Description
A home-market Austin Mini saloon, originally provided to W Varney Ltd in St Helier, Jersey, where it was to lead a most charmed life for its first twenty-five years, before being imported to the mainland in 1985.
The accompanying BMIHT certificate confirms GAS122 to have been built and despatched in October 1960 and, pleasingly, it still sports its’ original colour, Tartan Red.
The brief case full of accompanying history confirms just one owner since arriving on the mainland until acquired by its current keeper in July 2002. The history portfolio demonstrates enthusiastic ownership between those dates, including entry in to three Norwich Union classic runs between 1990 and 1992, preceded by the 1989 London to Brighton Mini run. On file are all of the documents relating to the import from Jersey in 1985 along with significant invoices for remedial work during this period of ownership, including an engine rebuild in 1992 and some age-related body restoration at a similar time.
Since coming in to the current owners’ care, some twenty-four years ago, further consideration has been given to body repairs, including attention to the rear subframe, mounting points and floor sections, followed by a good coating of Waxoil to future-proof the underside of the vehicle. Retaining as many original components as possible, including the seats, glass and original size wheels, substantial expenditure is recorded by numerous invoices on file. A further cylinder head refurbishment and attention to the wiring loom (original, cotton braided) has also been undertaken in recent times. The attention to detail even extends to the original jack, an item becoming almost as rare as a unicorn, which was restored by an engineer usually found creating impossible parts for vintage Rolls Royces.
Whilst retaining originality is always at the fore of any decision making, certain concessions to modern motoring have been made, including the fitment of 123 electronic ignition and a later style of oil filter, adding a welcome addition to reliability and simplicity of use.
Also accompanying the vehicle is the original handbook and an original Schedule of Repair Charges booklet. £3, 4 shillings for a clutch change, anyone? A further set of slightly wider wheels and tyres will also be provided, should the new owner wish to fit them.
So, in conclusion, an early and period-correct example of an Austin Mini with a very short ownership trail and a perfectly transparent service and repair history dating back over forty years.
Now seeking its’ next long-term custodian, any inspection is more than welcome, here in South Norfolk.
For further information and to arrange a viewing, please call the details below at any time – evenings and weekends always a pleasure.
Many thanks for looking!
