Our Story
In Loving Memory
Their Last Mini Adventure was born out of the passion and legacy of George Robert Lonergan, a lifelong classic Mini enthusiast whose love for these iconic cars went far beyond driving them. George cherished every detail - from working under the bonnet to sharing stories with fellow Mini lovers - and his dedication to keeping the spirit of the classic Mini alive continues to inspire us. In honouring his memory, we created Their Last Mini Adventure to celebrate that same joy, craftsmanship, and community he embodied, ensuring his enthusiasm for all things Mini carries on with every adventure.
Where It All Began
The journey of Their Last Mini Adventure truly began in January 2022 with a bare 1975 Mini Clubman Estate shell, a forgotten relic that was in desperate need of some love and attention. Where others might have seen only rust and decay, we saw possibility - the chance to breathe new life into a classic and honour the spirit of Minis that had inspired us from the start. Piece by piece, we began fitting brand new panels, carefully shaping and restoring the body until its original character started to shine through once more. Hours of sanding, repairing, and refining followed, each step bringing us closer to seeing the Clubman reborn.
The Perfect Shell
In April 2023, we came across a new opportunity - a 1980 Mini Clubman Estate in much better overall condition, complete with all its original panels intact. This discovery gave us the perfect foundation to truly bring our vision for Their Last Mini Adventure to life. With the new shell, we were able to start fresh, focusing on building something special without the heavy setbacks of major structural repairs. The original Clubman Estate shell wasn’t forgotten, though; it was set aside for a future project.
Bringing The Mini To Life
As 2023 came to a close and the new year began, the project reached a huge milestone - the bodywork was finally completed. Countless hours of preparation, sanding, and careful attention to detail paid off as the shell was perfected and ready for its transformation. Seeing the very first coat of paint go on was a moment of pure excitement; the Mini was no longer just a shell, but the beginning of a car reborn. It was the first glimpse of the vision coming to life, and a turning point that fuelled even more determination to see the adventure through.
Piece By Piece
With the bodywork complete and the fresh paint gleaming, 2024 became the year of bringing the Mini back together piece by piece. With parts from Minimine and Mini Sport, by May, the rear bumpers went on, marking the exciting start of assembly. By September, the iconic grille was fitted, quickly followed by details that made the car feel whole again - sliding glass, rear door glass, the dashboard, mirrors, wipers, and more. Each part added wasn’t just a component; it was a step closer to seeing the Mini reborn, transforming from a shell into a car ready to live its next adventure.
The Spark Of Progress
By March 2025, attention turned to one of the most vital parts of the rebuild - the electrics. With three broken wiring looms to work from, the challenge was to carefully piece them together into one fully functioning system. It was a test of patience and precision, but also a rewarding process that highlighted the spirit of restoration: making the most out of what you have, and bringing life back to something many would have written off. When the lights flickered on and the electrics came to life, it marked another huge step forward in the journey of the Mini’s rebirth.
Built For Remembrance
One of the most unique and meaningful elements of the build was custom-creating the funeral deck in the rear of the Mini. Designed with precision, rails were installed to allow a coffin to slide smoothly along the back, combining practicality with a deeply personal tribute. Every measurement and detail was carefully considered to ensure it would function flawlessly while honouring the spirit of the car and the legacy it represents. This bespoke feature turned the Mini into more than just a vehicle - it became a moving testament to adventure, remembrance, and care in every journey.
The Heart Of The Mini
On the 17th of March, the project took another major leap forward with the arrival of a second-hand engine sourced from Birmingham. Though it had seen better days, it carried with it the promise of power and reliability once restored. The engine was entrusted to the skilled hands at Mini Medics where it underwent a full reconditioning to ensure it would run like new. Knowing the heart of the Mini was being carefully rebuilt gave the whole project fresh energy and excitement, bringing us closer than ever to hearing it roar back to life.
The Heartbeat Returns
The moment the engine roared to life for the first time with the help of Mini Medics was unforgettable. After months of sourcing, reconditioning, and meticulous assembly, hearing that familiar purr was proof that every step - every challenge and detail - had been worth it. It wasn’t just an engine running; it was the heartbeat of the Mini fully restored, signalling that the car was truly coming alive and the adventure was ready to begin.
Present Day
Their Last Mini Adventure has been a journey fuelled by passion, dedication, and the loving memory of George Robert Lonergan, a true classic Mini enthusiast. From the first 1971 Clubman Estate shell in desperate need of care, to finding a better rolling shell and beginning the painstaking bodywork, every step has been a labour of love. The paint, polish, and assembly brought the car to life, while sourcing and reconditioning the engine, merging the electrics, and adding every detail reminded us of the joy George found in every part of a Mini. The creation of the custom funeral deck adds a deeply personal touch, ensuring the car carries his spirit on every adventure. From the first spark of the engine to the gleaming finish today, this Mini stands as a tribute - a living, rolling celebration of George’s legacy and the love of classic Minis he shared with the world.
