Highlights
- Excellent interior
- Chassis in wonderful condition
- On-the-button
- Ready to use and enjoy
The Appeal
Sat up amongst the likes of the VW Beetle and the Ford Model T, the ‘original’ Mini is surely one of the most iconic and instantly-recognisable cars ever conceived, becoming one of the best-selling vehicles of the 20th century, and remaining in production until the very beginning of the 21st century - no mean feat!
This particular example boasts some considerate upgrades, and has evidently been kept in fine fettle by its owners, as whilst the bodywork holds plenty of potential for further improvement, the engine appears to be in rude health, and the chassis is in excellent shape.
As the saying goes, you’re looking for a car with ‘good bones’ and this Cooper certainly seems to tick that box…
History/Paperwork
- V5, showing 4 former keepers
Purchased from the previous owner by the vendor for use as a wedding car for his sister’s big day, after which the vendor has barely used this iconic little machine, though from the time spent behind the wheel, he states it is, quite simply the “best” Mini he has ever driven.
Recently, the car has been fitted with a new battery and a new throttle cable, with the former evidently making a difference as the car fires up almost instantly, which is always a good sign of a healthy ignition system and strong battery life.
It should be noted that the name on the V5 is not the same as the vendor’s.
According to the vendor, the car was owned by his uncle, and then purchased off his cousin prior to the wedding, though it was never put into the previous or current owner’s name, making it a five registered-keeper car, according to the V5.
According to the vendor, the car was owned by his uncle, and then purchased off his cousin prior to the wedding, though it was never put into the previous or current owner’s name, making it a five registered-keeper car, according to the V5.
The Interior
- Custom-made door cards
- Excellent condition throughout
On the inside, the well-packed cabin of the Mini remains as inviting and driver-focused today as it did way back in the last century, and this example has certainly stood the test of time well.
The seats, for example, show only some light commensurate wear - most notably a few creases and minor scuffs to the outer edges of the front seats - whilst in the rear the bench seat looks to have been used only a handful of times.
The steering wheel, shifter and door cards are non-standard, but they suit the character and looks of the Mini well, and present in good order throughout.
Up above, the headliner is taut and free of any damage or sagging, whilst in the boot the spare wheel is present.
During our photo shoot, we noticed that the instrument binnacle appeared to be inoperative, which - we’d assume - may also have affected the odometer reading, so the indicated mileage of 6,500 may not be genuine.
The sound system has evidently been upgraded - as evidenced by the head unit and aftermarket speakers - and, we have to say, it sounds fantastic, especially with some period-correct music being played!
The Exterior
- Classic red/white combination with union jack roof
- Supalight alloy wheels in gold
- Plenty of potential for the home detailer
On the outside, the diminutive shape, lines and stature of the Mini Cooper remain as iconic and appealing today as they’ve ever been, and this motorsport-inspired example with its front driving lights, chequerboard graphics and union-jack roof graphics is no exception.
As you’d expect for a vehicle of this age that has been stored outside for an extensive period of time, there are plenty of signs of wear and ageing visible on the paintwork, though these do appear to be purely superficial as far as we can see.
The most notable items are a few small cracks in the paintwork on the offside front and rear arches, as well as around the lower edge of the A-pillars. There are also two near-symmetrical dents both sides of the A-pillar rain gutters, which have dented the chrome trims and are beginning to show signs of corrosion.
The overall condition of the paintwork is fair, though there are plenty of flat spots and what look like brush marks or paint runs along the lower edges of the vehicle, along with the usual smattering of stone chips and light marks commensurate for a vehicle of this age. A thorough machine polishing/detail may go a long way towards rectifying this, however.
All four of the aftermarket Supalight wheels are in good condition, wrapped in matching Falken rubber with plenty of tread remaining.
The Mechanicals
- 1275cc A-series engine
- Recent new battery and throttle cable
- Starts on the button and runs well
Turn the key in the ignition, and the 1275cc A-series engine at the heart of this Cooper fires into life instantly, and settles into a smooth idle with a typically crisp and raspy soundtrack, which has been further enhanced by the fitment of an aftermarket exhaust.
On the road, the vendor reports the car drives fantastically and without fault. We did notice that the gear shift linkage appears to have some play, though this is typical for a vehicle of this age and should be a simple enough fix for the next owner, should they wish to address it.
Underneath, the chassis is in excellent condition, and has clearly been on the receiving end of significant investment over the years. The front arches remain in body colour, whilst the underside looks to have been correctly protected in Waxoyl or a similar corrosion-inhibiting substance - a must for any classic Mini, and a sure-fire sign of considerate ownership.
Summary
The typical go-to car for enthusiasts looking for ‘go kart’ handling, easy maintenance and extensive aftermarket parts and knowledge availability, it’s no wonder these classic Minis remain a firm choice for enthusiasts of all statuses, whether they’re looking for their first classic or a road-going racer to add to their already-established collection.
Presented in strong mechanical condition and with plenty of potential for aesthetic improvements to the bodywork, this is a strong example of the sought-after Cooper, and one that is ready to jump in and drive.
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