Beschrijving
'Florence' as this Mini Cooper is affectionately named has lived in the local area ever since being acquired from K. T. Green dealership, Shipley on 03rd April 1964. She was registered by K. T. Green on 02nd April 1964. This Mini Cooper has had 4 previous owners including myself with the first owner selling it on to a Mrs Florence Tyldsley also from Lancaster in 1977, hence the name. Local mechanic Michael Cooper acquired it in June 1987, entering several local classic car events, most notably the Morecambe Illuminations Rally. I have an interesting array of notes made as a diary by Mr Cooper, listing all the trials and tribulations whilst he owned Florence. I purchased Florence in December 1994 and apart from a 4 year period when she was owned by my Father In Law have owned her ever since.
This Mini Cooper has it's original shell and over the last 10 years was sympathetically restored to a mechanically reliable, solid and tidy usable classic. The bodywork is rust free with all the relevant places being treated with Dynex rust proofing wax. I have a spreadsheet detailing all the parts purchased during this 10 year period but briefly for reference to the body the car has new front wings, front panel, passenger door skin, inner and outer sills, rear wheel arches and boot floor side pieces. All body parts were purchased from M-Machine in Darlington due to their superior fit. Electrically it has a new wiring loom front and back and new door and window seals all round. Mechanically the engine is original but had the head reconditioned, new pistons and was balanced about 13 years ago by a local specialist. The carburettors are original but I have reconditioned them over the years. Mechanically the car has always been very strong and reliable. The brakes have new pistons at the back and new brake callipers, pads and seals at the front.
Areas in need of attention are primarily the interior. The seats are original and in excellent condition, however it needs new gold brocade trim and a new carpet fitting as shown on the photographs. The interior light needs wiring in. The door hinges are worn and need replacing, as a result one has to lift the door slightly to shut it. I should have replaced them when I refitted the doors but had not realised .
It has just passed it's MOT and has 12 months road tax ready for the Spring. This mini is suitable for someone who wants a usable original MK1 Mini Cooper that is excellent mechanically, in very good condition yet not concours, thus allowing further maintenance work and improvement's as required. Whilst it is a usable classic it is also a significant investment opportunity. I am regrettably selling after the best part of 17 years ownership due to lack of time to use and maintain it due to running my own business and having 3 young children.
