This Mini is a Dutch Treat

Owner and Photographer: Ernest Broekstra

Age: 41

Location: Apeldoorn, Netherlands

Year, Make, and Model: 1996 Rover Mini Cooper

It wasn’t always this rosy and neat. About three years ago this Dutch Mini’s transmission let go and decided to take the engine as well, showering it with synchro-shrapnel irreparably. Mr. Ernest Broekstra did what any self-respecting Mini owner would do—he rebuilt it with a 1300cc.

Ernest has owned this Mini, a 1996 Rover Cooper, for over seven years and knew he had to have one after driving his friend’s. He was so smitten in fact that he immediately sold his DAF 66 Marathon to make room for a Mini. After searching throughout Holland he found this little Mini in his hometown of Apeldoorn, hiding only a few blocks from his house.

As Minis have a tendency to rust, Ernest only takes it out when the roads are dry. But when the weather and roads are clear he heads for the twisty, 80kmh roads near the River IJssel to wring the car out a bit. In addition to the 1300cc engine, the Mini sports Lucas fog and spot lights, Supalight 6x12j rims, an aluminum dash, Cooper bucket seats (from a ’73) and a stainless steel exhaust.

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