free for editorial use with credit.

01Story

Pure. Lightweight. Always on the limit.

Some say an 850cc Mini is a definite no-go. This one will make you smile ear to ear. Back in the day the Mini came in one form only: 848cc, no bigger capacity, no disc brakes. What there was back in the day, that is what this one is about. And we're trying to save every kg possible.

THE CAR

•Year: 1961
•Engine: 848cc, fully balanced and ported, flowed SU carbs, electronic fuel pumps
•Weight: < 600 kg
•Brakes: Original drum brakes, FIA spec
•Wheels: 10 inch, original FIA spec
•Safety: Full roll cage, foam tank infill, central mass switch
•Windows: Polycarbonate all around, original front glass
•Paint: Original PPG red, classic Austin Seven colour
•Papers: F.I.A. homologation No. 1047, Royal Automobile Club, valid from 1/9/59' in the Touring category
•Status: Brooks workshop car

•Year: 1961
•Engine: 848cc, fully balanced and ported, flowed SU carbs, electronic fuel pumps
•Weight: < 600 kg
•Brakes: Original drum brakes, FIA spec
•Wheels: 10 inch, original FIA spec
•Safety: Full roll cage, foam tank infill, central mass switch
•Windows: Polycarbonate all around, original front glass
•Paint: Original PPG red, classic Austin Seven colour
•Papers: F.I.A. homologation No. 1047, Royal Automobile Club, valid from 1/9/59' in the Touring category
•Status: Brooks workshop car

She left England in 61', dressed in red, right-hand drive, as an Austin Seven. What happened in the decades that followed is largely quiet. Tucked away somewhere on the island for a long, long time. She surfaced in Italy in the early 00's, where her bodywork was fully restored. Then she found her way to us, and stories started being made again. A few years ago we put her through the FIA homologation process and came out the other side with Recognition No. 1047, the only 848cc Mini in the world carrying these papers. And the only Mini in existence with a 59' homologation.

Under the bonnet sits a completely balanced and ported 850, with flowed carbs and electronic fuel pumps. Polycarbonate windows all around keep the weight where we want it. The roll cage keeps things serious. Foam tank infill. Central mass switch. She weighs under 600kg and puts between 50 and 60hp to the wheels. On paper that sounds modest. On the road it is anything but.

02Photos

15 selected · full set in the ZIPAll photosZIP

Photography by Noël van Bilsen (@noelvanbilsen) · Please credit Brooks Motors / Noël van Bilsen