1992 Rover Mini Mayfair – Classified of the Week

There’s a reason the Mini is an automotive legend. It was a revolution in terms of how a car was designed, it was cheap, it offered mobility to millions of drivers over the years and of course, it was a design icon. But, more than all that, the Mini – in any guise, even 850cc – was an utter hoot to drive. A wheel at each corner, sharp steering, boingy but effective suspension – there is no way you can drive a classic Mini and not smile. They are fun, they are happy, they make you fall in love with driving again. And that’s why this week’s classified of choice is a 1992 Mini Mayfair.

However, this isn’t some original specification Mini Mayfair that has been nursed all its life by one careful owner. In the case of this little blue terrier, the original 998cc A Series engine has long been consigned to the bin. Instead, the little bonnet provides cover for a significantly breathed on 1380cc unit that gives this Mini Mayfair some serious bite. The engine boasts lightweight 73.5mm pistons, a forged EN40B nitride-coated crank, AC Dodd fast road cylinder head with enlarged ports, ARP bolts throughout, a Kent 286 cam kit, Cometic gaskets and an Aldon performance dizzy. Add in a fruity exhaust, and you can bet this Mini Mayfair goes and sounds like no other.

Of course, power is nothing without control. As such, the four-speed manual transmission now boasts an X-Pin limited-slip differential, the chassis has been upgraded with new performance bushes throughout and GAZ dampers, the subframes have been rebuilt, and there is a recent new steering column, too. Power lands on the road through a set of 10-inch Revolution alloys, which given the age of the car and the presence of a servo, would mean a 7.5-inch disc conversion.

Then we have the sleepy looks of this little Mini Mayfair. The paint, an inviting metallic blue, is largely in excellent condition and shines keenly. The wheels serve to hint at what lies beneath, but that’s about it other than an alcantara-trimmed steering wheel. The rest is all pleasingly standard, which means this Mini Mayfair is going to be more than capable of shocking a few people at the lights! But more importantly, it’s comfy and usable and hasn’t been stripped to within in an inch of its life. This is a car that screams fun without inconvenience. We like that.

At £9,950, it’s not – at face value – the cheapest classic Mini in the world. However, look at the work that has been done. The engine alone wouldn’t leave you with much change from that. Then there is the overall excellent condition of the car. In real terms, it’s actually something of a bargain. You couldn’t build it for £10k, as evidenced by all the documentation in the car’s history. if you want a hot, fun, exciting classic, this is it.

And while it might be wrong, there is no denying the racy potential of this Mini Mayfair. We like the sleeper appeal and the idea of using it as a road car, but there is nothing to stop a new buyer from stripping it out, caging it up and using it as a track toy or even full-blown racer. The parts you need, thanks to the Mini’s ongoing popularity, are just a click away. You won’t though, because you’ll buy it and fall in love with it ‘as is’ because, well, how could you not?