Elvis's Sad News

So last Thursday, as i was pulling in to the Casa i caught the Catalytic converter on the 'ltrack that my gate runs on and broke all the flanges of the exaust manifold... bummer right. so later at a friends house, who has rebuilt more than a few cars talked me into driving the car the 1/4 mile to his house with out a hood or for all purposes no exhaust either, you should have seen the looks on the Italian faces around here.... my mini with no hood making LOTs of noise and his Jeep Cherokee with an 8" body lift , 38" tyres and straight pipes... traveling from my house to his, it was a sight to bee seen. We put Elvis up on jack stands and started to break things down the exhaust and manifold are off and the tyres are off and the suspension is going to be torn down tommorow.... lots of learning for me and lots of fun......

Look at all the new parts that this misfortune has brought me.... they are all in the mail right now... I cant wait to get Elvis back on his feet.

Tuning Kit - STAGE 1 - Carburettor - HALF KIT less exhaust - HS4 / HIF38
Exhaust System - Twin 2.25" Centre Exit - Sportex - Single Silencer
Competition rubber supension cone
Steering rack boot kit
Competition extended track rod end
Front Bumpstop - Poly single bolt
Rear Bumpstop - Progresive kit
Performance Handling Suspension Kits with KYB gas shock absorbers

Elvis's New Friend!

Well guys we met a new couple (Chris & Christina) here in the Naples area that just checked in and have been hanging out with them and Chris fell in love with the classic Mini's... on Tuesday they bought the above Mini! "He-Who-Has-Not-Been-Named", Is a 1993 BRG British Open Classic with the folding cloth roof... It is mint. So this Saturday or Sunday we are going to go for a little run! We will see how things go and try to get more people involved but we have a club now! More to follow!

~ Tim & Amanda

Red's New Paint Job

What do you think? Just kidding its just the new challenge car... i think that reds next treatment will be something lik this... Mike if you are out there.... start thinking!

~ Tim

Red's First Italian MINI Run!

So I have been in the mood for a good run... and today Amanda and I went on our first Run together... ok so Red took us on a run... But it was good. We did it in about 2 hours and got to see some beautiful Villages and roads. But at the end of my route we ended up on this hill top that was breathtaking. Here are some pictures and the route we took!






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Elvis Goes to the Shop

Well Guys, I hate to say it but Elvis is on his was back to this shop AGAIN! This time its the starter! the Mechanic came out to the house and checked it out and them pushed him on to the truck to take him back to the shop... the poor guy its just one thing after another... he still needs new wheels, tires and a new suspension. (sigh) this will be a premium Mini whne we bring him back!

~ Tim

Together at Last!

Well we had a little photo shoot night before last and yesterday after i washed the cars and as you can see everyone is happy to be together... pictures from more adventure coming!

~Tim & Amanda

Pictures

Look! A new Pet! Elvis has finnaly new pictures to go along with his new throttle body and rebuild top end! He Purrs like no other now! And has the spirit of a Cooper, as one would expect!

Lets Motor Faster!

~ Tim & Amanda

Driving In Italy

So, for those of you that have never been to Napoli, let me tell you that you must forget everything that you have ever learned about driving. The streets are VERY narrow regardless of the width of the road surface. Say a highway is 2 lanes, you will see three to four lanes of traffic, motorbikes have the right of way and travel if you hit one you are at fault! the driving style is VERY aggressive but if you beat a driver to a round about or into an intersection there is no fighting, its like the first come first serve rule! The road bed is made with crushed marble, so when it gets wet or hot it gets slick! and some of the autostrata is not properly banked so some corners are more dangerous then others!

But i say all of this to say that i have never had more fun city driving and highway driving then here! Elvis is perfect for it even though his lovely suspension is shot and needs replacement! Anyone who wants to visit please do! its a hoot!

Elvis At The House!

Hey You guys check it out! Elvis out at the house in Casal! We have also have some pictures of Fireworks from new years and Naples, so click on the picture above and check out whats going on here in Italy!



~ Tim & Amanda

Newest Member of the Family!

I would like to introduce you to the newest member of the HRmini family! His name is Elvis and hes my 1991 Rover Mini Cooper! We got him from one of the sailors here for 1200$ he needs some work but.... let me tell you awesome mechanical condition!

So now Big Red has a little brother... and soon i will post more pictures of Elvis and all the fun stuff that i am going to have to do.... the great thing about it is that i have been waiting for this for a while so i know where to get the parts and am ready to get my hands dirty to get Elvis Rockin!

Lets do some Classic Motoring!

~Tim (and Amanda)