1981 HL Estate

[ChrisClubmanEstate]

My build hasn't really started yet, but it has been in the planning stages for a year now. This build is likely to be inactive for periods of time as I split the workload with my dad (He can weld) and currently hes rebuilding his Herald Convertible. The current plan is for the car to be finished when I finish Uni in just under 2 years.

I saw a 1971 Clubman Saloon for £150 which I snapped up straight away
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b252/JPS-Lotus86/DSC00388-2.jpg

Unfortunately this car was so complete that it has become the new show car project...

So 8 months later I decided not to go down the saloon route, a friend had a Clubman Estate and it was so cool, i just had to have one! Looking through the Trade It in July I contacted a seller about his "998cc HL Estate Stage 1 with 8.4" Disc conversion" and after the person who was going to view didnt turn up, I snapped it up straight away!

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b252/JPS-Lotus86/DSCF6196.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b252/JPS-Lotus86/DSCF6203.jpg

My 3 Mini's 8)

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b252/JPS-Lotus86/DSCF6195.jpg

I stripped the car completely and found what needed to be done since I was going to drive this around for a year before doing the conversion.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b252/JPS-Lotus86/DSC00943.jpg

A lot of welding, fillering and cleaning later:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b252/JPS-Lotus86/DSCF6275.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b252/JPS-Lotus86/Clubman.jpg

Since then I've fitted a centre console that was in my Custom Mini, and I've got Cooper trims:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b252/JPS-Lotus86/DSCF6392.jpg

[Mintegra]

Good luck with the build, looks like you have a good starting point!... - the red mini looks v.nice too!!!...

C

[ChrisClubmanEstate]

Cheers, the Red Mini is my current pride and joy 2x Winner of "Most Innovative Car" at Bristol MiniDay and MiniWorld car in December 07.

Im aiming for my Estate to be in perfect condition, but its not going to be concours, just tidy on a sensible budget. Not afraid of mechanics or bodywork so hopefully the costs will be kept low!

This is my side project:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b252/JPS-Lotus86/DSC01072.jpg

Its going to be matching to go with the estate, I should be starting work on the suspension and subframe soon, I want to have a rolling subframe all set up so that only the actual bodywork that needs doing.

[mooncat]

http://www.askrestorations.co.uk/IMG_0190.jpg

are you making one of these...??? or something else..??

I am also making a CE Vtec but have touched it for 2 years, good luck mate..

[ChrisClubmanEstate]

In reply to your post Mooncat my trailer was going to be this:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b252/JPS-Lotus86/DSC01068.jpg

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/2563/clubbyfc2.jpg

However there is an 80% chance that the HL Estate (the subject of this thread) is going to be sold next Summer. I've enjoyed doing work on this car and I have enjoyed having an Estate, but its just not the same as my Red Mini.

It all comes down to finances really, one month ago I was completely up for it and actively searching for a donor car, but then over the past few weeks i've had no end money draining away!

My current "To Do List" is this:

1971 Clubman Saloon - Complete bare shell Concours Restoration (£1,000+)
1981 HL Estate - Bare shell Resto + VTEC Conversion + Trailer (£2,500+)
1971 Hillman Imp Rally/Hillclimb Car + Racing License (£1,000+)

My budget has to be cut drastically as I plan to buy a house in 2 years time...