I've looked at probably every mini that I've ever seen for sale! Minis are
like Land Rovers- cheap in UK and expensive is US. Many US for sale minis
are from Canada where they were imported longer. Latest price guides list
an excellent 1275 Cooper S at around 6-7000lbs, depending on whether a MK1
or 2. This is in UK where they are more plentiful.
The problem I found is that an original mini is a rare beast- most are
mildly to heavily modified. What this does to the value is any ones guess.
Like David said I would try to estimate what it would cost to duplicate
the car. Check at a bookstore selling foreign magazines and try to pick up
one of many mini publications available in UK.
If I personally saw a very-very nice Cooper S for $10-12000 I would buy it
in a minute. Many standard minis are "cooperized" with the extra tank,
wheels, etc. The Original Mini Cooper book (like Clausagers books) is a
great reference source.
At this price you should "know" if it's a good buy or not. If you're not
sure I would do more research. People who really know Ts and As and Bs can
look at one and know immediately what it basically needs and give a close
approximation of what its worth. We've all paid too much for a car, and
maybe managed to get a real buy once in awhile. The later is rarer then
the former. You don't see a lot of minis for sale, but they're out there.
Check Hemmings or the Mini Web pages, some have price guides and
classifieds. If you want URLs call me.
I would say that if you want it and can afford it- go for it. If you're
not sure then check it out more.
Bob Skillman 47 TC, 59 MGA twin cam, 68 MGC (catching up
to David)
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