Returning after 38 years!
Discussion
New to this section of PH, so hello 
Thought I'd share a little story with you. All being well, in about 2 months I will be driving a Mini 850 back to the UK from the Italian Lakes and I am *very* excited!
The car originally belonged to my mother way back when in 1975 - she bought it when it was about 18 months old (we think it's a '73 car) and very shortly after that ended up driving it to Basel (Switzerland), with my then 5 year old sis in the back, to meet my dad. They then continued on to Rome where my father lived at the time. Several years passed, I was born and my parents ended up back in the UK, but the Mini stayed pizza side as we used to move back and forth during the year quite regularly. Fast forward to the late 80s and my parents unfortunately went their separate ways, but the Mini stayed in Rome as my father divided his time evenly between there and the UK where I was. I have fond memories of zipping round Rome, having flown out during school hols, in the car when I was a young boy with my dad exhibiting 'special' Italian driving
It also made the odd trip to the Chianti region of Tuscany to visit my uncle in the old family house in the hills and was the proper car for it, making the roads feel huge (compared to modern cars, I was there recently in a new Fiat 500 rental and it felt enormous!) and mixing it up with original Fiat 500s, 126s and the like. At about the same time, if memory serves, my dad had most/all of the interior carpet ripped out and replaced as it was looking rather scruffy. (Un)Luckily the fake 'leather' (vinyl?!) seats had still stood the test of time so they remained intact! At the age of 14, it was also the first car I ever drove - my dad took me to some private roads about 10 mins from our flat in a southern suburb of Rome and I had my first driving experience. I think I managed 3rd gear and was thrilled and terrified in equal measures! doing about 19mph!
Come 2001, my father sadly passed away. While it was a truly sad time, I do have fond memories of 'negotiating' rush hour traffic in Rome to go visit him in hospital that year in the Mini, a bit of a baptism of fire for a 19 year old used to modern(ish) cars and more countryside-like British traffic! The Mini performed admirably, could be parked in spaces you wouldn't believe, and even as at teenager, it was a close run thing to choose between taking the Mini and my dad's BMW 320i for a journey at the time - although the BMW did have a silky smooth straight 6 which I have to say I do miss even now (E30 320 hard tops seem to be rare has hen's teeth at the mo!). Sadly, my step mother did not drive so the car then began its dormant period which lasted nigh on 11 years. It had about 38k miles on it at that point if memory serves and I subsequently lost track of it and assumed it had been sold/scrapped or rusted into a pile of red dust.
Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago and I ended up back in Tuscany for a few days for the rather sad event of my uncle's (specifically my father's younger brother's) funeral. My uncle was a true petrolhead (much more than my dad actually!) to his dying day so I think he would approve of what happened next My half sis happened to be at the funeral (it was short notice, she didn't think she would make it) which was great as I hadn't seen her in 12 years (long story, nothing bad, just life getting in the way of stuff). It randomly came up in conversation that she had actually ended up with the Mini and it was in their garage! I asked about it and expected to hear it was a seized heap that was unsold/scrapped due to nostalgic reasons. Turns out I was completely wrong! She and her husband, after not using it for 10 years or so, had decided to get it 'recommissioned' a year or so ago 
AND they were looking to get rid of it to free up some space!
So, after a quick chat, we agreed that I'd reimburse them for the money they spent to get it running again and that I'd come and pick it up, which is where we find ourselves now While I understand that the car is actually worth a decent chunk of money, that is inconsequential the sentimental value it has to my family in general - especially my now somewhat, erm, 'aged' mum (she'll kill me for this, luckily she's pants at internet stuff so I'm probably safe :P) who is MEGA excited that the car still even exists, let alone drives after nearly 40 years!
So, in a few weeks, the adventure begins I'm genuinely worried about whether we'll make it back in sensible time (I need to quiz my half sis about the exact state of the car). But the flights are booked, we;ve given ourselves a whole weekend(!) and my mate is coming with to share the driving, and he's bringing a Haynes Manual :P What could possibly go wrong?! I've driven from London to Ulaan Bataar in a Daewoo Matiz in 28 days, yet this makes me more nervous! It's a funny old world
Thought I'd share a little story with you. All being well, in about 2 months I will be driving a Mini 850 back to the UK from the Italian Lakes and I am *very* excited!
