Here is everybody’s favourite, an Austin Mini and an early one too. Getting harder to find at this age and values keep rising. This one has enjoyed a restoration in the past and appears to have a solid foundation to continue that restoration. It is however in a useable condition as is but the paintwork does display reactions on close inspection.

All those little Mk1 details have been kept. The floor starter and dip switch, long gear stick, sliding windows and external hinges all make this a very original car. Bought without any history and an undetermined mileage and yet the car displays a good deal of restoration and care that has been bestowed upon it some time ago. This is a real bit of British motoring history.

Bought by the present owner to update the restoration. There is a substantial volume of invoices, many of which span the apparent time of the restoration which appears to have been from 2013 to 2015. During the limited time with the car for the photography, it does appear that the car is in good general order and would benefit greatly by repainting the whole car.

The cockpit of the car is just as it should be in 1964. Pull cords on the doors, tipping vinyl seats, floor starter button and foot-operated dip switch are all present and maintain the little car’s originality and overwhelming cuteness. The condition is good without any tears or burns. It is unknown if the seats are original to the car and the same applies to the carpets, but both are in good order. The speedometer may have been changed and the mileage is unknown.

From a few feet away the bodywork still appears bright and glossy. However, on closer examination, most panels appear to be suffering from a contamination reaction which is causing micro blistering. This Is a shame because the restoration as a whole appears to have been a competent job. The paint defects wouldn't stop the car from being pressed into immediate service as it seems mechanically ready to go. The car does retain all the elements that set the early cars apart from later versions. Bumpers, grille and lighting are all correct for the period. The wheels are a matter of choice and although they suit and add a welcome bit of bling, perhaps a set of period steel rims would be better suited? The Mini’s underside has not been viewed in its entirety, but the images obtained at ground level appear to show things in good order with a copious amount of underseal applied.

Within the engine bay sits the 850cc engine which is presumed by the owner to be the original. It is unknown if it has been rebuilt but it starts briskly off the button and settles to a smooth and quiet tick-over. The only obvious alteration to the car now the bonnet is open is the addition of an Alternator and its subsequent wiring, updating from a Dynamo. The car has not been test driven but the gear selection from first to reverse was surprisingly easy, even with the ‘Magic Wand’ long gear lever.

All Minis are inherently cute and fun and this old 850 is no exception. The fact that it is a Mk1 and a basic ‘No Frills’ 850 seems to add to the character. There is a feeling that this is a bit of motoring history that should be cherished. The restoration that has already been done appears to have provided a prospective buyer with a seemingly solid foundation to bring this fab little 850 up to scratch. 

Yes, the bodywork is the key issue but it does look like it may only need a quality respray rather than another extensive rebuild. After all, those blisters wouldn’t stop you from enjoying this little bundle of joy. A routine health check and a bit of tidying would dispel any concerns the lack of service history may cause and you’d be fizzing around the countryside in no time.

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.