Austin Twini Mini (Replica)- 1965
The Twini Mini was an idea that was never fully developed. In 1962, British Motor Corporation built a Mini Moke with 2 engines to help its off-road capabilities. It was hugely successful as an experimental vehicle, and when John Cooper visited BMC and drove the vehicle, he was impressed. Cooper envisioned a “Twini Mini” for rallying; with its added power and traction, he believed it would be unbeatable. John Cooper had his company spend the next six weeks constructing a Mini with one engine in the back, and one engine in the front. (The standard Mini was front engine, front-wheel drive.) The car was then tested on the street for evaluation of potential competition use. The car proved to be fast and well-balanced, but it had a rear engine failure one night, resulting in a rollover, and Cooper was seriously hurt. The car was destroyed and development stopped.
Downton Engineering also built a Twini Mini and raced it in the 1963 Targa Florio. The car was plagued with overheating and excessive tire wear, but managed to finish the race. It’s unclear how many Twini Minis were built, maybe 6, and they were all different. Our research has not revealed any original surviving examples. This replica shows some of the interesting and innovative ideas attempted in the 1960s.
Specifications:
Manufacturer: John Cooper Works
Country of Origin: Great Britain
Drivetrain Configuration: Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Engine: Two; water-cooled, 1275cc, four cylinders, 65bhp
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Top Speed: 110mph
Years of Production: 1963
Number Produced: Perhaps 4-6