The car originally belonged to my mother way back when in 1975 - she bought it when it was about 18 months old (we think it's a '73 car) and very shortly after that ended up driving it to Basel (Switzerland), with my then 5 year old sis in the back, to meet my dad. They then continued on to Rome where my father lived at the time. Several years passed, I was born and my parents ended up back in the UK, but the Mini stayed pizza side as we used to move back and forth during the year quite regularly. Fast forward to the late 80s and my parents unfortunately went their separate ways, but the Mini stayed in Rome as my father divided his time evenly between there and the UK where I was. I have fond memories of zipping round Rome, having flown out during school hols, in the car when I was a young boy with my dad exhibiting 'special' Italian driving
It also made the odd trip to the Chianti region of Tuscany to visit my uncle in the old family house in the hills and was the proper car for it, making the roads feel huge (compared to modern cars, I was there recently in a new Fiat 500 rental and it felt enormous!) and mixing it up with original Fiat 500s, 126s and the like. At about the same time, if memory serves, my dad had most/all of the interior carpet ripped out and replaced as it was looking rather scruffy. (Un)Luckily the fake 'leather' (vinyl?!) seats had still stood the test of time so they remained intact! At the age of 14, it was also the first car I ever drove - my dad took me to some private roads about 10 mins from our flat in a southern suburb of Rome and I had my first driving experience. I think I managed 3rd gear and was thrilled and terrified in equal measures! doing about 19mph!Come 2001, my father sadly passed away. While it was a truly sad time, I do have fond memories of 'negotiating' rush hour traffic in Rome to go visit him in hospital that year in the Mini, a bit of a baptism of fire for a 19 year old used to modern(ish) cars and more countryside-like British traffic! The Mini performed admirably, could be parked in spaces you wouldn't believe, and even as at teenager, it was a close run thing to choose between taking the Mini and my dad's BMW 320i for a journey at the time - although the BMW did have a silky smooth straight 6 which I have to say I do miss even now (E30 320 hard tops seem to be rare has hen's teeth at the mo!). Sadly, my step mother did not drive so the car then began its dormant period which lasted nigh on 11 years. It had about 38k miles on it at that point if memory serves and I subsequently lost track of it and assumed it had been sold/scrapped or rusted into a pile of red dust.
Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago and I ended up back in Tuscany for a few days for the rather sad event of my uncle's (specifically my father's younger brother's) funeral. My uncle was a true petrolhead (much more than my dad actually!) to his dying day so I think he would approve of what happened next
My half sis happened to be at the funeral (it was short notice, she didn't think she would make it) which was great as I hadn't seen her in 12 years (long story, nothing bad, just life getting in the way of stuff). It randomly came up in conversation that she had actually ended up with the Mini and it was in their garage! I asked about it and expected to hear it was a seized heap that was unsold/scrapped due to nostalgic reasons. Turns out I was completely wrong! She and her husband, after not using it for 10 years or so, had decided to get it 'recommissioned' a year or so ago AND they were looking to get rid of it to free up some space! So, after a quick chat, we agreed that I'd reimburse them for the money they spent to get it running again and that I'd come and pick it up, which is where we find ourselves now
While I understand that the car is actually worth a decent chunk of money, that is inconsequential the sentimental value it has to my family in general - especially my now somewhat, erm, 'aged' mum (she'll kill me for this, luckily she's pants at internet stuff so I'm probably safe :P) who is MEGA excited that the car still even exists, let alone drives after nearly 40 years!So, in a few weeks, the adventure begins
I'm genuinely worried about whether we'll make it back in sensible time (I need to quiz my half sis about the exact state of the car). But the flights are booked, we;ve given ourselves a whole weekend(!) and my mate is coming with to share the driving, and he's bringing a Haynes Manual :P What could possibly go wrong?! I've driven from London to Ulaan Bataar in a Daewoo Matiz in 28 days, yet this makes me more nervous! It's a funny old world This sounds like a great story coming up for one of the Mini Magazines! I've been around Minis since they were new and still have one at 64 years old (me not the car), but not quite growed up yet!
