1992model Rover Mini Brightax Cooper Downton Specification

TOP＞Stock List＞1992model Rover Mini Brightax Cooper Downton Specification

1992model

Rover Mini Brightax Cooper Downton Specification

The vivid drama of the small triumphing over the big continues to be etched in the memories and records of people, even after half a century. The Mini Cooper's hottest privateer racing Mini, a complete homage...! With the introduction of the 1969 Brightax Cooper Downton specification Mini, enthusiasts' minds rejoice...!

In 1959, the Mini was introduced and quickly gained fame as the “Giant Killer” in touring car races and other competitions in the UK.

Equipped with iconic 10-inch wheels, its brakes were not capable of producing sufficient stopping power, resulting in the car sliding sideways as it entered corners at high speeds. The tires screeched and smoke billowed, but thanks to its compact size and sideways drift, the Mini would swiftly emerge from corners at speeds beyond imagination. Tire manufacturers of the time struggled to cope with the Mini’s unexpected performance. However, this unprecedented and daring driving style captivated audiences and became the enduring source of the Mini’s popularity to this day.

Unfazed by the powerful rival cars approaching from behind, the Mini would dive into corners at a speed they could never match. Skillfully entering the narrow sweet spot, it would execute a brilliant sideways drift, leaving the high-powered competitors in its wake. This unique and thrilling driving style not only captivated people’s hearts but also allowed the Mini to dominate the touring car races of the time.

Sometimes, as the front tires kicked up smoke, rival drivers would mistake it for a crash happening ahead. In that split second when they hit the brakes, the Works Mini drivers would continue unabated, grinning as they aimed for the checkered flag. In the sixth round of the 1968 BSCC (British Saloon Car Championship) held at Brands Hatch, the Works Mini, driven by world champion Graham Hill, overtook a supercharged Ford Escort and took the top spot. Witnessing this astonishing feat, the people of that time remembered the Mini Cooper that conquered the BSCC, not only in records but also in vivid memories.

However, in the late 1960s, the BMC Works Mini, which had been making great strides, faced a crisis due to the nationalization of the parent company.

In 1968, a severe economic downturn hit the entire British heavy industry. Amidst the struggles to comply with stringent emission and safety regulations in the United States, a major export market for cars, and intensified competition from Japanese cars, British Motor Corporation (BMC) and Leyland Motors (LMC) were hit hard by a significant decline in sales. The Labour Party government at the time decided to nationalize the company, forming British Leyland (BLMC).

This era naturally had a profound impact on racing activities. In 1969, the newly formed BLMC Works Team emerged as the new works team, cutting off support to the previous John Cooper Works Team.

The Cooper team, having lost significant backing, was forced to continue as privateers. They partnered with Britax, a seatbelt manufacturer, and collaborated with engine tuner Downton to form a new team called “Britax Cooper Downton.”

And thus, a fierce rivalry unfolded between the former works team, Britax Cooper Downton, and the new works team, BLMC.

The well-funded BLMC Works Team became a formidable rival for the privateer Britax Cooper Downton. In the 1969 BSCC championship, which consisted of 12 races, Britax Cooper Downton defied the odds and outperformed the BLMC Works Team, leaving behind an impressive record.

It was truly a case of “the small defeating the big.”

People celebrated this remarkable drama, and it became the very reason why Britax Cooper Downton is still talked about to this day.

If you're going to ride a Classic Mini, you definitely want to explore the path of modification. It ignites the enthusiast's mind. The dedication of the owner who has transformed their 1992 1.3L carbureted Cooper to this extent is truly remarkable! And to create a masterpiece paying homage to the 1969 Brightax Cooper Downton... it's an extraordinary vehicle that has been meticulously crafted.

The following passage describes a car enthusiast’s project involving a Mini Cooper. Here’s the translation:

“The owner, who is a car enthusiast and someone the author is greatly indebted to, resides in an enviable environment near the foothills of Suzuka, where winding roads and mountain passes are just a short drive away. Their garage showcases a collection that would make any enthusiast drool, but the car that was chosen a few years ago as the ideal vehicle for maximum enjoyment on both city streets and winding roads, including Suzuka’s Mini Circuit, was none other than the Mini.

