Winning bid
£2,900

NO RESERVE - 1983 Austin Mini Mayfair Custom Convertible

Highlights

  • Stylish custom project with roof cut and chassis strengthened accordingly 
  • Black interior with hi-back sports seats 
  • 998cc A-Series Engine with 4-speed manual transmission

The Appeal

Perhaps one of the most legendary cars in automotive history, the Mini is a tight-handling, nippy little machine that’s been bringing joy to petrolheads for over sixty years. With a wide array of editions since then, they’re one of the most useable and numerous classics on the market. 
This example - originally an ‘83 Mini Mayfair - was taken in by a custom garage who’ve cut down the roof, strengthened the body and rebuilt the car into a stylish little open-top motor that’s practically purpose-built for the summer. 

The History and Paperwork

  • First registered in 1983
  • We know relatively little of the car’s earlier years
  • In 2004 it was based in Northampton
  • Acquired in 2018 by a custom garage where it underwent a rebuild and cut-down
  • The vendor believes it has done no more than 200 miles since the rebuild
  • Last MOT tested in 2018, reading 38,331 miles
  • Previous MOT history informs us that this is likely an adjusted mileage
  • Car comes with V5 document and some previous MOT certificates

The Interior

  • Grey high-back part-fabric seating
  • Seating appears free of rips and tears, but needs a good clean
  • Securon sports harnesses
  • Textured grey dashboard
  • Large crack on the passenger side, some warping to the glove box compartment
  • Instruments are clean and easy to read, through the raised binnacle is looking worse for wear
  • Air conditioning looks very overdue for cleaning out
  • Grey carpets in fair order though need a valet
  • Original grey fabric door cards with some light wear
  • Upgraded sound system with a modern Bluetooth stereo 
  • Original period steering wheel
  • Boot in fair order, stowing a new battery

The Exterior 

  • Bright red paintwork
  • Chrome bumpers removed entirely
  • Original period shape, accented by black arches
  • Cut down roof with open ends to the pillars and seals
  • Car’s body has been de-seamed
  • Paintwork in good order with minimal signs of wear
  • Two small touch-ins, otherwise free of major blemishes
  • Sills appear largely solid with no major issues
  • Underneath, the car appears to be in good order with only surface wear
  • Sitting on a full set of black Minilite alloys
  • Full set of broad Yokohama tyres

The Mechanics 

  • Powered by the ever-dependable 998cc A-Series engine
  • Rebuilt from original automatic to a four-speed manual transmission
  • Chassis reportedly strengthened
  • No reports of mechanical issues from the vendor
  • Car reportedly starts, accelerates, shifts gear and brakes as expected 

Summary

While a good tidy-up wouldn’t go amiss, it’s fair to say that this cut-down Mini is practically purpose-built for Summer fun. Tight handling and nippy speeds in a roofless classic - that should be enough to charm even the most cynical driver. 
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Winning bid
£2,900
No reserve
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Auction Details

  • Year1983
  • MakeAustin
  • ModelMini Mayfair Custom
  • ColourRed
  • Odometer38,331 Miles
  • Engine size998cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownBournemouth
  • CountyDorset
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

30 Bids

PabloC••••
Bid
£2,900
16/03/23
James88••••
Bid
£2,800
16/03/23
PabloC••••
Bid
£2,700
16/03/23
James88••••
Bid
£2,600
16/03/23
James88••••
Bid
£2,500
16/03/23
PabloC••••
Bid
£2,400
16/03/23
James88••••
Bid
£2,300
16/03/23
James88••••
Bid
£2,200
16/03/23
PabloC••••
Bid
£2,100
16/03/23
James88••••
Bid
£2,000
16/03/23

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