If I was attempting a trip like that - which I certainly would - with an unknown car I would take along a few bits of simple stuff to get me out of trouble.
A simple tool kit
A 5 litre container of clean water
Some stiff wire to hold an exhaust bracket
A few bits of electrical wire and insulating tape
A roll of Self amalgamating tape (used to wrap electrical joints) which is great for repairing a burst radiator hose
Some radiator sealer
A roll of gaffer tape
There's not much point in carrying spares - it's always something you didn't bring which fails!
Unless, of course there are some things with it which you are bringing home anyway.
Don't forget that you need spare bulbs, dayglo vest, warning triangle and possibly a fire extinguisher in SOME countries.
Take your time and don't press on if it overheats - wait for a while and enjoy the scenery till it cools.
Wish I could come too!
Enjoy the trip!
If you need any info, PM me (even on the trip if you have access) and I'll see what I can do.
If I was attempting a trip like that - which I certainly would - with an unknown car I would take along a few bits of simple stuff to get me out of trouble.
A simple tool kit
A 5 litre container of clean water
Some stiff wire to hold an exhaust bracket
A few bits of electrical wire and insulating tape
A roll of Self amalgamating tape (used to wrap electrical joints) which is great for repairing a burst radiator hose
Some radiator sealer
A roll of gaffer tape
There's not much point in carrying spares - it's always something you didn't bring which fails!
Unless, of course there are some things with it which you are bringing home anyway.
Don't forget that you need spare bulbs, dayglo vest, warning triangle and possibly a fire extinguisher in SOME countries.
Take your time and don't press on if it overheats - wait for a while and enjoy the scenery till it cools.
Wish I could come too!
Enjoy the trip!
If you need any info, PM me (even on the trip if you have access) and I'll see what I can do.
What a great story. Look forward to seeing some pictures. Sounds like you took part in the Mongol rally, I also took part in that about 7years ago and took a Mini 1000.
I have also driven from Essex to the Italian lakes in a classic car. It must be the best drive I have ever done, you will absolutly love it. It took me 2 days to drive there taking it easy. In terms of what to take, I think I would take a fan belt, oil, water, points and condenser, wet and dry and some wire, make sure you have a spare wheel. Obviously a feeler guage, 9/16 and 1/2" spanner some screwdrivers etc....
I have also driven from Essex to the Italian lakes in a classic car. It must be the best drive I have ever done, you will absolutly love it. It took me 2 days to drive there taking it easy. In terms of what to take, I think I would take a fan belt, oil, water, points and condenser, wet and dry and some wire, make sure you have a spare wheel. Obviously a feeler guage, 9/16 and 1/2" spanner some screwdrivers etc....
Thanks for the advice/support everyone Taken me a while to reply as it's been a busy few days recently. We'll prob try and take a few basics out with us, other than that we'll have to rely on spares that my sis may have (minimal probably) and then just cros our fingers! Current thinking is to try and get it on an auto train from Lyon to Paris on Sat night so we don't have to do 300+ miles on the motorway!
Taken me a while to reply as it's been a busy few days recently. We'll prob try and take a few basics out with us, other than that we'll have to rely on spares that my sis may have (minimal probably) and then just cros our fingers! Current thinking is to try and get it on an auto train from Lyon to Paris on Sat night so we don't have to do 300+ miles on the motorway!bmt216a said:
What a great story. Look forward to seeing some pictures. Sounds like you took part in the Mongol rally, I also took part in that about 7years ago and took a Mini 1000.
I have also driven from Essex to the Italian lakes in a classic car. It must be the best drive I have ever done, you will absolutly love it. It took me 2 days to drive there taking it easy. In terms of what to take, I think I would take a fan belt, oil, water, points and condenser, wet and dry and some wire, make sure you have a spare wheel. Obviously a feeler guage, 9/16 and 1/2" spanner some screwdrivers etc....
Yup, was the Mongol Rally I have also driven from Essex to the Italian lakes in a classic car. It must be the best drive I have ever done, you will absolutly love it. It took me 2 days to drive there taking it easy. In terms of what to take, I think I would take a fan belt, oil, water, points and condenser, wet and dry and some wire, make sure you have a spare wheel. Obviously a feeler guage, 9/16 and 1/2" spanner some screwdrivers etc....