About three years ago, a project was initiated with the goal of creating a car that could provide a thrilling driving experience. All the work was entrusted to a reputable local Mini specialist. The project began with a complete disassembly of the engine and transmission, followed by the meticulous installation of ideal parts and a thorough rebuild.

During the interview, the author saw a stack of invoices, which documented the following work in chronological order:

January of Reiwa 2 (2020):

Engine removal and installation

Cylinder head disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly

Cylinder head surface machining

Water jacket cap modification and replacement

Valve lapping

Valve stem seal replacement

Installation of Swiftune valve springs

Valve retainer replacement

Installation of ARP head stud kit

Installation of metal head gasket

Engine disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly

Installation of Kent Cams (MD276MB)

Tappet adjustment

Installation of Omega forged pistons (+40)

Installation of NRP piston rings (+40)

Cylinder boring

Cylinder block surface machining

Installation of metal connecting rods

Installation of main bearings

Installation of primary gear front and rear bushings

Adjustment of primary gear bushing clearance

Installation of head gasket kit

Installation of engine gasket kit

Installation of large seal

Timing chain tensioner replacement

Core plug replacement

Oil gallery plug replacement

Clutch disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly

Installation of carbon clutch

Installation of lightweight flywheel

Plunger replacement

Release arm replacement

Release bearing replacement

Center bolt replacement

Clutch pin and lever case replacement

Clutch pin and push rod replacement

Transmission disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly

Synchronizer ring replacement

Synchronizer ball replacement

Synchronizer spring replacement

Idler gear bearing replacement

Various needle bearing replacements

Differential disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly

Overhaul using a differential overhaul kit

Fiber thrust washer replacement

Side bearing replacement

Side seal replacement

Differential change seal replacement

Engine mount replacement

Replacement of lubricants

Vehicle inspection (shaken)

April of Reiwa 2 (2020):

Installation of Weber carburetor (45mm)

Installation of medium swan intake manifold

Installation of Weber aluminum sandwich plate

Accelerator wire replacement

Replacement of 123 ignition

Ignition coil replacement

One-off production of Weber box

Installation of Weber box

Installation of Nismo fuel pump

Replacement of main harness

Installation of electric fan controller

Water temperature sensor replacement

Installation of electric fan controller sensor

Installation of adjustment bracket

Installation of adjustment bracket pillar

Installation of alternator fitting bracket

Removal of cooler unit

Rear brake cylinder replacement

Clutch release replacement

Steering rack overhaul

July of Reiwa 2 (2020):

Installation of anti-sway bracket

Steering shaft replacement

March of Reiwa 3 (2021):

Heater core replacement

Replacement of long-life coolant

Replacement of plug wires

April of Reiwa 4 (2022):

Lower steady bushing replacement

Rear brake cup replacement

Mesh brake hose replacement

Brake fluid replacement

Front 4-pot caliper replacement

Replacement of lubricants

Vehicle inspection (shaken)

This is an extensive list of modifications. It demonstrates the dedication and passion put into completely disassembling and rebuilding the engine, transmission, and entire mechanical system of the car.

The exterior, beautifully finished with an homage to the Brightax Cooper Downton, is in excellent condition, free from any signs of rust commonly found on Mini cars, such as door sills, rain gutters, and wheel arches. The attention-grabbing interior features an Ultratec stepper motor rev counter and a meticulously crafted gauge cluster reminiscent of 1960s Mini race cars, with Smiths gauges. While the center meter has been replaced, it perfectly captures the essence of the era and exudes a delightful appearance reminiscent of the racing scene of that time.

The interior is adorned with a full roll cage, and only the driver’s seat is fitted with a Cobra bucket seat. The seat belts remain three-point harnesses, but adding a Classic Britax four-point harness would truly complete the transformation into an authentic racing Mini!

I had the opportunity to drive the 1992 Brightax Cooper Downton Edition, and it was a fantastic experience!

The unique dry high-frequency metallic sound of the lightweight flywheel blends perfectly with the impactful mid-range exhaust note, creating an exquisite sound that resonates. And on top of that, the dynamic intake sound of the oversized 45-pie Weber perfectly matches the movement of your right foot, creating a sense of groove itself!

With the consideration of engine power and the bold removal of the air conditioning, it exudes a stoic atmosphere that truly captures the aura of a genuine racing Mini.

