concerning going to England to import mini

Well done on wanting a real Mini and not a BWM Blob, anyway try here:

Sorry that should have said BMW Blob, sorry BMW.

Taffy

Bad idea IMO. Sportpacks are expensive and have disappointing performance and handling. Plus they are MPI and nobody in the States will have the electronic gear to diagnose and fix it if (when) it goes wrong.

If you want A/C, you'll need to import a late-spec model from Japan, not from the UK, because that's the only place in the world where the A/C option was available. Plus, be aware that it saps a LOT of power. Remember that you only have 65hp under the bonnet.

You'd probably be better off getting an older carb model without A/C and without big wheels but with the authentic Mini spirit.

Watch out for any local restrictions (for smog, etc...) In CA we're having a bit of a go round with CARB about needing to smog direct import vehicles newer than the last year "officially" imported (so 1967 for Minis). You can, with a bit of hassle, get CA tags for a 1974 or earlier car but import anything later than a '74 and you'll be s**t out of luck.

Well, the car doesn't have to have the sportspack engine or carb. I just want it to look like a sportspack on the outside and to to have some nice interior.

As far as the AC goes, I see that some specialists will add an AC to any car. Is this a good option?

I have to agree and disagree with Taffy.

The BINI is an excellent car and many of it's owners also owns the Mini . At least here in the US.

The agreement is with the recommendation of David at BarnHill, an excellent chap. You can't go wrong buying form him.

Compared to many of the Micro cars of that era our Minis look like behemoths.

A nice site dedicated to the BINI!