Mini Jem Mk. 1, 838 CYH (GB), Owner: Patrick Gicquel (F)

   

This much modified Mini Jem was seen by Colin Wrigglesworth circa 1991 (top left), when it was owned by Andrew Stones. It is now owned and undergoing restoration by Patrick Gicquel in France. Patrick writes: “The big holes are both for the light and brakes and they are funnel shaped for better effectiveness. I will use a Jaguar XJ6 headlamp with 160w bulbs: first they will be cooled and then the air will go to the brake caliper. “The radiator hole is very big, but, I have a system for reducing it according to the use we want (rally; race; hillclimb) specially in south of France in summer. “But the biggest work has been made underneath the car - see the picture of the aerodynamic floor construction. I made a mould in plaster for creating the final parts. It has been fully thought, checked and built with laser spirit level and computer, and....a few hours of work !!!!! “The final objective is to canalise the air under the car respecting the venturi concept, and limiting the rear vortex. For the windows, I will not need the sliding ones because I will use a perspex one (plastic).” Update: Paul Beever writes: “I was interested to find pictures of my old car on the net recently. I bought it as a shell in August '82 and sold it around late '91 or early (I think) during which time it ran firstly in a fairly standard form (for a Jem) while I was a student. Shortly after graduating, I ripped it apart to fix a couple of detail issues (aerodynamic lift and rear suspension fit for a Mini Van) and it finished looking like the first photo [above]. As a fully finished car, however it was no longer what I needed having married and started a family since starting the project. At least the sale financed (in part) a return to Kart racing for me.” (photo: C. Wrigglesworth, P. Gicquel)

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Last updated 31st October, 2010