1979 Austin Mini City (Cooper Special)
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Highlights
- Lots of go-faster goodies
- Cooper looks and abilities
- Impressive build quality throughout
The Appeal
If you have a hankering for a late 60s Mini Cooper but not the budget, then this might be just the answer.
Built to an impressively high standard and completed in 2018 this Austin Mini used to be a lowly City spec, but now boasts lots of well-considered go-faster additions as well as unique looks.
With enough power to justify the racy appearance, and handling to match we can assure you this Mini is a whole heap of fun! (And the stickers could come off!)
Built to an impressively high standard and completed in 2018 this Austin Mini used to be a lowly City spec, but now boasts lots of well-considered go-faster additions as well as unique looks.
With enough power to justify the racy appearance, and handling to match we can assure you this Mini is a whole heap of fun! (And the stickers could come off!)
History and Paperwork
- First registered in December 1979
- 58,714 miles though to be genuine
- Major work between 2015-2017
- New paint in 2018
- Built 848cc A Series with Stage 1 tuning kit
- Professionally rewired
- NODIZ Electronic Ignition system
- New Minator wheels
- Fresh Yokohama Advan tyres
- Some MoT history
The Interior
- Clean and smart with new mats
- New race style bucket seats
- Billet aluminium handles
On the inside the Mini is nicely upgraded with aftermarket parts, but not to an extent that it has become impractical.
The new race style bucket seats are properly fitted, tilt forward easily, and the seat belts are the standard inertia style, not annoying, hard to do up harnesses. The rear seat is standard with a new vinyl cover and two seat belts.
The new race style bucket seats are properly fitted, tilt forward easily, and the seat belts are the standard inertia style, not annoying, hard to do up harnesses. The rear seat is standard with a new vinyl cover and two seat belts.
The dark grey carpets are clean and without much wear, covered with thick black rubber mats in both front and rear. There is a section that appears to have been cut in the rear, probably where there was originally a tunnel mounted ashtray fitted. The black roof lining is smart and well installed.
Moving to the dash area it is mostly factory Mini with the exception of the steering wheel. This a smart alloy three spoke design with a suede covered rim for extra grip. The instruments are still centre mounted, with speedo, oil pressure and temperature gauges. Below there are choke and heater controls, and a selection of switches for lights, hazards fog lights etc.
There are few chips to the paint around the mounting where a previous switch panel was attached through older screw holes. Below that the heater controls are mounted, a little clumsily, but they appear to function correctly. Apart from that the typically spartan dash area is clean and presentable.
There are few chips to the paint around the mounting where a previous switch panel was attached through older screw holes. Below that the heater controls are mounted, a little clumsily, but they appear to function correctly. Apart from that the typically spartan dash area is clean and presentable.
The boot area is clean and dry with the rear mounted battery hidden beneath a cardboard cover that has seen better days! There are a few chips in the green paint revealing earlier red paint that could perhaps be the original?
The Exterior
- Repainted in British Racing Green Metallic in 2018
- Lots of race car inspired graphics and sponsor stickers
- Upgraded headlights and lots of front driving lights!
The outside of the Mini is eye catching to say the least! According to a note in the history file it received a respray in the current colour in 2018, and it appears to have been well applied with no runs or flat areas.
There are plenty of race inspired graphics on the car some like Britax Cooper and Goodyear are period logos, and others are more current such as Gas Monkey Garage and Red Bull are more modern.
The general look appears to be based on the Mk2 Downton prepared Mini Coopers of around 1969 as raced by Gordon Spice and others. There are large door numbers, printed in a distressed “used” look that adds to the effect.
The roof is adorned with a full size monotone Union Jack flag, again a vinyl sticker. This has been well applied with no bubbles of creases.
At the front the headlights have been upgraded to a more modern lens and reflector, and there are a pair of front mounted driving lamps plus a pair of fog lamps, all with halogen bulbs. They are properly mounted beneath the grille.
There are plastic wheel arch extensions that fit properly and just cover the chunky and super grippy 165 x 70 profile Yokohama Advan tyres. These are mounted on new Minator Minilite style 10 inch alloys that are in mint condition.
There are plastic wheel arch extensions that fit properly and just cover the chunky and super grippy 165 x 70 profile Yokohama Advan tyres. These are mounted on new Minator Minilite style 10 inch alloys that are in mint condition.
The Mechanics
- Rebuilt 848cc engine with Stage 1 tuning kit
- Rebuilt and professionally tuned carburettor
- New exhaust system
Lifting the bonnet reveals a smart and well executed engine bay.
There has obviously been plenty of expense to get everything looking good and functioning correctly.
The 848cc A Series engine was rebuilt to a high standard with a Stage 1 tuning kit. This includes both intake and exhaust high flow manifolds that aid engine breathing through the tuned SU carburettor with its low restriction cone air filter. Engine cooling is through a Fletcher aluminium radiator with a hi-flow fan.
The Mini was professionally rewired during the rebuild, including a NODIZ pro 3D electronic ignition module that does not require a traditional distributor and allows digital engine mapping.
Below the engine is a tough aluminium sump guard.
We were lucky to have the opportunity to sample the Mini on road and can happily report that it goes like a mini rocket! The engine note is distinctly sporty but not invasive, and there is plenty of power available allied to go kart handling.
Lots of fun like a Mini should be!
Lots of fun like a Mini should be!
Summary
If you are looking for fun then here it is!
This could be a brilliant first car for a newly qualified driver who would rather go classic and tasteful rather than “Corsa with a phat exhaust”; after all it’s only 848cc! Or just a fun entry into the world of classic Mini ownership?
There is plenty of amusement awaiting the lucky high bidder!
This could be a brilliant first car for a newly qualified driver who would rather go classic and tasteful rather than “Corsa with a phat exhaust”; after all it’s only 848cc! Or just a fun entry into the world of classic Mini ownership?
There is plenty of amusement awaiting the lucky high bidder!
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller’s discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1979
- Make Austin
- Model Mini City (Cooper Special)
- Colour Green
- Odometer 58,714 Miles
- Engine size 848
Auction Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Location Sussex
- Country United Kingdom
29
bids
- ka•••• £10,000 15/07/22
- Th•••• £9,999 15/07/22
- Th•••• £9,900 15/07/22
- ka•••• £9,800 15/07/22
- Th•••• £9,700 15/07/22
- ka•••• £9,600 15/07/22
- Th•••• £9,500 15/07/22
- ka•••• £9,400 15/07/22
- Th•••• £9,300 15/07/22
- ka•••• £9,200 15/07/22
The Gallery
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