Description
1960 Mk1 Morris Mini 850 Saloon
We’ve had the pleasure of sourcing and selling a great many Minis in the past, and to be honest always like to keep at least one in stock. This example, however, is a special car due to its provenance, condition and originality.
Ordered new by Mrs P. L. Paxton of Barnstaple on the 11th April 1960 from The Barnstaple Motor Co., as confirmed by the original invoice in the cars extensive history file, the specification chosen was ‘Off white with grey-red trim, to makers current DeLuxe specification’.
The car later found its way into the hands of Ray Jones in 2003, at which point the car was a low mileage original example albeit slightly tired. Ray commenced a sympathetic restoration to exacting original specifications.
Over the course of four years the car was completely stripped down, rebuilt and restored. Ray went to great lengths to keep original panels, with the only replacement panels being the doors and rest being sympathetically restored, while the original drivetrain was rebuilt to standard specification.
The interior remained in remarkably good condition, and as such the decision was made to leave it untouched, save for replacement carpets. The entire restoration was documented with an extensive paper trail, and once completed the car was given a full feature in Mini Magazine – a fitting testament to the car’s condition.
The result of sympathetic restoration is a car that presents today in charming and superb condition, a gorgeous example with its original features and character in tact. Having covered just over 20, 000 miles from new and sold with extensive documentation including original invoice, service book and handbook, this car represents a rare opportunity to purchase a delightfully correct Mini in excellent condition.
