1986 Austin Mini 1000E, converted by Ben Van Leeuwen of the Netherlands
Red and black colour scheme with cabriolet sports stripe and black soft top
Impressive red and white interior
Large arches and body-matched bumpers installed
Registered in France, importantly as "cabriolet" on the carte grise!
The Appeal
The Mini is an iconic motor - but perhaps just as legendary in automotive circles for its ability to be modified. Thanks to their simple construction and standardised components, petrolheads have turned these quirky little cars into all kinds of unusual machines. One of the biggest in the business was Ben Van Leeuwen, arguably the Netherlands’ biggest Mini specialist. During the 80s, he got clearance from the Dutch government to produce a small range of Mini Cabriolets, with appropriate body-strengthening.
This car was previously based in Italy, where in 2018 it was fitted with its current broad arches and colour-matched bumpers, giving it an even more unique appearance than that it previously boasted. It’s also been resprayed, given a fresh new interior and some nice new brightwork to match. vintage-and-prestige.1677164539.156206.jpeg464.39 KB
The History and Paperwork
First registered in 1986
Previously owned by an Italian collector, who had the car restored with a new body kit
Purchased by current owner in 2021
Serviced and fitted with safety belts as demanded by Contrôle Technique in August 2021
Comes with its Certificat d’Immatriculation in the owner's name
‘Strawberry and cream’ interior with vinyl upholstery
Brushed metal dashboard with analogue instruments
If you’re going to pick something as eye catching as a red cabriolet Mini, you might as well make sure the interior is something to write home about. The previous owner of this fabulous little car clearly thought so too, having filled it with a sumptuous strawberry and cream vinyl that captures a distinctly retro atmosphere.
The seats and door cards match up beautifully, showing very few signs of wear and are brightly presented. The red carpets look to be in excellent order with no rips or tears, and the brushed metal dashboard looks to be in good condition, festooned in attractively presented dials and a period radio. It is finished off in style with a silver spoked, red-trimmed steering wheel. The vendor reports a small crack in the dashboard.
Everything looks to be present and correct with no major faults, and the vendor hasn’t reported any technical issues with the options and instruments. It looks to be a bright and nicely presented example that adds a real focal point - and a great bit of driving theatre when the top’s down.
Custom body kit with colour-matched bumpers and wide arches
Bright red paintwork with black trim and matte black sports stripes
Black soft top, protected by a maroon tonneau cover
This Mini has exchanged much of its vintage British milieu for a bold, sporty appearance with big arches, bodywork-matching bumpers and a black grill. Finished in a rich red and black colour scheme, and peppered in shining chrome, you’ll not see many Minis like this one on the road.
The paintwork looks to be in very good order across the board, with some light signs of wear making it clear the car has been driven, but proving so minor that it’s clear the vehicle has been cherished. We can spot the odd stone chip or scratch, but they do nothing to detract from the car’s overall appearance. The branding - both Mini and Van Leeuwen - is all present and correct with minor wear.
We can’t spot any major signs of paint loss or blistering, and the panels all seem straight and tightly knit. The headlight lenses appear to be in solid order, and the soft top looks to be free from rips and tears.
The car is sitting on bright chromed Minilite style alloys, and shod in a good set of Potenza tyres. The vendor reports no structural issues underneath the car, which seems to be in line with the Controle Technique.
Powered by the ever-trusty 998cc A-Series straight-four
This is carrying a Paddy Hopkirk sticker - however, we can’t prove its provenance
4-speed manual transmission
Nicely kept and with its distinctive red rocker cover still on display, the 998cc A-Series engine looks to be present and correct in its bay with no major faults. The vendor hasn’t reported any technical issues or leaks, something the Controle Technique seems to support.
The car has reportedly been lightly driven in recent years, and only tends to venture out in the sunny regions of Southern France - where snow, ice and heavy rain are a relatively rare sight compared to much of Europe.
Distinct, rarely spotted and with a nicely retrimmed interior, there’s no denying the unique character of this Mini Cabriolet. If you’re looking for an entirely unique summer drive, or a quirky focal point at your local car show, this is the ideal candidate.
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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