Proper Minis are very expensive here.

…and no-one quite knows why. A decent 1970/1990 Mini will set you back a clear ten grand, which is ridiculous considering that you could buy ten of ’em in the UK for that. That’s why there’s a huge trade in importing them.. especially from Holland/France into (cough) Canada.

It’s now to the point where a BMW Mini actually costs less than a much, much older proper one.. which says a great deal for the lack of charm exhibited by the later Minis – and the phenomenal sales of “100% BMW Free” bumper stickers.