Description
Kelham Hall | Newark, Nottinghamshire
Viewing: Tues 16th June from 12pm
Auction: Wed 17th June from 9am
Location: Main Street, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG23 5QX
1968 Morris Mini Cooper 998
Estimate
£16, 000 - £20, 000
Registration No: KND 523F
Chassis No: KAthe details belowA
MOT: October 2026
Six owners from new, the first and second from one family (1968-1989), and the fifth and sixth from another family (1997-present)
Lavished with a full restoration by the late owner c. 2020
Matching chassis and engine numbers, and pleasingly presented in its original colours
Offered with a copy of the original sales invoice and a Heritage Certificate
The first Mini Cooper appeared in 1961, the result of a partnership with champion Formula One constructor John Cooper. The stroke of the standard 848cc engine was lengthened to 997cc which, together with other improvements, raised power output from 34 to 55bhp. A close-ratio gearbox and front disc brakes completed the package. That engine was replaced by a shorter-stroke 998cc unit in 1964, while the Mk. II version launched in 1967 featured a redesigned grille, a larger rear window and numerous cosmetic changes.
‘KND 523F’ was built on April 5th, 1968, and finished in Island Blue with a Snowberry White roof and Black trim. It was sold new on May 6th by Sports Motors of Manchester to S. R. Astley, Esq., of Bidston, Cheshire, being part-exchanged against his 1963 Mini. He covered 33, 000 miles before selling it to his mother, Mrs. Margaret Astley, in 1970, and she used it for local journeys until 1989, when she stopped driving. The third owner kept it until 1997 and, after a very brief stint with a fourth keeper, its late fifth owner acquired it from an H&H auction the same year, when it was still highly original and displaying just 71, 000 miles.
The Cooper now presents in very nice condition, having undergone a full restoration around 2020, which saw it stripped to the bare metal and reassembled with new or refurbished parts where necessary. More impressively, it still appears in its original colour scheme and retains its matching-numbers, twin-carburettor engine. This eminently show-worthy Mini is supplied with history including the V5C, a copy of the original sales invoice, a BMIHT certificate, correspondence from Mrs. Astley, old MOTs and DVLA ownership records.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
