Bad Obsession Motorsport - Project Binky

Aug 17, 2013

We're trying to create one of the fastest Minis on the planet. We're going to rebuild it with the engine and running gear from a Toyota Celica ST185 GT4. Or at least that's the plan. Whether it comes off or not is another matter. We're filming this as it happens so what you see is only a few weeks behind where we're actually at so we're not sure yet whether we can do it. That's kind of the fun though.

Oct 18, 2013

In the 2nd episode of Project Binky, we start to get down to the nitty gritty of the build. We strip out the front bulkhead, make all new suspension mounting points and drink a lot of tea. We also travel to Goodwood for a cheeky track day. The project to fit all of the running gear from a Toyota Celica ST185 GT-Four into a Mini 1000 without widening or lengthening it, really starts to take shape. There'll be more by Christmas 2013 we hope, so please subscribe to our channel to get all the updates. Thanks for watching, we hope you enjoy our escapades. Feel free to share it far and wide!

Dec 24, 2013

Project Binky: A Toyota Celica GT-Four engine, gearbox and running gear is being shoe-horned into a 1980 Mini 1000. In episode 3, the turbo-charged 3SGTE engine gets put aside as we concentrate on getting the rear suspension and sub-frame mounted in the back of the Mini. Silliness abounds in this monster project. We very much hope you enjoy watching. Please subscribe to our channel to receive regular updates! Thanks for watching!

Feb 19, 2014

Project Binky: A Toyota Celica GT-Four engine, gearbox and running gear is being shoe-horned into a 1980 Mini 1000. In episode 4, the Mini finally gets an engine. All the running gear gets installed and there's a miracle prop-shaft situation. It finally dawns on us that it just might be possible to get the 3SGTE engine in the car and the project might just work! Please share far and wide. Thanks for watching!

Apr 19, 2014

In episode 5 of Bad Obsession Motorsport's Project Binky, we finally manage to get the front bulkhead finished and make a start on making good the rear end. The quest to build one of the world's fastest Austin Minis continues.

Jun 13, 2014

Bad Obsession Motorsport's mental project to shoehorn the entire running gear from a Toyota Celica GT-Four into a Mini without lengthening or widening it continues in episode 6. The shell fabrication is nearly complete.

Sep 26, 2014

In episode 7 of Project Binky, the Mini gets most of the chassis fabrication completed, the radiator gets sorted and the car gets electric windows and central locking. Oh, and Nik has a birthday party. The quest to build one of the world's fastest Mini's continues....

Dec 24, 2014

The quest to build one of the world's fastest Mini's continues.... In Episode 8, we get a pair of nice doors, Nik gets annoyed with the boot lid and we both flip out over the front end panel work. Really hope you enjoy it. Please share! Thanks for watching.

Apr 17, 2015

Yes it's taken a long time, but episode 9 is finally here. The shell is complete along with a few extra flourishes. We start on the interior and the BOM family grows by two. Oh, and Nik gets a haircut. Follow the madness of the project trying to build one of the world's fastest Mini's.

Jul 31, 2015

The quest to build one of the world's fastest Mini's continues... In episode 10 of Project Binky, we mainly concentrate on getting the controls sorted. There's pedal box and steering action along with a fight with some major bump steer.

Dec 4, 2015

The quest to build one of the world's fastest Mini's continues... In episode 11 of Project Binky, we grapple with bumpsteer and Ackermann angles, we wrestle with the gear-shift mechanism, sort out the passenger seat and fit the handbrake. And we drink tea of course.

Apr 8, 2016

In episode 12 of Project Binky, we get to grips with the exhaust after finishing off a lot of the bits left earlier on in the build. The quest to build one of the world's fastest Minis continues...

Jul 22, 2016

In episode 13 of Project Binky, the Mini gets a new fuel tank, we finish off the parcel shelf, complete the firewall and take a look at the wheel situation. There's homemade contraptions, MIG welding, TIG welding and a shed load of grinding action! And tea, lots of tea.

Nov 25, 2016

In episode 14 of Project Binky, we crack on with figuring out the arches, not helped by a faulty part. We come up with a new technology - LRP - and we start to plumb the fuel lines in. There's most of the usual stuff including tea obviously! Thanks for watching, we hope you enjoy it!

May 17, 2017

In episode 15 of Project Binky, we wrestle with brake lines and fuel lines, make a couple of reasonably nice braces for under the car, argue over P clips and drink a bunch of tea. There's also a biscuit dunking incident. Hope you enjoy it!