The Weber, which instantly responds to the power exerted by your right foot, combined with oversized pistons and a high cam, delivers a powerful and dynamic driving experience with remarkable contrast. It was incredibly enjoyable, making you anticipate even more exhilarating drives, like conquering downhill sections of mountain passes.

From the familiar twisty roads of weekend drives to, if you feel like it, even taking it to the circuit on your own and enjoying the self-driven experience, and of course, even daily city driving — it felt like an amazing vehicle capable of effortlessly handling all of these scenarios.

And…

The presence of the 1/1 scale Brightax Cooper Downton Mini in the garage extends my stay there unnecessarily as I find myself gazing at it late into the night, satisfying my own desires. It gives me endless dreams and inspirations, thinking about what modifications I can make, how I can further explore certain aspects. It provides a never-ending dream that can be fully embraced. This joy and pleasure, however, cannot be experienced with a stock vehicle that maintains its originality.

Such a Mini filled with excitement and enjoyment! It is truly captivating!

That was my experience, conducting an interview filled with irresistible charm.

After covering the 1992 Rover Mini Brightax Cooper Downton Edition, here are my closing remarks...

This time, it was a truly unique vehicle…

While it’s common to see cars that are visually enhanced to create a certain atmosphere, this particular vehicle was meticulously built from the engine to the transmission. It was solidly constructed with a roll cage, keeping actual racing performance in mind. The overall aesthetic and performance of this car are truly remarkable, and I believe it is the result of careful consideration and countless simulations, driven by a strong desire to achieve a specific vision.

I understand that the car enthusiast owner and their brother worked together to bring it to completion. It seems they thoroughly enjoyed the process, and it may have even been more enjoyable than the final result itself.

I can imagine that feeling very well.

Despite the car being finished, the owner has made the difficult decision to part with it, as various changes in their life stage have led them to that heartbreaking choice. The total investment made in modifications far surpasses the listed price shown below…

Considering the tremendous passion and the significant financial and time investments that went into reaching this point, the offered price is incredibly attractive. It’s a genuine source of admiration, and one can’t help but feel deeply moved, thinking, “This is unbelievable.”

The vivid drama of the small triumphing over the big continues to resonate in people's memories and records even after half a century. It is a complete homage to the hottest privateer racing Mini in Mini Cooper history! With the introduction of the 1969 Brightax Cooper Downton Edition Mini, enthusiasts' minds are filled with joy!

How about experiencing the thrill of riding in the ultimate 1/1 scale objet d’art that guarantees a fun-filled weekend? It will surely bring a sense of joy to the yet-to-be-discovered owner’s garage life.

Thank you for providing additional information about the 1992 Rover Mini Brightax Cooper Downton Edition in Mie Prefecture.

As it is a private sale, there are no consumption taxes or additional fees involved. However, the buyer would be responsible for prorated payment of the vehicle tax and settling the recycling deposit. Additionally, transportation arrangements would need to be made by the buyer.

Regarding inquiries:

This vehicle listing is featured on the cross-border e-commerce site for classic and collectible cars, “Estate Sale® Supremacy.”

Estate Sale® Supremacy is the Japanese version of the North American cultural estate sale, where owners’ cherished vehicles are introduced through interview-based articles. It differs significantly from low-value purchases that leave nothing behind, as it faithfully expresses the owners’ sentiments and guides the next generation while preserving memories in the heart.

Detailed interviews are conducted with the current owner, including past maintenance records and repair history, as well as investigations into any accident history. In cases where there has been a significant accident history or when the current ownership history is extremely short and details are unknown, interviews may be declined. We make every effort to provide peace of mind to our customers.

The content of this article was based on a test drive experience and an interview with the owner conducted over approximately three hours on a sunny day, starting from May 20, 2023, at 13:00. Due to the limited time for confirmation, it is not guaranteed that the description accurately represents the current condition of the vehicle 100%, and not all information in the article is backed up by evidence. Please note that comments on the condition are based on the weather and circumstances at the time of the interview, as well as the author’s subjective opinion.

If you have any questions about the featured vehicle or would like to schedule an on-site inspection, please contact us using the form at the bottom of this page. As this is a private transaction, on-site inspections are limited to customers who are genuinely considering a purchase to prevent casual inquiries.

Thank you for your consideration.