Description
The gradual reduction in my small personal vehicle collection continues as I have too many cars and not enough storage.
This is a very early BMW MINI One built on 1st May 2001 ahead of vehicles produced for public sale.
The vin number is TB00139 and it was registered by BMW themselves on 23rd May 2001 as a "Dealer Presentation" car before the official public launch in July 2001.
The registration letters 'OBL' are shared with the earliest BMW registered cars and several launch magazine articles from 2001 feature sister 'OBL' cars.
The body condition is generally very good as befits the low mileage. I've tried to show the body condition in my photos but black is a difficult colour to photograph at the best of times.
The only bodywork issues of note are small ripples on the bonnet, adjacent to and below the nearside headlamp (again proved impossible to photograph), which can probably be remedied with "paintless" dent removal techniques as the paint is unbroken. I have acquired a black 2001 bonnet ready for a swap if necessary but was reluctant to remove an "original" part if this could be avoided. This spare bonnet will be included with the car for the buyer. Also the edge of the front bumper plastic "chrome" trim has been pulled at some time so should be replaced.
Although there is no radio fitted in the photographs I have the appropriate model of "Wave" radio as fitted when new which is also included for the buyer.
A new battery along with rear brake pipes/ discs/ pads/ calipers were fitted prior to the MOT which runs to January 2021. Presently on a SORN retention.
The car always starts first time and runs smoothly with no untoward engine/ gearbox noises. No warning lights are present on the dash cluster either.
The OBL registered MINI's are becoming much sought after and if I had the space I would keep it as an investment.
Several classic magazines have recently highlighted these early MINI's as good medium/ long term investments so here's an opportunity to enjoy an early MINI example and potentially reap the financial rewards in the future.
Recent ebay sales have indicated the growing interest and value of these OBL factory registered cars. There is a Facebook group dedicated to the OBL's and a website too.
Preferred payment methods are cash on collection or bank transfer and the car is located in West Lancashire, 10 minutes from J27 of the M6.
