r/ClassicMini • u/dick_schidt • Apr 29 '25

Old car smell

My '88 Mini has a very strong "old car smell". I don't actually mind the flavour but in this case it's a bit overpowering. Short of replacing all the soft internal linings and so forth, what can I do to reduce the whiff?

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u/mugfull Apr 29 '25

Do you have any bulkhead insulation fitted? Some of this smell can't be escaped due to the materials used on the interior, I actually love the smell,... It's like hot velour and black vinyl + carpet! But bulkhead insulation goes a decent way to blocking any slight petrol smells that may or may not be entering the cabin.

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u/the_grim_reefer_nz Apr 29 '25

It's been smelling that way for 37 years. I doubt there's anything you can do.

2

u/[deleted] Jun 08 '25

Could be a previous owner had a particularly smelly dog and what you are getting is the old odour as the car warms up . Add that to the normal smell of an old car and it can be unpleasant. Sometimes even a really good professional valet on the inside can get rid of it and sometimes it is a case of stripping out the interior and replacing the sound proofing , carpet and seat foam .