Highlights
- Comprehensively restored
- One of the latest Minis made
- Less than 500 miles covered since 2018
The Appeal
Launched in 1959, the Mini popularised the front-wheel-drive, transverse engine layout and soon became the template for the small car. It turned out to be a handy competition car as well, and its stock was strengthened by the use of the Cooper name, as it tackled forest and tarmac rally stages with aplomb.
Originally the model name for two different brands, the Austin Mini and the Morris Mini, Mini became its own brand in 1969 and the company was acquired by BMW in 1996; production finally ended in 2000 and a year later BMW launched an entirely new design, the Mini Hatch. However, the original Mini had one last iteration; a revitalised version that was launched in 1996 and served as a swansong for the icon. The later model saw a number of improvements, including a driver's side airbag, seatbelt pre-tensioners, side door anti-intrusion beams, an immobiliser as well as a distributor-less electronic ignition system.
This example has been comprehensively restored; it’s covered very few miles since restoration and presents in excellent condition inside and out.
The History and Paperwork
- Current V5
- MoT until April 2024
- Past MoT certificates
- Lots of previous invoices
- Although not originally exported, the car’s V5 document lists the date of first UK registration as 2016; it also states that the car had previously been registered ‘elsewhere in the UK’. Consequently, the V5’s figure for previous owners (one prior to the vendor) refers only to 2016 onwards.
- The car comes with a thick file of invoices, many of which refer to extensive restoration work carried out in 2016.
- The vendor bought the car in 2017 but has not used it as he had intended, and as he owns other cars and bikes but no longer has access to the extensive storage space he used to own, he has decided to part with it.
- Previous MoTs record that the car has done less than 500 miles since 2018, reflecting its limited use by the vendor.
The Interior
- Smart grey leather seats
- Correct Rover radio/cassette player
- Excellent instruments
- Leather-trimmed Mini steering wheel
- Black carpets in very good condition
- Speakers in rear shelf
- Driver’s door card has minor repair
- Alloy door handles and window-winders
- Space-saver spare wheel
While not in concours condition, the interior here is generally extremely good and reflects the very few miles covered since the car was restored. The driver’s seat has some visible wear on the side bolsters, but otherwise the seats both front and back are in very good condition.
The roof lining is intact but a bit grubby, and while there are some marks beneath the pedals the carpets are generally very good.
The door cards and alloy handles are pretty good but the card on the driver’s door has had a minor repair.
In the boot, beneath a clean lining there’s a space-saver spare wheel, which looks unused, and access to the battery and washer-bottle.
The Exterior
- British Racing Green paintwork with metallic silver roof
- Alloy wheels in excellent condition
- Superb badges and brightwork
- Front spotlights
- Mini Cooper decals in great condition
- Bonnet stripes
Th car’s metallic paint sparkled in the sunshine on the day of our photoshoot – it has clearly been restored to high standards. Close inspection reveals only one very small area of rust bubbling, along the seam that joins the rear offside wing to the rear panel.
All four alloy wheels look great, although it’s notable that on each one the locking wheel-nut has corroded.
Elsewhere the badges and decals are all extremely good, as are the lights both front and rear, the doorhandles and door mirrors.
The Mechanics
- 1275cc engine
- Four-speed gearbox
- Electronic immobiliser
- Stainless-steel exhaust
- Clean and tidy engine bay
Although he has not used it as much as he had intended, the vendor reports that the car drives and handles exactly as it should, with no issues. On the evidence of our photoshoot, it starts on first turn of the key and runs with a healthy engine note. The numerous invoices from the car’s restoration record that a great many mechanical parts were replaced, and a new owner can be reassured that it’s in sound running order.
Under the bonnet, everything seems to be in order and there’s no evidence of significant corrosion or leaks, and underneath the car it’s the same story.
Summary
The Mini remains one of the truly iconic cars of motoring history. There’s a thriving Mini ‘scene’ and parts availability and specialist support are first-class.
Built in the last year of production, this example presents extremely well, having been restored at considerable expense and driven very little since. It should have many years and miles left for the new owner to enjoy.
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.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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