Beschreibung
Here's a fun, entertaining and well-loved classic 1970 Leyland Mini 1000, MOT and tax exempt.
Not one for the purists, but massively fun and ready to be enjoyed.
At a glance:
- 1970 Mk3 Leyland Mini 1000
- In gleaming black with old english white roof
- Original Wood & Pickett front & rear nudge bars
- Black and silver 12" Cooper alloy wheels
- Mini Cooper interior (Saab 900 front seats fitted, plus spare Cooper front seats)
- 998cc petrol engine with manual gearbox
- Massively fun to drive
- MOT'd until 25th June 2020 with no advisories, although it is now MOT and tax exempt
- HPI clear
The Model:
The iconic and unique Mini was produced from 1959 until 2000. The original is still considered an icon of 1960s British popular culture. Its space-saving transverse engine front wheel drive layout - allowing 80 percent of the area of the car's floorpan to be used for passengers and luggage - influenced a generation of car makers. In 1999 the Mini was voted the second most influential car of the 20th century. This distinctive two-door car was designed for BMC by Sir Alec Issigonis and manufactured at the Longbridge and Cowley plants in England. On its introduction in August 1959 the Mini was marketed under the Austin and Morris names, as the Austin Seven and Morris Mini-Minor. The Austin Seven was renamed Austin Mini in January 1962 and Mini became a marque in its own right in 1969. In 1980 it once again became the Austin Mini and in 1988, just "Mini". The Mark III Mini produced from 1969 to 1976 had a modified body shell with enough alterations to see the factory code change from ADO15 to ADO20 (which it shared with the Clubman). The most obvious changes were larger doors with concealed hinges. Customer demand led to the sliding windows being replaced with winding windows, although some Australian-manufactured Mark I Minis had adopted this feature in 1965 (with opening quarter light windows). The suspension reverted from hydrolastic to rubber cones as a cost-saving measure. Production at the Cowley plant was ended, and the simple name Mini completely replaced the separate Austin and Morris brands. In April 1974, a heater became standard equipment on the entry-level Mini 850, as well, having by then already been included in the standard specification of the other models for some time. The Mini was still popular in Britain, but appeared increasingly outdated in the face of newer and more practical rivals. Since the late 1960s, plans had been in place for a newer and more practical supermini to replace it, though the Mini was still the only car of this size built by British Leyland for the home market. In 1988 Austin Rover decided to keep the Mini in production for as long as it was viable to do so, eventually a staggering 5. 3 million Minis were produced spanning the 41 years between 1959 and 2000. However, despite this massive production, there are a surprisingly limited number left on the road, and enthusiastic demand has seen prices of the better examples rise dramatically in recent years.
The specification:
This Leyland Mini 1000 was first registered on the 10th November and has had a total of only 5 owners over the last 49 years, with the first three owners spread over the 45 years from 1970 to 2015. That's an unusually low number of owners - I noticed another 1970 Mini on eBay which had 22 owners... This particular car has been renovated and cosmetically enhanced in the last few years. Perhaps it's not for the purists, but like so many other classic Minis it has been personalised over the years. Very few Minis are now in the same specification as when they left the factory, having benefitted from the huge trend for both cosmetic and performance upgrades. As a result, classic Minis are becoming more like snowflakes - no two are the same! However, it would be relatively easy to reinstate this Mini to the original specification easily and inexpensively if that's your preference. If you have been watching the classic mini market, you will no doubt have spotted that prices of 1960s Minis have gone a bit bonkers, if this car were 12 months younger and a 1969 model it would provably be worth 30% more! The values of the 1970s Minis and their MOT exemption status means prices of the 1970s models are quickly becoming unaffordable. So if you are looking for one, purchasing sooner rather than later could be a wise move.
Apparently it was previously red and white (according to DVLA) and was changed to black in 24th April 2017, no doubt at the time of major renovation. However, all of this is guesswork, as other than the DVLA history, a couple of MOTs and the V5c there's no papertrail with the car.
It has had a few upgrades such as:
Walnut oval dash with centre dials
Saab 900 leather front seats - not period correct obviously, but the comfiest seats I have ever sat in when fitted to a classic Mini.
Later Cooper rear seat, (plus a pair of Cooper front seats also come with the car)
Later three spoke steering wheel
Mini Cooper alloy wheels
Cooper arches
Stainless steel exhaust with twin tailpipes
Front disc brakes (non servo)
And much more...
Purists might not approve of the current configuration, but some might just feel that actually the mods are arguably better than the original unsupportive seats, drum brakes and pea-shooter exhaust... And there's nothing which can't be undone, should you wish to revert to original. The other 'advantage' of the modifications is that they keep this Mini both usable and affordable. In perfectly original specification, this Mini would probably be worth twice as much...
