Mark, is the car here or there? A great find either way. I think I have a number for a guy in SA who is big into minis. I'll look for it. We did some crank shaft and connecting rod deals a few years back nice guy.

Steve

MKIII Elf/Hornets are Hydrolastic.

Wow! I didn't know such a vehicle ever existed... Very cool

Nice rare find. BTW AFAIK the MK 111 Elf's (or is it Elves) and Hornet's did have wind up windows with internal hinges and rubber cone suspension.

What part of Brooklyn? The company I work for is based in Bay Ridge.
I just looked through my calendars and I haven't been seen in the office in almost four years.  Great trick if you can get away with it....
But, if they ever force me back for a few days, I'll see if I can look you up....

I grew up in the Five Towns area. Now I live in Brooklyn.

My friend in Cape Town has been speaking with Ryno about this particular car. I'm sure he will be a great resource. I'm thrilled about how original the car is, despite forty years of use. Engine numbers match. My plan is to keep it all original, though sourcing the correct paint color isn't clear. I'd like to match it closely.

where in NY are you? I"m in suffolk on LI. mike

NICE....Mark Three  ;-)

South African Mini guru, Ryno Verster's book, A South African Mini Story, devotes a short chapter just to the history of the Mk 3, how it came about and how it got it's name. (3871 built, by the way.)

When the factory was going through a "rationaliztion" period, the Cooper S models were dropped as well as the Wolseley 1000. But then the Mk 3 showed up, and, like the Wolseley 1000, was unique to South Africa. Rationalization?!

As far as I been able to find, only two Minis were ever badged as Mk 3s: the version you have and one of the Innos.

I've seen four in person, and they do turn up once in a great while. Ryno, who has a very good listing for the much rarer W-1000 has kept track of the Mk 3s, as well.

Mark,

 Congratulations on your purchase and ownership of a very rare Mini / booted Mini!  I'm very glad you are learning about this different car and doing a restoration on it.  I'd like to recommend a very South African Mini specific book which you may have already heard about.  It is by a Mini Historian named Ryno Verster who is from S.A. :

//www.facebook.com/pages/Mini-South-Africa/266769595236

Al is correct, Chuck will be pleased about this car, and your correct model description.

I'm sure he will check in, but if you need his direct email address, you can click on his profile to communicate directly with him.  I know he has at least one S.A. car.

Best of luck, and welcome to Mini-ing!

Best regards,

MSH

Thanks. There is a badge on the trunk to prove it. Says "MK3" in pitted chrome.

I have a lot to learn about Minis. I've been reading the MK3s differ from the Elf by using the rubber cone suspension, roll up windows and hidden door hinges. I used to have a Spitfire 1500, so tuning a SU isn't too foreign.

"South African built 1970 Mini MK3. Not to be confused with a MK III,"

Chuck Heleker will love you for this politically correct statement-

BIG AL

My first reaction to the boot was "hmm..." but I'm really liking it now. Different and a pretty rare care. If you click on the url and edit it a bit to go to the root folder, I have a lot more photos. It needs some drivetrain, brakes and suspension work. The paint is a poor respray. I'm planning a fairly thorough resto, but I won't be in the country often to supervise. Hopefully the import process isn't too difficult.

Nice MK3. Welcome to booted Mini ownership. We'd love to have you join our little group on the Elf/Hornet Register Forum

We've got another member there who just started working on a MK3. Interesting cars!

 

Really cool mini looks nice now even

Hi everyone,

I recently sold my '69 Mustang and joined the Mini world with a 1 of 3500 South African built 1970 Mini MK3. Not to be confused with a MK III, this car has the Elf/Hornet boot and the Mini front. We haven't begun the teardown, but so far the car has minimal rust and is generally straight, complete.

I'm curions about the color. I believe the date code says Almond Green, but it seems much lighter than photos I've seen online. Any thoughts? I was thinking it may be Porcelain Green, or perhaps a lighter blend of Almond Green that doesn't match the paint color codes from BMC.

Thanks... -Mark

http://markbogulavsky.smugmug.com/Personal/Mini-MK3/i-D3HTGks/0/L/IMG2941-L.jpg