my first midas

[Hans Efde]

Hi Hans
Thank you for the information of who put it on the road, would they of been a Shirley and Mike Smart from Kidderminster, Worcestershire?
Shaun

I don't know, it's not mentioned on the list since they were not members in 1994

[All That Glisters]

Hi Shaun ( and (in a Leslie Philips voice) hello Paula ! - sorry about that I'm not usually like that)
Welcome to the biggest bunch of losers and misfits to bash a keyboard.

I suspect that you have this info (as you've i.d'd the Smarts already) but anyway the Summer 91 Midas Magazine has the following data:-
Member No 0396, Shirley and Mike Smart, Kidderminster, DY11, Phone 0562 822440, Size 1300, Chassis 10001, Model Mk1, White, FNT 349V.

As the Smarts are not listed in Midas Magazines between Autum 89 and Spring 91 I'm guessing that they joined in Spring/Summer 91.

My membership number was 0309 and I joined in 1989, your car is much earlier than 89 so I suspect that someone else owned the car before the Smarts or they chose not to be members until 91ish.

Good luck with the history search.

Regards Mark

Just read Hans' post and realised that he is saying that the Smarts built the car in 79 so I suspect that they chose not to become members straight away, they thought about it for over a decade.

[shaun and paula]

Thank you for the info. Unknowing to me until I joined the foram, it turns out it was built by the late Mike Smart who was a family friend, Shirley is still a good friend to the family.
A very nice supprise to of found out this info
Shaun

[MrBounce]

It looks like mine did when I picked it up, although I think there are slightly different varieties of moss on yours...

[shaun and paula]

Thank you mrbounce, between us we should be world specialists with moss killer,after 2hrs with tfr and a jet wash every variety of moss known to man was removed then an extra 3hrs cleaning inside and under the bonnet has revealed a fantastic little car. Once I work out how to put smaller picts on the forum then I will load the before and after. The beam axle is made of box section and looks as if its ok.
Does anyone know what the suspension dampers are from for the mk1? Are the rear brakes all mini?

[DavidL]

Thank you mrbounce, between us we should be world specialists with moss killer,after 2hrs with tfr and a jet wash every variety of moss known to man was removed then an extra 3hrs cleaning inside and under the bonnet has revealed a fantastic little car. Once I work out how to put smaller picts on the forum then I will load the before and after. The beam axle is made of box section and looks as if its ok.
Does anyone know what the suspension dampers are from for the mk1? Are the rear brakes all mini?

I only remember my Bronze used Spax coilovers on the rear. Rear brakes are standard Mini except the drums need to be those with the built-in spacer; there's a special name for them which I forget, but they are about an inch wider than standard Mini drums, and I think these were standard on the Mini Clubman 1275GT. Aluminium aftermarket ones (Minifins I think) were available with this built-in spacer.

The beam axle can look ok but the corrosion starts inside. It would be worth your while having a GOOD look at it; if it breaks while you're driving, you're in trouble.

[limjamrace]

Hello everyone,

After weeks of internet difficulties i have finally managed to get on site.
Pleased to say i am the owner of this Midas coupe Mk1..

After reading through the posts here and realising it is one of the first built perhaps my plans of modifying it into a Hillclimb & Sprint car may not be a good idea..Probably keeping it standard due to its rarity(?) is.

Perhaps it is fate that issues in my unit have delayed matters of taking it to bits have been a good thing...Opions please are welcome!

Needless to say i have fallen in love with the car..It is so me!
Last year i had a nice example of a Clan Crusader which was the factory demostrater chassis number 7..To have Midas Mk 1 number 4 (?) or earlier is another pleasing factor.

Posting to date photos on here is at present a bit optimistic..But i have plenty of pictures on my facebook page "Llewellyn Imp Motorsport" should you all be interested to view.

My A series Mini experience has merely been a 1959 Mini back in the 1970's which i purchased for £40 and later sold for £40.
Have dealt into Sprites and things so my knowledge is ancient regarding post 1970 engine numbers..
I assume thie engine is from a 1275 GT..The number on the block is 12H1907AA 172479..Vehicle reg is as you know already FNT 349V.
Have yet to take the valve cover off and see the casting number on the head.

Chassis plate says D&H fibreglass techniques DO100001..The plate to be honest doesn't match the general condition of the rest of the Midas.Meaning it looks too clean and new..Hmmm.
I have read elsewhere on here that the id number was of a car that was written off in Wales so perhaps my Midas is the reincarnation of that..Bodywork on the whole is remarkable discounting the gel coat staining.

I hope my post is of interest and i am hoping to pursue matters regarding enjoyment of this little jem

Yours David L

[kelvink]

Welcome aboard. I've got to say I'm not sure what I'd do with that car either being such a significant chassis number..... With my own car though I'm very much thinking of going for some track time fun too though I'll keep it road legal too so that I can enjoy it also on the road. Perhaps more people might also be tempted to do some track events and maybe we could get a "Team Midas" Given the prices of Midas at the moment I think they make ideal candidates

[limjamrace]

Yes that is quite true..When i have identified my engine and which way i want to go with it..Or a replacement it still remains affordable.
To make a replica of my last Hillman Imp would cost tens of thousands from scratch now in its ultimate Hillclimb & Sprint guise .
The only expensive outlay would be the roll cage and of course personal equipment..
The MSA are determined to make life(competiton) awkward for all club racers from experience ..
Bringing in new regs every year..
They make things so complicated as well!!

[limjamrace]

Mean't to say that you have a nice Blackie dog there in your picture..
If i wern't for the rear sculptured section i could get my two GSD's in the back!