Status Minipower, an early mid-engine take on the Seven

The Status Minipower (aka. Symbol)

As a car crazy teenager, I followed the world of unusual cars obsessively. Having an industrial designer and former General Motors car stylist for a dad meant that I had access to a rich library of automotive literature and so it was I discovered the Status Minipower. I just loved its "doorstop" shape and open front wheels. It was like one of Colin Chapman's early F1 cars had gotten friendly with a 7..

The Status Minipower, rear 3/4 view.

As the story goes, former Vehicle Engineering Manager at Lotus Cars, Brian Luff, set-up his own freelance engineering company after he left the employ of Lotus. An operation that would go onto design all manner of innovative vehicles, despite its tumultuous run.

The Status Minipower, head on.

In 1971 Status Company began in Norwich, Norfolk, where Luff set himself to producing automobiles and kits. Numerous name changes and relocations followed.

From 1971 to 1973 "Status Motors" was based in New Buckenham in Norfolk, from 1973 to 1974 it was "Engine Marianne", and from 1974 to 1975 "Status Company" yet again. The most recent company, "Brian Luff Limited", had its seat from 1976 to 1977 in Essex, Jersey from 1980 to 1981, and Bawburgh at Norwich from 1985 until 1996.

The company brand name came from Luff’s favorite band; Status Quo, incidentally.

The Status Minipower

The first Status model was the Symbol, based on Mini mechanicals, with double wishbones all-round, Austin 1100cc driveshafts and A-Series power. Light (450kg) and very agile. The engine and transmission were fitted to the rear of a steel space frame chassis, with double wishbone front suspension.

The non-stressed body was made from GRP. The windscreen was flat glass and there was no roof (save for one prototype). Designed as a rear engine Mini based alternative to the Lotus 7 it was a basic wind-in-the-hair sports car.

The Status Minipower, shown with a rarely seen "hard top".

Eight were sold before Luff changed the name to Minipower in 1972, in an attempt to give it a more serious image rather than just a clever play on words. Despite Colin Chapman reputedly loving it, rave reviews from the motoring press, and it being one of the finest handling specialist cars ever committed to metal and fiberglass, just 20 more chassis were sold before it was withdrawn in 1973.

The project was bought by a Yorkshire-based restaurateur, but nothing more was heard of the car. It's a shame really.

The car was very likely an inspiration for future kits, such as the Sylva Mojo and Jetstream SC250.

Sources:

Maximum Mini Blog (for some images and content)