The Minari was designed by Andy Borrowman and Sean Prendergast of Minari Engineering Ltd, to accept Alfasud running gear, engine and transmission. A rigid GRP monocoque body carries a steel subframe which, along with the donor’s front crossmember, supports the engine. The prototype was extensively tested over 20,000 miles of rough and smooth roads and tracks without any problem. In fact it continued in service through the 140,000 mile mark.

With a height of 1090mm, width 1580mm and length 3480mm, the roadster was shorter and lower than the 'Sud, with a 220mm shorter wheelbase. The light weight (around 720kg) and low centre of gravity, combined with a 50:50 weight balance, gave handling and performance which exceeded the high standards of the 'Sud. Top speeds around of 120 mph, and 0-60 times well below 9 sec are seen with the 1500 twin carb engine, with better performance possible from 8 and 16 valve 1700 engines.

After launch in 1990, around twelve Mk1 (ClubSport) kits were sold. The Register knows of only 4 of these. The car had generous behind seat stowage and a good sized boot. Weather protection was provided by a hood and clip- in side screens. Access to the engine was better than in the donor car with a swing forward front end.
minari mk2 Having proved the concept, a Mk2 (RoadSport) version was produced. This had shallower sills, wind-up windows, remodelled front and rear ends, but a smaller boot due to addition of an extra stiffening bulkhead around the rear suspension. Hood and hardtop were available. The first Mk2s were aimed at 'Sud donors, the Alfa 33 was the basis for later kits. Around 130 Mk2 kits were sold before production finally stopped in 2000. Of these about 70 are known to the Register.
A few Mk2 RSRs were produced. These had no screen and the option of a lightweight carbon fibre body (see On the Track).
Many cars were built or part-built by Chameleon Cars, who were sales agents for the Minari during the late '90s.
  		minari rsr

Recent Developments
In 2006 the Minari Mk2 moulds were bought by Adrenaline Motorsport. Using these as a basis, Adrenaline developed the very impressive Murtaya kitcar, using Subaru Impreza engine and transmission, so carrying the Minari bloodline into the future.
For those still wanting to build an Alfa-based Minari, the news is also good; parts and eventually kits will soon be available from Peninsula Sports Cars run by Paul Featherstone-Harvey (01872 279 419).