The iconic Mini took the world by storm when it was introduced in 1959 by the British Motor Corporation, designed by the renowned Sir Alec Issigonis. With its 40-year success, the car has been established as a British icon, and its popularity continues to thrive among enthusiasts of all ages. In an era when many Minis require significant time and money to restore them to their former glory, finding one where all the hard work has been completed is a real treat.
Enter this very well-presented and restored 1961 Austin Seven Mini. The car underwent a complete restoration between 2020 and 2021, commissioned by the original owner's grandson, who employed a specialist to carry out the necessary work, returning it to a very usable condition.
The History and Paperwork
V5C is present
Registered as a historic vehicle
Produced at the Longbridge factory in February 1961
Although the V5C shows three previous keepers, the first was the restorer's grandfather, who purchased the car new. It was then sold to the second keeper, who intended to restore it but never did. The car was then bought back by the original owner's grandson, who oversaw the restoration.
Restored from 2020 to 2021
Fully restored body
Several invoices are included, showing parts purchased during the restoration
Very little use over the past two years while in the vendor's ownership
Although MOT exempt, the vendor has put the car through an MOT
MOT valid until 9th August 2025
Some recommissioning work was carried out on 29th September 2023
Ready to be enjoyed
The Condition
Finished in bright red
The paintwork presents well
There is a minor amount of micro-blistering on the roof and a couple of very minor blemishes
The panel fit is good, with matching gaps
The headlights and indicators are in excellent condition
Front and rear chrome bumpers have a superb bright finish
The aluminium trim across the sills and wheel arches is in good order with no dings or dents
The windows have some very light age-related scratches, but nothing excessive or noticeable
Sliding front windows and opening quarter windows
The window seals are in good order with no perishing
The rear lights are in good order, with no splits in the lenses
Original drop-down number plate to enable extra luggage to be carried with the boot open and the number plate visible
10” wheels are finished in cream with chrome hubcaps and are in excellent condition
Falken tyres have covered very little mileage
Fully retrimmed front and rear seats, finished in red vinyl
The front seats easily tip forward, allowing easy access to the rear
Retrimmed door cards are in excellent condition
Single instrument speedometer with a built-in fuel gauge
The odometer has a reading of 33,882 miles
The switchgear is in good order and works as it should
New carpets fitted
The headlining fits well with no sagging
The boot presents well
The spare wheel is present with a new tyre
The Mechanics
848cc A-series engine
Four-speed gearbox
The engine bay presents very well
The Austin starts and runs as it should, with no issues reported
The gears are easily selected, and the change is as expected
Electric fuel pump makes starting easier
New float and valve fitted to the carburettor
The brakes were recently cleaned and adjusted
The car comes to a stop in a straight line with no issues mentioned
Any advisories on the MOT have been addressed
The underside is in very good condition
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
