
The VTEC-Powered Classic Mini Van
From Restoration to Rocket
Estimated reading time: 4-5 minutes
It’s not every day that your wife almost wets herself during a drive in a 200bhp+ VTEC-powered 1972 classic Mini van... but today, that all changed. By her own admission: 'She wasn't ready for that' when she was in the passenger seat to experience the acceleration.
Well, to be fair, she didn’t quite wet herself, but the expression on her face as Chris launched this bright yellow rocket from 0 to 60mph in just 4 seconds was absolutely priceless! You can check out the short video clip of the moment right here.
How a humble eBay purchase transformed into a 200bhp speed machine with a Honda Civic Type-R engine.


When we arrived at the location, the first thing you noticed was the blindingly bright yellow paint job. That, and the sleek carbon fibre wide wheel arches, made it clear this Mini wasn’t messing around. Its stance screamed speed.
We met with Chris and Matt, the masterminds behind the build, who told us their love of cars came from their fathers, both of whom were into hot rods back in the day and - of course - we decided to host a whole Facebook Live to let you eavesdrop in on that conversation.
As we headed towards Manchester, we couldn’t help but imagine what it must feel like to sit in the passenger seat of such a super-lightweight Mini, powered by a tuned-up engine from a Honda Civic Type-R. In its own right, the VTEC engine in the Civic is a beast, but to drop it into a classic Mini? That’s a different level of awesome!












This Mini van, a $1,500 eBay find, came with only minor rust issues and was originally meant to be another fun project after their previous success with an orange classic Mini build. Having leftover parts from the last project, they figured, “Why not build another?” But this time, they wanted to do something a bit different.


Step inside, and the attention to detail is clear. The Mini features a custom carbon fibre dashboard, door cards, a digital tacho gauge, a custom shifter with a sleek housing, metal seats with Sabelt harnesses, and a full red ZCars roll cage. Every element was thought out to match the aggressive performance of the van.
After the photoshoot outside an old factory near Chris’s home, we took the Mini back on the road for some additional rolling shots. The sound of that VTEC engine screaming was just too addictive to pass up one last time.
This classic Mini, transformed into a modern-day rocket, isn’t just a car—it’s a testament to what can happen when passion, creativity, and a lot of hard work come together. It's a build that turns heads and makes hearts race.
Tech Specs for Chris’ 1972 Mini Van:
Engine: Honda Civic Type-R VTEC engine (sourced from a damaged Civic Type-R)
Modifications:
Lightened and balanced flywheel
Pro Management system
Tuned for more power output
Chassis: Suspension: Protec coilovers
Brakes:
Front: Wilwood 4-piston brakes
Rear: Renault Clio 182 brakes
Wheels: Supertrax 13x7-inch wheels (front and rear)
Tyres: Wide fitment (details not specified)
Bodywork:
Wheel arches: Carbon fibre wide arches
Body colour: Bright yellow paint job
Dashboard & Interior: Custom carbon fibre dashboard and door cards
Other modifications: Full red ZCars roll cage
Interior:
Seats: Metal seats with Sabelt harnesses
Instrumentation: Digital tachometer gauge
Gear Shifter: Custom shifter with custom housing


So, why drop in a Honda Civic Type-R engine instead of restoring the van to its former glory? Well, Chris had recently finished an apprenticeship, which meant more disposable income—and more possibilities. After some research and endless conversations, they discovered no one had ever tried fitting a Type-R engine into the rear of a classic Mini. The challenge was on.
The Mini van was purchased back in 2009, and the build has now been going strong for over four years. The Type-R engine was sourced from a damaged Honda Civic, but fortunately, the front of the car (and the engine) was untouched.
The engine itself has been tuned to push even more power, thanks to a lightened and balanced flywheel, a Pro Management system, and a few other tweaks.
This incredible transformation took place in Chris's garage, with both Chris and Matt working hard to chop and modify parts. Chris’s father also lent a hand, helping to prepare the van for its eye-catching yellow paint job.
As for the wheels, the Mini sits on Supertrax 13x7-inch rims all around, perfectly complemented by the carbon fibre arches and that striking yellow paint. When Carmen had the chance to experience a ride, she noted how well the suspension performed. Fitted with Protec coilovers, the handling was sharp and responsive. The braking system—sourced from a Renault Clio 182 at the rear and Wilwood 4-piston brakes up front—added an extra layer of confidence when the Mini really got moving.
From Restauration to Rocket!
Take a look at this 1972 Classic Mini with VTEC engine swap by Chris and Matt

From Restoration to Rocket
A 1972 classic Mini van transformed into a lightweight powerhouse with a Honda Civic Type-R VTEC engine, carbon fibre bodywork, and custom interior, making it a high-performance ride with a unique retro-modern appeal.
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