The original Mini is considered a British icon of the 1960s with its space-saving, front-wheel drive layout, which allowed 80% of the car's footprint to be used for passengers and luggage. It was voted the second most influential car of the 20th century, behind the Ford Model T. The Mini had seven major updates over a 51 year lifespan. 

Starting as the Mk.I in 1959, then followed by the Mk. II in ‘67, and the Mk. III in ’69 and Mk.IV in 1976 that ran until 1983. The final Mk.VII ran from 1996 to 2000. Initially, Minis were marketed under the Austin and Morris names as the Austin Seven and Morris Mini Minor until Mini became a marque in its own right in 1969. In 1980, it once again became the Austin Mini, and in 1988, just "Mini".

Having had just 3 owners since first registered in August 1982 this Mini 1000 has covered just over 12,000 miles in 40 years.

Supplied new by Everleighs Garage Ltd in Exeter it returned to Everleighs in December 1982 for is first service at 1,183 miles which included an oil changes for £6.67 which included 60p VAT! (invoice on file).  Although it has had some replacement parts it still carries its original Nautilus Blue paint and is in excellent condition throughout. 

According to paperwork in the history folder shortly after purchase by its last owner in August 2019 it was the subject of a light restoration in 2019-20.  The odometer currently reads just 3,362, but is thought to have had a replacement speedometer at approximately 9,000 miles. Originally registered ADV 232Y, it was given the private number plate OIL848 August 2019.  This is a nice plate which is quite valuable and will be included with the sale of the car.

There is a fair amount of paperwork with the car including old MoTs and various receipts, some of which are from 2019-20 that show which parts were replaced.  Looking at the MoT history online we can see back to 2006 when it had just 1,490 miles on its replacement speedo.  Jump forward to 2011 it had covered a further 26 miles.  

Then it appears to have been stored (or in a museum?) until an MoT in 2018 at 1,519 miles, so just 3 miles in 7 years.  There may be further clues in the history file as to where it had been, but it was dry and obviously well cared for.

There is some period literature with the Mini, including a brochure for the City E and its more upmarket sibling the HL E.

The inside of the Mini is very original and basic, complete with the odd cobweb!  According to receipts on file the seat foam was replaced in 2019, and perhaps the seat covers as well.  In black and white hounds tooth, with black vinyl side panels and backs they certainly look new. The grey carpets are exceptionally clean and a protected by darker grey floor mats.  

The heel area below the pedals shows no wear at all.  Upon tilting the front seats forward you can see the original blue paint on the floor, and the newly replaced seat foam correctly installed.  We lifted the carpet in the passenger foot well to find further immaculate blue paint with no sign of ever being damp or dirty. The hounds tooth pattern rear seat is perfect and the grey fabric covered rear parcel shelf is clean, and has a pair of period Pioneer speakers mounted.  

The headlining is also clean and probably exactly as it left the factory; not perfectly fitted but original. In the front the oh- so basic dash has the single centre mounted speedometer, a switch panel for the choke, lights and hazards with the heater controls below, and a further fog light switch on the right of the steering wheel. Mounted below the dash is a Pioneer WMA/MP3 player with Aux socket.  

The plastic steering wheel is in clean and original condition and sports the period British Leyland logo. That’s all there is- you forget how basic car interiors used to be!

The boot area is clean and corrosion free, with clean carpet, and correct spare wheel and battery cover.  There is a jack and tools in a factory style plastic bag.

On the outside the Mini is remarkably untouched and original, with only a few nicks and marks to the Nautilus Blue paint.  There is no sign that it has been repainted.  The bumpers which would have been chrome on an earlier car were painted black when the Mini was built in an attempt to give the car a more 80s look.  The remaining chrome is all in good condition, and the screen, glass, and light lenses are all clear and free of cracks.  

The 10 inch steel wheels were refurbished in 2020 and the tyres were replaced at that time. They have correct chrome centre caps, and all have Falken Sincera tyres that are barely used.   The “CITY” and “L” badges appear to be missing, as we think there should be some on the boot, but the Mini badge is present above the number plate light. Overall the Mini is remarkably original and very “plain jane” and factory stock.

Mechanically the Mini appears to be in good condition, although we did not drive the car when we visited.  Under the bonnet there are plenty of new looking parts that probably were installed as part of the 2020 refurbishment.  A bill on file tells us that the brake system was overhauled at that time, and there are new leads, coil and a new distributor fitted in October 2022.  

Having covered so few miles in the past few years the new owner would probably be prudent to give the engine a little attention before driving it regularly.  Judging by the paint finish the under bonnet area is all as it left the factory, with just a little grime and a few marks as you would expect on a 13,000 mile car. There is a sticker in the rear window that would suggest that the Mini may have had a Ziebart undercoat applied when new.

 

As a general rule it’s usually the biggest engined, most powerful range topping cars that tend to be survivors, tucked away as an investment or living a pampered life as a showground exhibit.  So it’s quite refreshing to find a survivor that is a lowly, bottom of the range car. We know from the MoT history that it has only covered 1,843 miles since 2006 which in itself is quite remarkable.  

From the condition of the Mini was can tell it’s barely been used which for a car that is 40 this year makes it highly unusual.  Good enough to be in a museum, but not so original that you couldn’t bring yourself to add a few more miles. Very special.