Oct 13, 2017

In this installment of our seemingly never ending quest to build one of the world's fastest Mini's, we wrestle with the power steering, make a minor adjustment to the flip front mechanism and think about how to get some heating in the car.

Oct 14, 2017

In episode 17 of Project Binky, we get down and dirty with finishing off the custom HVAC unit for the Mini. It's a long and involved process that took far more time than we possibly imagined, but now it's done we move on to fix some other drawbacks of the mini in modern day motoring.

Aug 1, 2018

In episode 18 of Project Binky, we wrestle with the wiper system, add another superfluous modification, tackle some trigonometry and sort of start on the electrical system. It's all systems go in the continuing effort to build one of the world's fastest Mini's.

Oct 1, 2018

In episode 19 of Project Binky, we make a start on the vehicle's electrical system, make a few brackets and drink plenty of tea. It's all systems go in the continuing effort to build one of the world's fastest Mini's.

Nov 1, 2018

In episode 20 of Project Binky, we continue working on the mini's electrical system and solve (we hope) the ancillary drive conundrum. There's an unbelievable amount of work in this one, far too much to show in one 30 minute episode without killing it dead, so there'll be an additional machining video out in a couple of weeks for anyone who'd like to see more of the detail in the latter part of this episode. It's all systems go in the continuing effort to build one of the world's fastest Mini's.

Dec 31, 2018

In episode 21 of Project Binky, we work on the interior of the car building a centre console and some door cards among other bits and bobs. This is all just so we can crack on with the rest of the wiring. Honest...

Feb 1, 2019

In episode 22 of Project Binky we fit some nice speakers, a custom stereo, an ECU and we wire up everything in the boot including the fuel pump. The countdown to complete strip down for paint has started...

Mar 1, 2019

In episode 23 of Project Binky we fix a hole in the sump, modify a radiator, finish a lot of the wiring and make a bracket with brackets for the interior light and dashcam. We test the electrical circuits, and there's some shenanigans in our Subaru for good measure.

May 12, 2019

In episode 24 of Project Binky we take a close look at the radiator pack and somehow squeeze a quart into a pint pot with a multitude of heat-exchangers. We also make a start on the ECU and engine wiring.

Jun 30, 2019

In episode 25, we get to making brackets for some sensors, do some more wiring, sort a jump post, fix the clutch master cylinder and make a little washer bottle and horn mounts. It's all go with the build of one of the world's fastest Minis.

Sep 29, 2019

In episode 26, we continue with the myriad little jobs needing sorting. There's brackets, tea, an exhaust manifold, an uber linkage and some filtration. It's all go with the build of one of the world's fastest Minis.

Dec 8, 2019

In episode 27, we continue with the myriad little jobs needing sorting. We're so close to stripping it down for paint, but there's still a bunch of stuff that needs sorting, so we crack on like a pair of lunatics...

Dec 24, 2019

In episode 28 we work on the panel gaps, finish off a few little jobs and actually, finally, totally strip the car down for paint!

Feb 9, 2020

In episode 29 we have an absolute tonne of stuff to re-furbish and make good. There's powdercoating, painting, stripping, blasting, plating and many more ings besides.

Mar 1, 2020

In episode 30 of Project Binky we take a look at the power under the bonnet: the engine. It needs a cambelt, and oil change and nothing else... Honestly...

May 2, 2020

We break out the TIG welder again for some more fab work as there's a turbo that needs fitting! Things get cleaned and more superflous parts get ordered off the interweb.

Jun 20, 2020

In episode 32 of Project Binky we finish off the engine build with more brackets, sensors, wiring and a shed load of fab work. A lot to pack into this one, hope you can appreciate the amount of work involved.

Jan 29, 2021

In episode 33 of Project Binky we finally get some colour on the Mini! As usual, nothing is straightforward and the paint job takes on a life of its own.

Apr 24, 2021

In episode 34 of Project Binky we start the reassembly. But before it gets too exciting, we need some sound deadening, heat management and rust proofing. The painted shell begins to take shape as a car and not just a selection of parts.

Aug 7, 2021

In episode 35 of Project Binky we really make some progress on getting the mini started for the first time. Lots of stuff gets bolted to the car, the wiring loom gets finished off, we have some nice machining done and we try not to scratch the paint as the engine gets bolted up.

