Description
This Mini was built on 9th Nov 1959 and first registered on 13th Nov 1959 under Reg No: 7AOG. The AOG reg is interesting as three "Works" minis which competed in international rallies had registrations 617AOG, 618AOG & 619AOG, the best performance being a class win for 618AOG in the 1960 Geneva rally. This car also showed signs of having been previously rallied (eg. provision for internal brake, fuel & electric leads). So the current owner restored it in rally trim, complete with an early "works" roll-cage, RAC type sump-guard, adjustable suspension & shock absorbers. It has additional cooling with a small front-facing additional radiator. Twin spare wheels are fitted to the rear-seat base. There is a spare fuel-pump fitted under the bonnet. For lightness the boot-lid and bonnet are fibre-glass replacements and all windows apart from the windscreen are made of perspex. The only modern rally fitments are Brantz international rally trip-meter and timer. The car has competed in several classic rallies - a three-day event in Wales and several HERO challenge rallies, the last in 2019. It is being sold as the owner is 79 yrs old and no longer wishes to compete.
The car was re-built and prepared for rallying by the current owner, including a respray in cellulose paint. Whoever buys this car will have the satisfaction of knowing that this is (almost certainly) the only 1959 mini in rally trim in the World! The owner is aware of several 1960 minis in rally trim, but knows of no other 1959 mini being rallied.
