New body shell and originality

[wowfabthingies]

Hi - can anyone advise on what the view is on buying a classic car that has had a new body fitted and if having had this the originality of the car can still be claimed ? I am thinking of buying a 1970 Mini Cooper S (which are not cheap as you know!) which had a new BL body shell fitted 30 years ago but retained all other engine and ancillaries ? The log book shows the original car which I believe is correct and it comes with all history as it has only had one owner but can any one advise if this greatly affects the price ? Thanks

[TJC46]

Dont know if it would affect the value, but just as you are having a few doubts, then any future purchaser might also.

How many "original" mini coopers are out there.

I had a 1964 mini as my first car in 1977 until about 1990.

From memory it had new wings [twice] complete new front and back end. At least 2 sets of inner and outer sills. All the floor panels were renewed, new A panels, new door skins and hinges............................................

So where is the originality in that car ?

[wowfabthingies]

Thanks yes it's the same as Triggers broom in only fools and horses although he said he had had the same one for years it had three new handles and six heads ! I guess as the car has all of the history and it was owned by some known in the historic car business it is as safe as it can be.

[rallycross]

most 1970's mini's were rusted to scrap (in the UK) by the mid to late 1980's a re-shell would keep it going but its no longer the same car so has to be worth a fair bit less.

[Trabi601]

Before checking anything else - is it the right shell?

I'm no Mini expert - but I think a 1970 should be a MkII shell. If it was rebodied in the 80s, it may now have a MkIV shell.

These 'tax exempt' MkIV shape Minis are often found on eBay, some have been re-shelled, but most are just ringers.

Guess what I'm saying is tread very carefully and consider getting someone who knows Minis to have a look over it.