Description
This is an incredibly special Morris Mini Minor De-Luxe Saloon that was manufactured on the 4th July 1960, leaving the factory three days later finished in Clipper Blue with Grey Fleck and Blue trim. This very correct car was then sold new by Wadhams Holdings Ltd in Waterlooville, Hampshire to the daughter of a local vicar who owned the Mini for four years. The Southsea branch of Wadhams Ltd then sold the Mini to its second owner, a Miss Charman in Portsmouth on the 2nd May 1964, the bill of sale is still with the car along with some other Wadhams Ltd correspondence. When Miss Charman married, the Mini was transferred into her husbands name and the car then used as daily transport until the early 1970’s when it became the second car. By December 1984 age had taken its toll and its long term owners decided to have the Mini stripped to the bare shell ahead of a total, complete rebuild.
Over an eight year, five month period, a staggering 1800 hours was spent rebuilding the car, retaining as much originality as possible. Two large lever arch folders detail an amazingly detailed restoration diary and logbook, pages and pages of reading to substantiate what was a true labour of love restoration. A third folder of history contains invoices, maintenance, tax discs, MOT's and the early paperwork. The body was completely rebuilt with new panels to include new inner and outer A panels, wings and front panel, door hinge mounting panels were replaced, the subframe kept in place to act as a jig to ensure everything lined up correctly. New inner and outer sills were fitted, the boot floor and boot hinge panel replaced and on completion of a major body restoration, the shell re-painted in the correct, original Clipper Blue.
With the body rebuilt, the engine was stripped and re-bored, new bearings and seals fitted and an unleaded cylinder head. The engine was then detailed and painted in the original BMC Green. A new old stock BMC Silver Seal gearbox was fitted, the subframe and suspension were all refurbished and the braking system completely rebuilt. All chrome trims were re-plated or replaced and the wiring loom recovered in the correct cotton braid. As much originality as possible was retained inside the car, the Mini was fitted with new front seats and carpets, the rest of the interior left original. Genuine BMC accessory period seat belts that were fitted in 1964 (instruction booklet for these is still with the car) were retained and modern lap belts hidden under the rear seat to be used if required. Having taken eight years to complete the 1800 hour, meticulous and careful rebuild, the show class Mini was then used sparingly and kept garaged as a show piece.
Since completion in 1993, the Mini has covered just over 8000 miles. The car still presents beautifully as an exceptional, older restoration. This is a rare car being the De-Luxe model and finding an example so correct, that has had this level of restoration will be very difficult. VRV 109 is a truly stunning car, it's an ideal collectors piece and would be very enjoyable as a car to use for shows, events and occasional weekend use. The underside is excellent, the engine bay is still of a high standard, the paintwork impressive throughout and the interior truly wonderful. VRV 109 has a magnificent history file, the level of detail is impressive and this car will most certainly not disappoint.
