Rover Mini Cooper '94 Monte-Carlo bodyshell

You know I wouldn't keep the NSU TT bodyshell. The chassis being an M-01, I had to get a Mini:

On the left, the model to reproduce, on the right what I found . OK, the look might be different, but the shape is here and in good condition. It only needs a full strip, a new paint and this bodyshell will be a real Mini.

I do what I am used to do, I call my friend David (from RC 4 Old Nuts): we decided to give the bodyshell a one week treatment into the Glanzer to restore its virginity. The paint being reluctant to disappear, we decided to go for an extra week into the Glanzer. In the end, we decided to give up: the paint just came out literally untouched after a 15-day immersion into the Glanzer. Never seen that before!

OK, so plan B: I started to search for the bodyshell reference, the accessories part tree, stickers and paints. Suddenly, I found a deal that I couldn't refuse: a Mini Cooper Rally bodyshell. Even better: the "Finished" version! The best: at the price of a clear bodyshell without stickers and accessories tree! => CLIC! . 

Tadam!

OK, we are far from the simple street decoration, but this rally livery is pretty nice. Moreover, this is a true legend that won the Monte-Carlo Rally in 1965 when driven by Timo Mäkinen (you already know I am a rally fan ). 

First runs with my Rover Mini Cooper '94 Monte Carlo

As usual, I went to the track to shoot the photos and for several test runs.

A few weeks earlier, I already had made a test run on the track to check everything was ok. The result was that all the settings inspired by my Suzuki Swift were appropriate for the M-01 chassis. Except one: the rear anti-roll bar.

In fact, a FWD M-Chassis rear suspension has to be set up as soft as possible in order for the rear drivetrain to better grip when cornering. Whenever the rear suspension is set too hard, side efforts in corners do not transfer to the rear of the chassis. Instead, they stay at the front, which is a problem: either the front drivetrain looses grip (understeer), or the front tires stick to the ground which leads to roll over.

Unlike the M-03 chassis which 4 wheels have independent suspension, the M-01 chassis features a monoshock per drivetrain. In concrete terms, this means the chassis roll is one full element participating to the M-01 suspension system. In consequence, the rear anti-roll bar on an M-01 chassis will stiffen the rear suspension and make the chassis unstable in corners. After a few laps, I had understood the problem: as soon as the rear anti-roll bar was removed, my M-01 chassis had recovered a predictable handling.

On the track, the M-01 is amazing to drive, just like the M-03. Of course, the steering is less precise and traction is not as good as with the more modern M-03, probably because of the less efficient suspension. But everything you like in modern M-Chassis is there: vivacity, acceleration and top speed. Not to mention some outstanding bodyshells.

As a conclusion, the M-01 chassis is a must-have for every M-Chassis fan. This first version from the 90's already has every quality the modern versions have, but also some minor flaws amongst which the much exposed suspension system fragility. The chassis can not decently endure the treatment an M-Chassis gets when racing in pack.

But in terms of performance and pleasure for the driver, the M-01 is very comparable to more modern versions. Add an iconic bodyshell and you get all the ingredients to spend a great moment at the track.

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