1988 Mini City E bought for £30 in 2002. Restored over a couple of years and driven daily for about 50k miles until the engine let go. Couldn't bear to be without the car and a MG Metro Turbo project got shelved and sacrificed for the engine. Selection of photos below through it's many differing forms!

2020 saw a weight reduction campaign remove over 100kg from the car, with 40kg of unsprung weight shifted. The balance and handling was greatly improved and 2021 records were reduced by 2.5 seconds. The major changes were wheels, suspension, interior stripping and brakes.

Following a competitive 2021 season, the engine was smoking fairly badly. Cylinder head was removed and refreshed, but the piston rings were badly worn and cylinder bores both oval and tapered. Rebuild required...

Winter 2024 into 2025 has seen another evolution of the car, bringing it up to MSUK/FIA spec for circuit racing, whilst maintaining road legality. An odd combination which has meant for some interesting packaging challenges as I look to maintain ability to utilise a passenger seat in standard location for road/trackday use.

Interior has been brought up to NCR2025 regulations with reinforcement and structural strengthening for cage and safety equipment. New positions for seat, steering wheel, gear selector and handbrake have been set for optimum driving position in race trim.

Whilst I decide long term engine plans, I've used the spare 998cc turbo engine, with new Garrett GBC small-bore specific turbo for more response, utilising Bagsport fabrication stainless manifolds. The GBC frame size and flange connections do not change for the three available sizes, so can add more boost if needed.

For now, I am continuing to use HIF44 SU Carb and megajolt programmable ignition.

Engine:

1275cc MG Metro turbo block, pistons, crank and camshaft

Moorspeed booster stage 4 cylinder head

1.5:1 ratio roller rockers

HIF44 carburetor

Garret T3 turbocharger

Customised front-mount intercooler

High flow water pump

2 core performance radiator

Gearbox:

MED straight-cut close ratio race gear set

3.88:1 ratio final drive

NXG limited slip differential

1:1 straight cut drop gears

MED ST3 ultra-light flywheel

Competition paddle clutch 

Ignition:

Ford EDIS4 and coil pack

Megajolt programmable ignition

Body:

1988 City E bodyshell

Carbon fibre roof

Carbon fibre bonnet

Carbon fibre boot

Carbon fibre bumpers

Group 7 wheel arches

Lexan windows

Interior:

Safety Devices 6 point roll cage

OMP First R seat

Sabelt 6 point FHR harness

OMP suede steering wheel with quick release boss

Carbon fibre doorcards