Sumini The Classic 4x4 Mini
Purchased in 1993, Sumini was re-born in 1999 ready for the Mini's 40th Birthday and has been both on and off the road ever since. Sumini is based on a rare 1981 LJ80 Suzuki Jeep, with Suzuki SJ413 and Vitara running gear topped off with a Limited Edition Mini 30 body.
In very simple terms, we placed the Mini shell on the new chassis, added an engine and wired it up. I really wish it was as simple as that! A lot of blood, sweat, tears and scuffed knuckles have gone into getting Sumini on the road, she still remains an on-going project – like all classic cars!
She was a feature film promo car in 2021 for The British Motorshow event including being on display in their Pop up Show and at the final event in August 2021 as a part of Crazee Creations.
Sumini has stared in many TV and video productions over the years including Men and Motors and Great British Cars (oh the irony)!
Weighing in at 920 kilos Sumini really is a Sumo compared to the Classic Mini weight of 580 kilos. At 5ft 7 inches, Sumini impressive stance tours over a Classic Mini roof height of 4ft 5 inches. Sumini is even taller than the BMW Mini Countryman 4x4!
In very simple terms, we placed the Mini shell on the new chassis, added an engine and wired it up. I really wish it was as simple as that! A lot of blood, sweat, tears and scuffed knuckles have gone into getting Sumini on the road, she still remains an on-going project – like all classic cars!
She was a feature film promo car in 2021 for The British Motorshow event including being on display in their Pop up Show and at the final event in August 2021 as a part of Crazee Creations.
Sumini has stared in many TV and video productions over the years including Men and Motors and Great British Cars (oh the irony)!
Weighing in at 920 kilos Sumini really is a Sumo compared to the Classic Mini weight of 580 kilos. At 5ft 7 inches, Sumini impressive stance tours over a Classic Mini roof height of 4ft 5 inches. Sumini is even taller than the BMW Mini Countryman 4x4!
History
2009
2016
2017 In preparation for featuring in The Vintage Village at BBC Children in Need's Carfest South we did the following.
2019
2021
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Tech spec
Chassis Originally from the Suzuki LJ80 (shorter than a Mini) then completely remade to suit Mini subframe mounts and to sit under the wheel arches properly. Sumini stands at 5ft 7inches tall, Body The body is from a written off limited edition Mini 30. There was quite a lot of work to cut out the centre and remake the tunnel. The original Mini seats still fit with a bit chopped off each leg to mount them in the higher position clearing the centre tunnel. We also cut a small amount from the inner wheel arch to give a fuller turning circle. The Webasto electric sunroof is from a British Open Classic Mini. Suspension LJ80 rear leaf springs for both front and back fitted to the new chassis. The shackles have been extended to give a better ride height. Pro-comp shocks still make for a very bouncy ride! Steering Mini steering wheel and column, knuckle joint, Vitara box to LJ80 arms. Steers like a hovercraft. Brakes Mini pedal box and master cylinder onto Suzuki SJ413 discs. They stop, but without a servo make sure you are not driving in front of us! Clutch Mini pedal box and Mini cylinder adapted to suit cable clutch. Engine 1.6cc Suzuki Vitara 8v with twin choke weber carb and nice throaty bespoke exhaust. Gearbox Suzuki SJ413 onto LJ80 transfer box with shortened front prop. Last year the prop decided to fly off the car narrowly missing a line of Minis travelling behind me! Heater Located under the seat, as there is not room to fit a Mini heater in the central position. The new location is great for a heated bottom! Wiring and workings From Premier Wiring looms, kindly fitted by my brother. The trade off was that I helped him fibreglass his house flat roof – I know who got the better deal! Mini speedo with LJ80 inner workings, not fully calibrated, but only the brave go above 60 mph. Wheels Nice and big 15 x 8 inch wheels with 235 x 50 x 15 tyres, sitting under Mini Sport Pack arches. |