Availability:
According to online sources there are were only 3 Leyland Mini 1000s from 1970 still taxed and in use on UK roads at the end of 2018. That makes this an increasingly rare car.
On the Road:
These classic Minis are like nothing else on the road. They have immense charm and character, and a fabulous 'go-kart' feel to their classic, minimal design, both inside and out. The Mini starts first turn of the key, the 998cc petrol engine offers a lively responsiveness. It surges eagerly under acceleration, starts, stops and does what it should. This particular Mini drives very well in comparison to most of this age, it's one of the faster 998cc engines I've driven. It's a lively little scamp! The ride quality is 'unique' in any Mini, so expect an entertaining ride and an engaging driving experience without being reliant on modern tech such as power steering, electric windows, cruise control, heated seats or anything else to go wrong. Despite the basic quality of the design, these Minis are an absolute hoot to drive, and although the exterior appears very compact, the innovative designs means drivers of any size will fit. I'm 6'5" and fit comfortably with plenty of head room. It's not like a Jaguar or Mercedes-Benz for refinement, but it's unashamedly an entertaining Mini adventure, and they are hugely popular due to their iconic charm.
Engine:
Austin's 4 cylinder inline petrol engine, the A series, is one of the most common in the world. Launched in 1951, production lasted until 2000 in the Mini. It used a cast-iron block and cylinder head, and a steel crankshaft with 3 main bearings. The camshaft ran in the cylinder block, driven by a single-row chain for most applications, and with tappets sliding in the block, accessible through pressed steel side covers for most applications, and with overhead valves operated through rockers. The 998cc version as found in this car was produced from 1962 - 1992, being first introduced in the MK II versions of the Riley Elf and Wolseley Hornet, before becoming common fitment in the mainstream Minis. It starts eagerly, runs well, and still feels very lively.
MOT:
Sold with long MOT until 25th June 2020 with no advisories. It's now MOT exempt, so further MOTs would be at the discretion of the next owner.
Mileage:
The odometer is showing 56, 877 miles, which suggests an average of under 1, 200 miles per year. Unless it's been around the clock twice of course...
Condition:
This Mini has been well cared for in the past, and has obviously had massive investment in the past. It's in good condition, very clean and shiny - and could be used and enjoyed immediately. There is significant headroom to add plenty of value to his particular car. It's not in concours condition, as you would expect at this price point, and comes with a little 'patina' as all classic cars tend to do - but it is very respectable nonetheless. It’s always difficult to express in words the condition of any classic Mini, and most people have differing opinions about condition, so the best way to get a true impression will be to view this lovely car in person. I’m confident that anybody with realistic expectations will be delighted to own and enjoy this wonderfully iconic classic car. Due to constraints on time and the high number of enquiries we receive, it is regrettably not possible to send extra pictures of the inside of the screenwash bottle, inside the glovebox, or up the exhaust pipe. Photos don't always do a car justice, so always best to come and have look, to fully understand what a lovely 49 year old Mini this is. This one was made only 11 years after they first went into production, over 60 years ago! It is currently undergoing some gentle recommissioning after a period in storage and will be serviced prior to the next ownership.
Pricing:
The general value range for these legendary 1970s Minis in good condition with this specification is normally £8, 000 - £20, 000 with immaculate examples priced considerably higher. This car is offered to sell swiftly at a very tempting £7750.
Conclusion:
I can't quite explain it, but this Mini really ticks the boxes for me. Perhaps it appeals to the inner 'small child' part of my brain? Perhaps childhood memories of being a rear passenger in an elderly brown Mini have stayed with me? This Mini also appeals to my 'grown up' brain as it looks like outstanding value. These classic Minis seem to be increasingly popular and prices are rising as a result, which means they could be a wise investment. As with all classic Minis, this is a hugely entertaining classic, capable of putting a smile on your face every trip!
Contact:
Please feel free to call or email me for further information. I’m more than happy to have a chat about this unique Mini and you are welcome and positively encouraged to come to view. I hope you will appreciate that this is an honest classic, honestly priced and honestly sold.
Please call me on the details below or email via the 'email the seller' link at the top of the page. Viewings by arrangement, at a time convenient to you, in our indoor showroom.
The car is located in Lymington on the south coast and southern edge of the New Forest approximately 30 minutes by road from Bournemouth and Southampton. ?If it helps, I am happy to collect you from Brockenhurst station which is only 90 minutes from London Waterloo on the mainline from London to Weymouth and Poole, with direct trains also calling at Brockenhurst from Manchester, Birmingham, Oxford, Reading etc. Or we are two minutes walk from Lymington town station
