This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Classic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2025 on Sunday the 9th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. Built by Mini specialist-engineer, Simon Darby, of Austin Morris Services, based on Isle of Wight; the car’s (then) owner commissioned an at-any-cost build of the best possible rally replica Simon Darby is a very skilled and dedicated Mini specialist, and this car is considered his best work It was built in c2006 and utilised a Mk1 850 bodyshell, which was completely ‘gone-over’ (new wings, floor-pan, sills etc.) and fully prepared and mated with a MED Engineering of Lutterworth MED Engineering rebuilt A+ (stronger) block 1980s engine, expanded to 1340cc  It has a straight-cut ‘drop gears’ gearbox, all-new brakes and suspension, plus rare and sought-after Lucas ‘Flame-thrower’ Works spot-lights, and a Works dashboard Lots of details - 130mph Cooper speedo, twin fuel tanks, Cooper S badges, grille/boot board, chrome mirrors, front spot and fog lights, leather bonnet strap, 10" Minilite wheels, bonnet mounted engine cut-off switch, sump guard, two towing eyes, heated windscreen, wheel arch extensions, mud flaps, Sabelt racing belts, roll cage, rear seat-delete, fire extinguisher, pace note reading lights, stop watches, full bank of racing switches, twin fuel tanks, centre exit exhaust and rear spot/reversing light This is a superb homage and not a competition-spec car, but ‘cuts quite a dash’ and would be lots of fun