Great fun but I wish we'd been able to take more time to do it so we could have stopped and appreciated stuff moreThis is a fantastic story Mario,
In a similar vain, but nowhere near as epic.
I drove my brothers mini back from Tuscany a few years ago after a 4 year spell in Casole d'elsa, (It was either going to die down there or be repatriated for semi restoration). Awesome drive through piedmont and crossing through bardonecchia. We ended up breaking down 20km from the nearest village south of Dijon but found an old screw on the floor in a lay-by and bodged it into the distributor cap where the carbon rod used to be. This got us to the next town where it broke and conked out again, where we found an old bloke in a bar who took us to his yard and fashioned a make shift distributor cap from bits of citroen. This carried us home safely to Somerset and I believe the bodge is still in there today, though the car is now in storage.
Good luck, have fun, I recommend some form of repatriation RAC breakdown cover, just incase. For the sake of maybe 100 quid, you can fully enjoy the ride. So many options for the route back, really exciting stuff.
Post photos of the highlights for sure.
In a similar vain, but nowhere near as epic.
I drove my brothers mini back from Tuscany a few years ago after a 4 year spell in Casole d'elsa, (It was either going to die down there or be repatriated for semi restoration). Awesome drive through piedmont and crossing through bardonecchia. We ended up breaking down 20km from the nearest village south of Dijon but found an old screw on the floor in a lay-by and bodged it into the distributor cap where the carbon rod used to be. This got us to the next town where it broke and conked out again, where we found an old bloke in a bar who took us to his yard and fashioned a make shift distributor cap from bits of citroen. This carried us home safely to Somerset and I believe the bodge is still in there today, though the car is now in storage.
Good luck, have fun, I recommend some form of repatriation RAC breakdown cover, just incase. For the sake of maybe 100 quid, you can fully enjoy the ride. So many options for the route back, really exciting stuff.
Post photos of the highlights for sure.
We fly out tonight, journey starts at the crack of dawn tomorrow from Novara all being well Going to try and get the few bits together as suggested above by Orcadian. If anyone is familiar with diagnosing/fixing Minis if they break down and is feeling uber generous, feel free to PM me your phone number so that I have an expert to consult should we grind to a halt somewhere....every little helps!
Going to try and get the few bits together as suggested above by Orcadian. If anyone is familiar with diagnosing/fixing Minis if they break down and is feeling uber generous, feel free to PM me your phone number so that I have an expert to consult should we grind to a halt somewhere....every little helps!
Pixel-Snapper said:
Crikey looks a minter too.
I'm not by any stretch of the imagination an expert, but to my eye she does seem in good condition cosmetically (no rust I can see) and mechanically. Not sure how much work my sis had done to it in the last few years but it's clearly been looked after. Only minor issues I have found so far1) engine sometimes idles a little low when it's warm and the ignition light seems to flicker on as a warning but it doesn't cut out
2) you can pull the heater nob to turn on, but it doesn't want to go back in as it's stiff, you have to close manually in the engine bay - probably just needs some WD40
3) sunroof is v stiff and currently doesn't want to open more than an inch or so, might just need a bit of carefully working back and forth
4) windscreen squirter doesn't work, hoping it just needs a new fuse?
Overall not bad for a 40 year old girl I think!
Wow Mario!
That really looks a great little car and I'm pleased that you got home without any real problems. Sorry I didn't see your plea for help with a phone number until too late - we've been on a big trip from Orkney to Germany and Austria. Unfortunately not with our Mini, but in the Blingo Van so we could bring lots of wine home!
Hope you can put your big story in a Mini mag sometime soon.
Regards,
Ian
www.stallard-engineering.co.uk
That really looks a great little car and I'm pleased that you got home without any real problems. Sorry I didn't see your plea for help with a phone number until too late - we've been on a big trip from Orkney to Germany and Austria. Unfortunately not with our Mini, but in the Blingo Van so we could bring lots of wine home!
Hope you can put your big story in a Mini mag sometime soon.
Regards,
Ian
www.stallard-engineering.co.uk
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