Description
Delightful MK3 Mini 1000, registered 1st January 1974 in Poulton-le-Fylde, Blackpool. This is a Matching Numbers car with the original Invoice present from Skippool Garage. The chassis plates and FE numbers are all present and correct on the slam panel, inside the NS wing and on the OS floorpan internally. Has been in dry storage for many years when not being driven and is never used in the rain. Now MOT and Tax exempt, showing "Historic Vehicle" on the V5.
Showing just 48258 miles on the Smiths odometer, this mileage is believed to be true (based on discussions with previous owners back to c. 1995) and is most recently supported with MOT's back 14 years. Mileage will increase slightly as it's being used for various Classic Car shows during July / August 2022.
With myself being only the 8th registered keeper in 48 years, this Mini has clearly been well kept and cherished over the years. Based on paperwork with the car, it is understood the Mini was restored in 1995 and it then went into a private collection for 20+ years before then undergoing a bare metal respray in 2018 and a very significant mechanical overhaul by myself in 2020. She will make someone a perfect starter Classic Car or a Time Trials car, needing nothing whatsoever, or the new owner can do the final 10-15% to make it an A1 outstanding car.
Finished in correct (MK3 only) period Teal Blue, this car stands out and always draws a crowd at classic car shows. The car has had a recent (2020) internal re-trim in black, including all door cards, seats, new upper and lower dash panels, underlay and carpet.
Mechanically, the car went through a significant overhaul in 2020 and has covered around 600 miles or so since, mainly to Classic Car shows. This includes, but is not limited to engine-out, full de-grease and block painted in correct black, completely new cooling system, all new rubber hoses / rubber items, new plugs, leads, coil and electronic ignition. Engine bay was prepped and painted in Teal Blue before the engine was refitted along with re-wired lighting loom, new, correct fuse box and fresh brake switch, master cylinder and new clutch master and slave cylinders. The suspension had an overhaul with 4 x new shock absorbers, hi-lo's fitted and adjusted (cones are as-new) and the front hubs were completely overhauled with brand new wheel bearings, upper and lower ball joints, CV's, inner and outer CV boots and all new suspension bushes, tie bar bushes etc. New brake shoes are fitted all round, as are all-new brake cylinders on each hub. She retains the correct, perfectly adjusted drum brakes. All windscreen rubbers, light rubber seals and bulbs have been replaced. Fuel lines at the front and rear have been renewed.
The car is finished with a genuine set of Tech-Del mini lights, not copies! These are shod in Yokohama A008's and the wheels alone are worth a fortune. It really sets off the look of the car and it is often mistaken at first glance for a MK3 Cooper, the way it sits and looks.
No car is perfect and it's fair to say there is the last 10% that any new owner may wish to do to make the car "perfect". She would benefit from a new headlining. It's never bothered me as I rarely look at it! But it would finish off the interior to a tee. The boot lets it down a little and it's generally not to the same standard as the exterior, so it does stand out a little when the boot is opened. It is not rotten whatsoever, just needs some TLC. The respray was completed in 2018 and does have one or two minor chips and imperfections here and there. And of course it had a sunroof fitted at some stage in the 80's (which is actually very pleasant in a sunny day!). The car isn't concourse, but it's high standard for a usable Classic. Like I say, a perfect starter Classic that only continues to rise in value (the MK3 is the one everyone is looking for now MK1 / MK2's are silly money) or a great car for Trials.
Happy to provide any more information for genuine buyers and open to SENSIBLE offers for the right new home before I decide to convert it to a fast road / track car.
To summarise:
Original Invoice - Matching Numbers 1st January 1974
Original Owners Handbook
MOT's back until 2008
Stack of receipts back to c. 2005
All recent work undertaken in my workshop in 2020 and parts invoices can be provided
Knowledge of the car via Classic Mini forum's regarding previous ownership back to 1995
I am the 8th Owner in 48 years and acquired the vehicle on 08/ 02/ 2020 - V5 present in my name.
