1975 Morris Mini GT5

YEAR: 1975
MODEL: Morris Mini GT5 (Mark III)
VIN#:
ENGINE: N/A
CURB WEIGHT: N/A
TOP SPEED: N/A
PRICE WHEN NEW: N/A
NUMBER BUILT   Unknown
BUILD DATE: N/A
COLOR: Orange
OWNERS: Lane Motor Museum - Jeff Lane
LOCATION: Nashville, Tennessee
NICKNAME: N/A

This chassis was built for Richard Kraus to compete in SCCA GT-5 class at the time when RWD was first permitted for Minis. It replaced his Fortech built FWD tube frame chassis that he won a National Championship at Road Atlanta in 1993. The chassis was designed, and all major fabrication done by Bob Griffith of Bhp, as well as Richard’s two 1275 cc motors- which had been built as FWD- and then quickly converted to RWD for use in this chassis.  The design was originally intended to eventually use a 1071CC motor instead of 1275 as it could run 265lb lighter at nearly the same HP.  Richard took the completed bare chassis home to Florida and quickly did a body and finish work to get it ready to go to the Runoffs held in Mid-Ohio, for its first track outing. 
Unfortunately, the special driveshaft for the Schwitter’s gearbox was never balanced, vibrated excessively, and he went home during the week of that event.  Although no track testing was ever done, it showed on radar and data collection +5 mph faster than any other Mini. Some examination by a Mini smart person is needed to discover unique air flow/drag details, as well as suspension and polar moment solutions in this chassis. The next season Richard won several National races- but then retired selling both his business Florida Brake, as well as his race cars.

Chris Riley bought the chassis, but being involved with his son’s Volvo’s Pro race effort, let it go without much use.  Chuck Callis purchased it for Lane Motor Museum and did his usual fine “restoration”, a better body, and many small things in combination with his helper Ed Floyd.