Highlights

Comes with a Rover Group Heritage Certificate and numerous invoices from Somerford Mini LTD
Cooper wheels
Copious work carried out during recent years, including a full respray
Garaged throughout current ownership
Remains very original throughout

The Appeal

The Mini has been with us so long now that it's easy to forget just how groundbreaking it was. Alec Issigonis' ingenious design was something totally new; as its name suggests, the Mini was a tiny car, but the cabin was surprisingly roomy thanks to the ingenious packaging of the mechanicals.

This 1966 car can't help but bring a smile to your face. Resplendent in red, it brings to mind one of the star cars from the 1969 chase scene in 'The Italian Job'. Exported with the original owners to New Zealand in 1966 and repatriated by the same owners upon their return in 2000. As a result, it's had just three registered keepers. The vendor has owned it for the past four years, using it for Sunday drives, keeping on top of maintenance and garage storing it when not in use.

The vendor remarks:

"A real head turner and focal point of many conversations when parked - the eye catching red draws you to the vehicle and gives you a real sense of nostalgia as you reminisce past times. I purchased the vehicle as an investment, however, other projects call."

The History and Paperwork

Originally exported to New Zealand in 1966 and brought back by the same owners in 2000
36,000 miles indicated
Acquired by the vendor approximately four years ago
Comes with a Heritage Certificate from the Rover Group, confirming the date of manufacture
Three registered keepers in total, including the current owner
Folder containing some invoices accumulated over the years
Comes with some historical paperwork documenting MOTs and previous work
Classified as a historic vehicle: road tax and MOT exempt
Current V5C document available

The Condition

Bodywork and underside in very good condition considering the car's age; a solid example for a new owner to personalise
Garage stored throughout current ownership
No upgrades; the vendor has kept as original as possible except for adding Mini Cooper wheels
Vehicle has been resprayed at some point before current ownership
The paint now shoes some signs of wear and micro blistering, but it remains bright and presentable
New seat covers and carpets installed in 2024
New seat covers
Retains many original features, such as chrome, swinging number plate lamp, body shell
New rear valance, window channels, windscreen rubbers and sealed beam headlamps fitted during current ownership

The Mechanics

998cc A Series inline-four
Four-speed manual gearbox
Hydrolastic suspension
The vendor notes that the car drives as expected for a 1966 Mini, with drum brakes and no servo assistance
Used occasionally as a Sunday drive vehicle to maintain mechanical soundness
New wheel cylinders, master cylinder and brakes
New track rod ends
New radiator, belts and hoses and heater matrix
New carburettor: 1.5" SU
New gearbox driveshaft seals

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 fee. 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..