HIGHLIGHTS
- RHD South African import
- Interesting history
- One lady owner for 4 decades
- Excellent condition
- Amazingly solid
- Will be UK registered on sale
THE APPEAL
As classic cars go, the Mini is one that needs very little in the way of an introduction. Voted Car of the Century by Autocar magazine, Alec Issigonis’s motoring masterpiece is revered the world over – and not without good reason.
After all, over four million were sold, and there are very few people in the UK who don’t have a Mini memory of one form or another, be it through owning one, having a family member with one or simply fond memories of seeing them on every street corner.
This one, though, isn’t a British Mini. It was assembled in 1974 by Leyland Motor Corp of Blackheath, Cape Province, South Africa, and lived in ZA until this summer when it was imported by the vendor. It will be registered and have a UK V5C upon sale.
Purchased by a newly married husband for his bride in 1974, the car remained in her ownership the car until she passed away in 2012. The car, affectionately known as Basil, was then restored by the owner’s son.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- Built by Leyland Motor Corp S.A. Ltd
- Collected new in January 1974 in Cape Town as a wedding gift by its first owner
- Shortly after, relocated to Johannesburg where the car is reported have spent most of its life, far from the coast
- Used for 12 years to transport their children to and from school
- Moved to Port Elizabeth 2002
- Dry stored when owner became unable to drive
- Passed on to the owner’s car enthusiast son who commenced a two year restoration
- Comprehensively restored bodywork, interior and all mechanicals
- Following a post-restoration test drive, the son and his father couldn’t bring themselves to drive the car, resulting in it sitting for six months, leading to its sale
- Recently imported from South Africa
- Will have UK V5C and be registered before delivery
- Handbook
- Service book
- Various receipts over the years
- Tax and MOT exempt
THE INTERIOR
- Retrimmed in tan leatherette
- Original dials and steering wheel
- New carpets and door / window rubbers
Inside, the Mini is in fabulous order with superb tan-coloured vinyl seats that look to have barely been sat in. The vendor believes the car has been retrimmed at some point, but it could be original as the low mileage is believed to be genuine.
The carpets are good, too, as is the simple, uncluttered dashboard. Being a Mini, it’s fairly basic – that iconic central dial, a two-spoke steering wheel and a couple of rocker switches are about the lot.
It’s a fabulous colour scheme and in fantastic overall order.
The carpets are good, too, as is the simple, uncluttered dashboard. Being a Mini, it’s fairly basic – that iconic central dial, a two-spoke steering wheel and a couple of rocker switches are about the lot.
It’s a fabulous colour scheme and in fantastic overall order.
THE EXTERIOR
- Fully resprayed in green under white
- Apparently excellent structural condition
- Good chrome
Finished in green with a contrasting white roof, the Mini is in fine condition with no major damage or deterioration. All of the body seams and regular Mini rot spots appear to be in remarkably good order with no visible rust. It was subject to a minor body restoration and a complete respray in 2013 and still looks fabulous today.
The paint finish is lovely and the underside appears extremely solid. It has been given a coat of proprietary underseal before being imported in order to protect it from the British climate, but it’s obvious from the finish that it isn’t hiding anything.
The window rubbers, seals, bumpers, chrome trim and hubcaps have all been renewed.
THE MECHANICS
- 1,098cc OHC 4cyl
- Four-speed manual
- Full refurbishment of the front suspension and rear axle, a clean and repaint of the engine and gearbox, rebuilt brakes
- Starts on the button and drives well
- Will be fully serviced prior to sale
Turn the key and the Mini fires up eagerly and with very little choke before settling down to a typically chattery idle. It runs sweetly and sounds fabulous, while it doesn’t appear to burn oil and maintains a steady temperature. Naturally, it’s an absolute hoot to drive, as Minis always are.
The gearbox engages all forward and reverse gears as it should and is surprisingly lively being an 1100 and not the more commonly seen Mini 1000. It will be given a full service and mechanical check-over by a noted Mini specialist before sale.
SUMMARY
This is a fantastic example of a Mini with an old-fashioned look that belies its Seventies origins. It’s presented in lovely condition and drives exceptionally well. A timeless classic that’s guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face, from the driver to cheerful bystanders, and in fabulously solid order.
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