Description
The Mini isn’t just a car, it’s a cultural phenomenon. When it debuted in 1959, it flipped the automotive world upside down. It wasn't born out of a desire to be cool, but rather out of pure necessity during a fuel crisis. Yet, it became a symbol of independence, style, and engineering genius
Designer, Sir Alec Issigonis, was challenged to create a tiny car that could still fit four adults and their luggage. His solutions changed car design forever:
The Transverse Engine: He turned the engine sideways. This took up far less room, allowing 80% of the car's floor space to be used for passengers and luggage.
Wheels at the Absolute Corners
In 1959, British Motor Corporation initially marketed the Mini under two different names, the Austin Seven and the Morris Mini-Minor
It was powered by the 848cc 4 cylinder engine which produced 34 horsepower paired to a unique 4 speed gearbox housed in the oil sump
This Example:
The first Minis shipped from the UK to the South African market on 29 September 1959, with some units transported to Durban for assembly at the Motor Assemblies plant after arrival in South Africa.
According to records held by the 1959 Mini Register in the UK, the present example’s chassis number (3584) falls within the first batch that left the UK in September 1959. For a long time, it was believed to be the oldest surviving Mini in South Africa.
The current owner acquired the Morris Mini Minor from a seller in Gauteng who had listed it online in 2017. Fortunately, the car retained almost all its original features although it was in a poor state.
This example underwent a full restoration by a knowledgeable Mini enthusiast and was completed in May 2021.
Contact Gareth for more more details
