Highlights
・Low mileage example
・Holds a British Motor Industry heritage certificate
・Rare push button start
The Background
The iconic shape, known throughout the world, is a cult classic. It could only be a mini. First shown to the world in 1959, the MK1 was developed by the British Motor Corporation as a small cheap economy car to help Britain through the fuel crisis of the time. Little did they know, designer Alec Issigonis would create a true motoring icon, bringing style, economy and practicality to the world, along with the adoration of the British Public.
The History
The current owner has been a lifelong mini enthusiast and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to own this lovely early example last year and is now looking to move the car on to a like minded individual who will appreciate the car just as much.
General upkeep of the vehicle has been undertaken by the current owner, however the majority of work that has been done on the car, such as general maintenance and servicing has been performed by previous owners and documented in the extensive paperwork folder that comes with the car.
The Paperwork
The car boasts an impressive British Motor Industry heritage certificate, a certified letter confirming the provenance of the vehicle, detailing its specifications as it left the factory in 1962.
Along with this we have an extensive folder detailing prior MOTs, servicing and maintenance records and invoices. The V5C document is also present for the vehicle.
Whilst MOT and tax exempt, the current owner had the car MOTd in September of 2020 which it flew through with no advisories.
The Interior
In flawless green, the interior of the mini is really in extraordinary condition. The seats, both front and rear, have next to no wear and look exactly as you’d expect for a car of such low mileage. Complemented excellently by the matching door cards and furniture, which hold the iconic cable door pulls that are so famous of the early minis, and sit within door frames, also painted in the beautiful green that coats the exterior.
Sitting proud, on the simple, minimalist dash, is the centre clock with wide dials, this being a rare feature of the MK1 minis. Looking down we see another trademark of these early minis, the manual gear shifter that protrudes from the bulkhead, as supposed to out of the floor on the later MK2’s. The excellently maintained carpets and mats tie together this beautifully upholstered example.
The Exterior
During its current ownership, the car has been dry stored in the owners garage, something evident when looking at the exterior of the car. This is a beautiful, honest car, showcasing great deep green paintwork with just a few minor marks of wear and tear, as to be expected of a car of this age. All of the chrome trim and brightwork are in equally good condition for such a low mileage example.
We are reminded from the outside that this is an early car when looking at things such as the external door hinges and characteristic MK1 front grille. We also see the flip down, hinged number plate on the rear tailgate when opened, as well as sliding side windows at the front, and pop out windows at the rear. Looking above, we see the immaculate ragtop sunroof, also in a great shade of green. The roof functions as it should, opening with ease.
The car also wears original steel wheels in a lovely cream/white paint with metal hubcaps, all four of which are in great condition.
The Mechanics
Under the bonnet, we find ourselves looking at a standard 848cc 4 cylinder engine, which, playing into its originality, still runs on leaded petrol. It roars into life almost immediately via the use of its rare push button starter, providing the iconic engine note that's become so synonymous with the classic mini.
It’s clear to see when looking at the engine bay and the engine itself, that this is an incredibly low mileage well maintained example, with great paintwork on the firewall, the block and head. The hoses, ancillaries and leads can also be seen to be in excellent condition, emphasising the care that has been taken to maintain this car.
On the move, the car zips along the road boasting its iconic tight mini handling, accelerating through the gears excellently, and importantly, stopping well, with the braking system in great order. Underneath, the engine and suspension appears as equally clean as the rest of this outstanding example of a mini.
The Appeal
Legitimate early cars like this are something of a rarity, a beautiful example with all of the important features to make this a stand out car. The mileage alone makes this an amazing offer, amazingly this can be combined with the great bodywork and interior along with an extensive stack of paperwork.
It’s a car that marked the start of an automotive revolution, what was supposed to be a cheap economy car turned into a staple of British culture, with the mini scene bigger now than it ever has been, now is the time to join the club, or boost up the numbers on a current fleet. There’s no better way to do that than with a timewarp car to take you back to those glorious 1960s. A true British icon, and a piece of history. If you’re looking for an honest, early example of a true cult classic, then look no further.
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