Description
1991 Rover Mini de Ville by Radford
Registration Number: A6 LOS
Chassis Number: SAXXL2Sthe details below
Recorded Mileage: c. 10, 500 miles
- The only LHD/ LWB Mini de Ville produced by Radford
- Only c. 10, 000 miles from new
- Offered for sale with No Reserve
You can thank the actor Peter Sellers for the trend for luxuriously-specified Minis. Sellers approached dealership H. R. Owen to convert his new Mini Cooper into something a little more opulent and exclusive. H. R. Owen commissioned Hooper, happily delivering the car in early 1963, alongside a rather juicy bill for £2600 (vs. £679 for a standard Cooper at the time). As word of Sellers’ car spread, demand built up, with other coachbuilders entering the fray. In April 1963 competitor Harold Radford announced a range of three off-the-shelf conversions, the “Mini de Ville”, the “de Luxe” and the “Bel Air”. The packages could be applied to any Mini saloon of the customer’s choice.
First registered in September of 1991, this unique Radford was built for the then owner of Radford (and former Le Mans driver), Mr. Costas Los, who ordered one in RHD and one in LHD for use at his Monaco residence. The only known Left Hand Drive Long Mini de Ville, the car was factory built during 1991, with the body at the same time being stretched by approximately 5. 5" in the doors and roof areas.
The specification was extensive; a fully de-seamed and lengthened body, wider wheel arches, an automatic gearbox, electric glass tilt and slide sunroof, and a luxurious custom interior with a Momo steering wheel. The car was fitted with air conditioning, electric windows, a full magnolia leather (including headlining) interior and Lambswool carpets. The dashboard features many additional dials in keeping with the original Radford design. The front armrest incorporates electric window switches, a burr walnut dashboard greets the driver, and the rear seats split and fold down for access to carpeted boot area. The look is completed with 13" Special Radford alloy wheels, and indeed all Radford optional extras available at the time.
Finished in dark metallic blue with beige leather trim, this is a genuinely unmissable opportunity to acquire a luxuriously specified and extremely rare coachbuilt Mini.
Offered for sale with No Reserve.
This classic vehicle will be coming to auction with Dore & Rees Auctions on Wednesday 4th December at Five Zeroes Supercars Ltd, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire. For further information please contact the Motoring department.