Aug 15, 2021

In episode 36 of Project Binky we carry on where we left off at the cliffhanger ending of episode 35. There's a lot more stuff to put on the car before we can attempt to start it, but will it go?

Dec 17, 2021

In episode 37 of Project Binky we add more parts, run the engine up to temp, go to a show, break things, fix things and generally get annoyed.

Apr 30, 2023

In episode 38 of Project Binky we continue the final assembly, but on the way there's still time and opportunity to fab up some more bits, and the sumptuous new interior is fitted.

Oct 27, 2024

In episode 39 of Project Binky - the one that nearly killed us - we encounter some problems with the quick and easy way of fitting a suitable dashboard. We therefore had to take matters into our own hands and learn a whole new set of skills while developing a novel way to make printed circuit boards.

Apr 30, 2025

In episode 40 of Project Binky we "complete" the installation of the dashboard clocks and gauges. Not everything went to plan, in fact almost nothing went to plan but we battled through and are now on the home stretch! Thanks for watching, apologies for another long delay!

Aug 1, 2025

In episode 41 of Project Binky we aimed to finish the interior of the car starting with completing the dashboard area. As usual, it didn't go exactly to plan. Look out for the next episode where we'll be driving the car out of the shed!

Nov 29, 2025

In episode 42 of Project Binky - we drive the mini out of the shed! Finished it is not, but it's not far off now.

Sep 20, 2020

The global pandemic scuppered our carefully laid plans for the spring and summer of 2020 so we needed something else to pass the time and to look forward to. Enter the City Car Cup... Launched in June 2020, the new series from the BRSCC is open to the Citroen C1, Toyota Aygo and Peugeot 107 and captured our imagination instantly so we leapt upon the chance to whip out the grinder and set about finding a car to cut up. This new series will detail the build, preparation, testing, racing and development of the car. In a frankly unbelievable twist, the car is already finished and has been raced, so we're back on the other projects while this series airs.

Sep 27, 2020

Part 2 of our series on building a car for the BRSCC's City Car Cup. After fitting the cage and other items from the mandatory parts list inside the car in part 1, we turn to the stuff we have to fit outside the car. The new bushes are fitted along with the sports exhaust. We then take an angle grinder to a sensitive component because reasons. Thanks for watching, we hope you enjoy it!

Oct 4, 2020

In part 3 of Bargain Racement, we crack on with the build of our Citroen C1 race car. There's brakes to sort, seat to install, harness to fix and the cut-off switch and pull cable to set-up. We also take time to visit Croft circuit to drive one of the first cars ever built, on the media launch event.

Oct 11, 2020

In part 4 of Bargain Racement, we finish the build of our budget race car. There's wheels to fit, towing eyes to sort, fire extinguishers to plumb in along with a jolly good service and some modifications along the way. It won't be long before we can actually race our little Citroen.

Oct 18, 2020

In part 5 of Bargain Racement, we finally get to go racing. We take the long trip from Shropshire to Cadwell Park in Lincolnshire for our first outing in the little Citroen C1.

Oct 25, 2020

In part 6 of Bargain Racement, we look back at what happened in our first race and plan some improvements to try and go a little faster. We go to Wales for some testing before heading back to the shed for some last minute fettling.

Nov 1, 2020

In part 7 of Bargain Racement, we head to Silverstone for race 2 of the City Car Cup. We want to know if any of the "amendments" we've made to the car along with the testing will make any difference to our race day performance. Can we get on the podium again?

Nov 8, 2020

In the penultimate episode of Bargain Racement, we head up north to Croft circuit to take on a double header meeting. The heavens open and there's drama a plenty in the final races of the 2020 season. Did our amendments make it to Croft before they are banned? Can we make it on to the podium again? The answers to these questions, and many more in part 8.

Nov 15, 2020

In the final part of Bargain Racement, we look back on our short 2020 racing season, total up the costs of going racing, answer some frequently asked questions and then go to Thruxton Circuit for a special event with Mission Motorsport. We hope you've enjoyed the ride, thank you for watching! Normal service to resume soon.

