Latest Tolman project transforms Mini Cooper S
Fuel injection, almost 100hp, Bilstein dampers and Bluetooth for Tolman's mega Mini
They’re busy boys and girls at Tolman right now. There are apparently four 205 GTIs in build, set for completion next year; we’ll see two more '80s icons recommissioned in 2025 as well. And the end of this year is being marked in some style, too, as its latest 'one-off' build, a 1968 Mini Cooper S, has just been completed.
Interestingly, this little red rocket hasn’t been created by a customer desperate to jump onto the restomod craze. They’ve owned the Mini for a decade, and turned to Tolman ‘to create a Mini he could enjoy as a daily with all the charm of the original, but with fewer of the pitfalls of a 56-year-old car.’ Even in its newly rejuvenated (presumably quite valuable) form, this will be put to regular use on a commute and as a fun classic, which is great to hear. Certainly the spec would suggest that this is going to be an absolute hoot. Power from the 1,275cc A Series is up to 90hp - plenty with just 685kg to fling along - thanks to the introduction of fuel injection and a bespoke Tolman exhaust. There’s also 80lb ft from 3,000rpm-6,000rpm, which will help everyday drivability, as will an electronic engine management system. But keeping just four gears and an open diff should mean an authentically Mini experience.
Extra goodies for the chassis include ditching the hydroelastic suspension for KAD adjustable tie rods and Bilstein dampers, ATEC CNC brake lines and Dunlop Aquajet tyres. The latter deliberately chosen to make sure the Cooper S isn’t overly grippy - ‘lively when driven hard’ is the promise, which sounds excellent.
Of course the mechanical improvements are only part of the appeal to a project like this. Tolman spent a year on the Mini, taking it back to the bare shell and reassembling to ensure even panel gaps. The original brightwork and headlining have been retained, but plenty has been upgraded as well, including heated screens, LED lights and even - luxury of luxuries - a rev counter. There’s a Bluetooth stereo, plus paint and underside protection, so it’s now a Mini made for anything and everything the owner now wants to throw at it.
“The Mini is already a famously fun and practical car to own, our job was to take these attributes to the next level," Chris Tolman said. “In keeping with our previous projects, our team’s decades of motorsports experience have not been used to create the fastest Mini possible – instead we’ve been tasked with the greater challenge of enhancing what made the car special in the first place.”
While the car is described as a 'one-off' (with no price given for the alterations), doubtless the firm would be delighted to repeat the trick if the idea of a useable '60s-era Cooper appeals. In the meantime, one lucky owner is going to have a very happy Christmas indeed.
then I rather would like some extra fenders and a bit wider tires, also handy with the added power.
like say some screw on types like?
or
hm, when looking at some of those, I came across this site, honda D16 engine.
https://www.supercoopers.com/sport
and then there is that 'crazy' UK mini transformer, forgot their namens, they also made a lot RWD monsters.
then I rather would like some extra fenders and a bit wider tires, also handy with the added power.
like say some screw on types like?
or
hm, when looking at some of those, I came across this site, honda D16 engine.
https://www.supercoopers.com/sport
and then there is that 'crazy' UK mini transformer, forgot their namens, they also made a lot RWD monsters.
https://www.supercoopers.com/sport
and then there is that 'crazy' UK mini transformer, forgot their namens, they also made a lot RWD monsters.
I was involved in an accident in a red Mini City 1000cc when I was 19 (my fault I'm ashamed to say) where I had a glancing head on with a single decker bus.
I was lucky. The Mini was written off of course, but so was the bus!
I owned one in 1973 (a 1967 Cooper S) when I was at University. I had it upgraded with a 731 Road Cam and it handled like a go kart.
I even had a set of musical horns installed which played Le Marsellaise. Stupid Boy, I know
then I rather would like some extra fenders and a bit wider tires, also handy with the added power.
like say some screw on types like?
or
hm, when looking at some of those, I came across this site, honda D16 engine.
https://www.supercoopers.com/sport
and then there is that 'crazy' UK mini transformer, forgot their namens, they also made a lot RWD monsters.
Where the battery normally goes is a fuel swirl pot and pump.
This was the best way to get a proper fuel system in, fit the spare wheel in, and not compromise the shell in terms of radical changes.
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