Highlights

Original and superbly preserved - a true timewarp gem
Garaged entire life
Only two owners since new - first owner 1982-2020
13,111 miles (genuine) from new
Documented £3,000 recommission since 2020
The car will come with a fresh oil + filter service

The appeal

Resplendent in its original Vermilion orange paint, YFC 95X is an amazing little piece of history and a joy to own and drive, enjoying smiles and waves from everyone who spots her. All is original and as it was back on delivery day 1982: there is not a single aftermarket item present.

The minimalist, period colour-coded interior, together with the dependable (if diminutive) 998cc engine provide all the charm of the standard Mini Clubman, but with the added practicality of loadspace behind the barn-style rear doors. No danger of speeding tickets here – 1982 BL factory figures indicated 41bhp, 0-60 in 18.7 seconds and a maximum of 80mph: but you do get 36.5 mpg! And no more road tax.

The history and paperwork

The original round-front Mini was given its Clubman facelift in 1969, intended to replace the upmarket Riley Elf / Wolseley Hornet versions of the original car. The Clubman Estate was arguably better-looking than its saloon counterpart, with the 4-in longer nose a good match for the longer estate body.

Although Clubman versions started to receive the 1098cc engine from 1975, the chassis number on this very late 1982 example (production of Clubman Estates ran for two years longer than Clubman saloons, which ceased in 1980 when the Mini Metro appeared) indicates that we have here the 998cc engine in YFC 95X.

V5C present and correct, showing first registration July 24 1982
MOT valid until 5 July 2023
Second owner acquired the car in 2020 when his neighbour – the first owner – passed away
Second owner has carried out £3,000-worth of recommissioning work, presumably as a result of car being laid up in a garage for eight years, with a sheaf of invoices as evidence
Used for an average 328 miles per annum (yes, every year, not month or week) for shopping, and (according to MoTs) between June 2012 and August 2020 the car covered just 23 miles
Having passed its 40th birthday, no road tax required

The interior

Step directly into 1982 here, with delightful chequered seat inserts over beige vinyl, all in fantastic original condition
Brown carpets virtually unmarked throughout
Loadspace carpet indicates no staining, one small mark on the rear seatback
Major controls (steering wheel, gearstick) look as new
Switchgear and minor controls show no signs of age
Original BL Unipart AM-only (!) radio present and correct
Headlining clean and tight, showing only one or two small marks
Door handles and locks replaced

The exterior

“Vermilion” original colour paintwork in overall excellent condition, as befits a vehicle garaged its entire life
Original beige side stripes complete and unmarked
There is one tiny surface rust mark by the front seam above the wheelarch just forward of the driver’s door
Driver’s door has “dropped” a fraction and could use re-hanging
Rear “barn doors” (inspiration for today’s Mini Countrymen) function perfectly
Glasswork and lights are unmarked, no cracks or misting
Engine bay extraordinarily clean, even for 13,111 miles – very little surface rust evident
145/60 R10 original steel wheels with original BL covers and centres, all excellent
Two new Falken tyres to front, one Falken and one Semperit to rear, with full-size Sincera spare (shows little use) present and correct underneath the boot floor
Chromework and grille show no signs of pitting or dents

The mechanics

Venerable and proven 998cc 4-cyl transverse engine driving the front wheels through 4-speed manual gearbox
Drum brakes all round, fronts (including hoses) replaced during recommission
Manual choke
Engine starts reliably and pulls well from cold
Fuel tank and sender replaced during recommission
Comprehensive engine top-end rebuild during recommission as per invoice M51 in photographs
New clutch, new heater valve, distributor refurbished, new points, new battery

Summary

It is rare indeed to come across any vehicle outside of a museum that has covered so few miles in so many years, even in the rarified world of investment-only Ferraris and Aston Martins. Yet YFC 95X does appear to have passed a lifetime as a purely local runabout and shopping trolley, enjoying a garaged and cosseted existence.

It is clear that the car’s original owner cherished it, from the incredibly good condition of the interior: place your hands on the steering wheel and there aren’t even any wear marks. This is a true timewarp-condition Mini estate, and whilst the 1982 original build quality wasn’t exactly perfect, its loving owner for 38 years certainly took every trouble to keep it as well as he possibly could.

Furthermore, the comprehensive recommissioning conducted since 2020 – look at the invoices - ensures the car will come to you trouble-free and likely to remain so for many more years. Whether you continue to use it as a local urban shopping trolley, or venture further afield to give this simple and charming car a new lease of life on the open road, you are certain to enjoy attention and cheap classic motoring wherever you go.

NOTE: black/silver plates are only legal on vehicles registered before August 01 1975