HIGHLIGHTS
- Original unrestored De-Luxe model
- Original registration number
- Genuine mileage and matching numbers
- Original sales invoice
- Only 3 owners
THE APPEAL
If originality is your priority then this early MKI Austin Seven Mini really is a little gem of a find.
Undeniably one of the most influential cars ever produced, it optimises the swinging-sixties, offers fun go-kart-like handling and a simple to maintain A-Series engine.
This incredible low mileage example is one of 116,000 sold in 1960 and has never been restored. The essential mechanical bits have been attended to and a new MOT has been issued, so this highly collectable Mini is ready to enjoy.
As Austin advertised back in the day - “get into an Austin and out of the ordinary”
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- Low mileage and number of owners
- Mechanically re-commissioned
- Current MOT valid until July 2023
A British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate confirms that this Mini was built as a RHD home market De-Luxe model on the 15th June 1960 and included a factory fitted heater (although the often incorrect DVLA records suggest it was registered as an A30 Seven on the 22nd January 1960!).
Wonderfully, the original sales invoice from J. Hollands Ltd, Worthing, is still present and shows us that this Mini was first sold to a Mrs Turton on the 20th June 1960 at a total cost of 554 pounds,
11 shillings and 10 pence.
It was then registered to a Mrs Sinclair for a time who passed it back to Mrs Turton in December 1985, although the car is believed to have been largely off the road from 1969 until 2021.
The current owner acquired it from a friend in September 2021 who had purchased from Barrie Carter, a dealer, collector and racing driver. The owner has subsequently enjoyed servicing and preparing the car for MOT but is selling to make room for another classic.
A new ‘Pass’ MOT was recently issued on the 14th July 2022 at 61,160 miles.
Accompanying paperwork includes:
- Original bill of sale
- British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate
- Original Austin handbook
- Up to date V5
- Current MOT certificate
- Exempt tax until 1st December 2022
- A selection of older MOT’s
- Austin Seven Service parts List
- Haynes Workshop Manual
- Recent parts invoices
- 2 sets of keys
THE INTERIOR
- Original and complete
- Functioning electrical equipment
- Sound boot space
This original and complete interior is exactly what you would expect from an unrestored low mileage example.
The correct Smiths instrumentation is in place along with the working switches, illuminated indicator stalk, MKI floor mounted starter button and foot operated main beam switch. An optional factory-fitted Smiths heater is also under the dash.
The period duotone grey and red leather cloth upholstery is in pretty good condition with just the odd mark and the roof lining and carpets are commensurate with their age (see photos). Lifting the carpeting and sound deadening reveals impressively solid floors and seams.
Open the boot lid (with hinged number plate) and again we discover a pretty solid floor and fuel tank with some surface corrosion. A usable spare, jack and wheel brace, and fairly new battery are contained within.
THE EXTERIOR
- Unrestored body
- Solid underside
- Leave as is or restore?
At 62 years old and unrestored, there are a few inevitable knocks and scrapes and minor corrosion around the whole car, but despite this, the body is generally in good shape. The A-pillars, sills and door bottoms look fine but there is some minor corrosion to some seam areas and to the rear valance (see photos).
The faded, but original, Tartan Red paintwork is acceptable and the brightwork, lights, windows and trim, whilst not perfect, are fine.
The underside is described by the owner as “good” and “never welded”. The subframe mounting points also appear sound, as endorsed by the current MOT.
Original painted 10” Dunlop steel wheels are in fair condition and are shod with new period-style Yokohama tyres.
THE MECHANICS
- Original 848cc A-Series engine
- Starts easily and runs well with a little exhaust smoke
- Recent new parts
Lift the bonnet and we find a tidy engine bay and correct A-Series 848cc engine which will potentially reach 70mph and return around 40mpg. The single S.U. is accompanied by standard components with the addition of a new coil and termostat.
The owner informs us that the engine may be a little tired and may benefit from a refresh in the long term. Relatively cheap parts, should make this an easy proposition and despite some visible exhaust smoke on the day of the photoshoot, we thought the engine sounded very quiet with no untoward noises.
This lovely Mini is said to drive along well although you need to be “considerate” with the gears. The steering and rubber cone suspension are efficient and the drum brakes have been overhauled recently with new cylinders and shoes. Invoices from Mini Spares North Ltd, and other suppliers, detail the servicing parts recently fitted to make this Mini roadworthy and a pleasure to drive.
SUMMARY
This early Austin Seven Mini must be a rare find in this condition and has survived remarkably well. As the owner states - “it’s a timepiece” and naturally very collectable.
With a unique personality, it is ready to drive as is or restore in the future and is sure to be a big hit at any Mini social gathering.
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