Highlights
- A professionally engineered stretched Mini
- Seating for six, including the driver
- A 1.3-litre engine with uprated bolt-ons
The Appeal
The original Mini has been used as a template for many imaginative conversions since the iconic car first made its appearance almost 65 years ago, so it's inevitable that privately converted limousine versions have been since been created. Almost certainly an option that was never even considered when Issigonis made those initial sketches on a napkin, this unusual but effective 4 door conversion demonstrates how adaptable the Mini design was.
Based on two mid-1980s Austin Minis, this car was professionally built in the early 2000s by a North Wales Garage to serve one purpose - a striking and memorable vehicle for hospitality use. The car was then acquired by a Devon-based Mini collector who kept it in storage and it has recently been taken on by another collector. With the expected bracing and what appears to be a reinforced floor pan, it is also powered by a 1275cc engine with several bolt-on upgrades. Ready to serve as a unique hire car with a certain guarantee that this will make potential passengers enjoy a very unique experience! It will be sold with an MOT too.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in 1985
- Professionally converted by a North Wales garage in the early 2000s
- Bought by a Mini collector shortly after the build but seemingly unused
- V5c present
- A new MOT included
- The car has been in dry storage as part of a private classic car collection
The Interior
- Well-finished leather seats with front headrests
- Unblemished custom veneer effect dashboard with decent padding
- 3-spoke sports wooden wheel with minor wear
- Gauges all said to work
- Some age-related wear noted on the controls
- Door cards, headlining and cabin carpet tidy with minor signs of loose fit
- Inviting rear compartment chairs are in excellent condition
- Dry cabin with no signs of damp
The Exterior
- Structurally in good shape with a strengthened floorpan
- Subframes, engine and boot bay appear to be intact
- Floor solid with good sills and inner wings
- Body free of damage with decent panel fit
- Being kept in storage for some time, the rear doors are somewhat stiff, but have no visible faults
- The paint has an even colour match, with some runs noted on the rear panel
- Minor marks were noted on the scuttle panel
- Carbon fibre wrap roof and wheel arches
- Glass, rubbers and door seals in good shape
- Chrome trim, lights and lens are all presentable
- A small amount of water build-up spotted on the outer sills lips
- Decent minilite style wheels with good tyres
- Missing bonnet stay
The Mechanics
- 1275cc engine said to start and run smoothly
- Decent hoses and ancillaries
- The owner informs us that the car pulls and drives briskly
- Also said to drive straight with typical Mini agility
- Upgraded carb and fuel pump
- Bespoke alloy radiator
- Solid VFM exhaust
Summary
Retaining the agility and drivability of the original, this well-considered conversion has been well finished to a good standard. For the passengers, it offers an impressively comfy compartment for 4 people and not only offers plenty of legroom but its low-down seating position along with excellent visibility offers a truly unique experience for those who want to be seen. The Mini is an easy-to-maintain classic and could be the perfect addition for a business with a fleet of hospitality market vehicles.
Notice to bidders
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.*
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