Mar 25, 2020

What do we do on our rare days off from the shed you might ask? Well, on the very first decent day of weather in 2020, we happened to be invited to a closed to club shakedown/track day at Curborough sprint course in early March. The Rallying History car club brought many vehicles to the Staffordshire venue from a Morris Marina to MG Metro 6R4's alongside Escort and Sierra Cosworth, Toyota Celica, Hyundai Accent WRC, Audi Quattro, Talbot Sunbeam Lotus and more. There are a lot of cars in the club that didn't make it to the track day and hopefully the Rally Festival 2020 organised by them for later in the year will go ahead so let us know if you would like to see more. This is a video we did for the car club and for practice with a different style of camera work but thought you might like to see it. Apologies in advance for the completely freehand, slightly dodgy camera work!

May 28, 2021

A chance meeting with a classic car enthusiast and his lovingly restored and much used Austin Healey 3000 led us here. We just had to film Patrick and his Squealy.

Jan 15, 2022

In the second instalment of our BOM Classics series we captured the story of Ege Ferguson, owner and restorer of a Ford GT40 replica. Having desired a GT40 since its launch in the mid-1960s, it wasn’t until 1990 that a freak fire created an opportunity for Ege to realise his dream. Here he tells the story of his fascination with the legendary car and his ten year restoration project. With thanks to Ege, James, Mark & Michael Ferguson and the GT40 Enthusiasts Club

Feb 19, 2022

In August 2021 we were invited to bring Binky along to the inaugural UK Historic Rally Festival. Of course, we hadn't finished it so we threw some parts at the mini hastily and dragged it along to the show anyway. Dozens of pre-2000 rally cars including some Group B monsters were in attendance and despite typical British summer weather, a good time was had by all.

Apr 20, 2022

We were invited to get back behind the wheel of our donated Citroen C1 by Mission Motorsport for the annual epic Race of Remembrance at Anglesey. Joining a team of former service personnel that included Aston Dimmock, Laurence Roke, Matt Stringer, Ben Norfolk as well as Nurburgring specialist Olly Brand, we integrated smoothly but it wasn’t long before Nik had his spanners out. As will become apparent when you watch it, it is far more about teamwork than the race itself and the injuries that people in the forces can suffer include many that the naked eye can see. It was an honour to take part in what we believe is the event of the year in the British race events calendar!

Jul 3, 2022

For our 3rd instalment of our BOM Classics series we met Neil Revington who built a small empire over 40 years stemming from a Triumph TR2 sportscar he bought in 1970 for just £70. Here he recounts the fascinating story of his career of building a business, rallying, racing and restoring classic Triumphs including the renowned works rally Triumphs from the 1960s. Direction, filming and Editing: Ben James © 2022 Bad Obsession Motorsport

Jul 6, 2022

We were lucky enough to be invited to shakedown a beautifully restored Tiga SC81 Sports 2000 car last year at Silverstone. This then turned into an invitation to race it at the prestigious Silverstone Classic event in late August 2022. This video takes you through the trials and tribulations of what turned out to be an eventful but utterly fabulous meeting.

Nov 12, 2023

While Nik and Richard battled with Binky in the shed, Ben headed off to the spectacular Elan Valley in Wales to meet up with Daniel Railean. Dan takes care of all of BOM’s website and hosting through his own business but in his spare time, he’s been building his dream drift car – an RA40 Toyota Celica with the power of a BMW M50. We know all about the term “Project Creep” but Dan takes it to extremes, pushes his knowledge and ropes in friends to create his own unique car that takes inspiration from many places. A true one-of-a-kind build punctuated by the glorious sound of that straight six. Hope you enjoy it!

Nov 15, 2023

Earlier this year - on a rare excursion from the shed – we visited James Cameron, the boss of armed forces charity Mission Motorsport to see his fabulous 1923 Dodge Touring Car. A century old but still clocking up the miles, this car is now a rare beauty. We chatted about his entry into petrol hedonism and his forays into motorsport alongside what attracted him to buy the old Dodge. Then, after all the interview was complete, we took the car to the pub. Naturally… We’ll be back with Binky ep39 in a few weeks and look out for a follow-up video to this one coming soon detailing exactly what we had to do to get the old girl to the pub! It wasn’t straightforward. Hope you enjoy it!

Nov 17, 2023

We're well used to not everything going to plan, so when we turned up to our friend James Cameron's place to film the 100 Year Old Dodge video it came as little surprise to find the car reluctant take us to the pub for our promised lunch. Cue hours of disassembly, fettling and top quality MacGyver work to try and get the old girl running. It wasn't our plan to have to do this but it seemed too good an opportunity to Ben not to film it. Hope you enjoy the stripped down, behind the scenes footage and we wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year!