Speedhunters videos: they were once a regular accompaniment to our photo-based content, and now – for your viewing pleasure – they’re making a comeback.
We’re kicking things off with a video spotlight from our new UK-side Speedhunters videographer, Jason Laroza, about a man that mid-mounted a 160hp Suzuki GSX-R1000 sportbike engine in a 560kg (1,235lb) fibreglass Mini Minus, for nothing more than the sheer fun of tearing up backroads at 13,000rpm.
It’s geared for 130mph (209km/h) and goes 0-60mph in 4 seconds…
With its shortened height and sectioned bodywork, Andy Farmer’s rare Mini Minus was the perfect start point for this ZCars-based conversion project, and as you’ll see above when you hit the play button, it looks like a lot of fun to drive, if not a little frightening at the same time.
The Speedhunters
Written & Directed by Jason Laroza
Andy Farmer’s Mini Minus GSX-R1000
Numbers
Max Power: 160hp, 0-60mph: 4 seconds, Top Speed: Geared for 130mph (209km/h), Weight: 560kg (1,235lb)
Engine
Mid-mounted Suzuki GSX-R1000 K4 four-cylinder DOHC 16-valve, Power Commander for mappable fuelling, custom-made exhaust with removable section for second silencer, ZCars radiator, water pump, fuel pump, fuel filter & cooling fans, custom wiring loom, coolant expansion bottle mounted to frame inside n/s rear window, custom air intake mounted to n/s rear quarter window
Driveline
Rear-wheel drive, Suzuki GSX-R1000 6-speed sequential gearbox, ZCars gear shift mechanism, Trickshifter controller for full-throttle clutch-less up gear changes, ZCars modified Sierra LSD, custom drive shafts, cable operated clutch, electric reverse gear
Suspension/Brakes
ZCars front subframe wishbones, Protech coil-over dampers (front), ZCars rear engine frame, trailing arms, Protech coil-over dampers (rear), Mini steering rack, Ford Fiesta collapsible steering column, Wilwood 4-pot callipers with 260mm discs & Wilwood pads (front), ZCars standard rear brakes – Ford Sierra (handbrake type) callipers, Volvo solid discs (rear), ZCars handbrake system
Wheels/Tires
13×7-inch JBW Superlight alloy wheels painted Lamborghini grey, Yokohama Advan A048R tyres
Exterior
Mini Minus fibreglass monocoque shell, custom-made doors, Curley carbon fibre arches, Honda Milano red paint, painted bonnet stripes, original fuel filler-neck delete, custom fuel cap in bonnet, smoothed boot lid, rear valance modified for custom exhaust outlet, F1-style carbon fibre mirrors, heated front windscreen, custom air intake in o/s r window, concealed Renault clip bonnet & boot catches
Interior
Cobra Imola S seats, Sparco harnesses, modified ZCars dash, Stack ST700 display, Geartronics gear position indicator, CAI custom made oil, water & fuel gauges, Sparco steering wheel, modified Ford Fiesta steering column & shroud, Fiesta indicator & wiper stalks, Richbrook engine start button, custom carpet set, Perspex door cards, standard Sports Pack Mini door furniture, custom pedal box