• A well restored yet very useable 1980’s Mini

• Full wide-arch body kit and wide alloy wheels

• Comprehensive history portfolio

The Mini Racing Flame was one of a number of Mini Special Editions produced around the 30th Anniversary of the Mini. The racing flame iteration was based on the Mini City 998cc and featured the special Flame Red paintwork combined with the white roof.

Other refinements for the Racing Flame included chrome bumpers with black grill insert as well as special decals, coachline and black “crayons” upholstery. The dash boasted the three instrument binnacle behind the wheel instead of the traditional, central speedometer.

This Mini has been in the current owner’s family for over 15 years. Originally owned by his brother, the current owner bought the car from his sibling around 10 years ago. At that point the owner undertook a significant restoration program for the car, the idea being it would be used by his daughter.

However, his daughter moved on to more modern cars and the Mini became rarely used prompting the owner to now find an enthusiastic new owner for the Mini Racing Flame.

As you will see from our photographic package, there is a significant archive of paperwork to accompany this Mini. As well as dozens of invoices and bills for work undertaken, there are original MOT’s and the current V5.

Also present is the original Mini owner’s manual and two keys.

The interior was fully restored during the renovation process and the original “crayon” seats were replaced with the current beige velour seats. These replacements appear to be in great, lightly used condition.

The door cards have been redressed in a light-coloured vinyl and alloy, “Cooper specification” door handles, and window winders have been fitted.

The owner confirms that he still has the original seats which can be supplied with the car if required.

The bodywork of this car has benefitted from full restoration and repainting in the original Flame Red and white colourway. A wide body kit has been fitted to accommodate the wide Superlight alloys which are clad in 175/50 R13 tyres.

The original headlights have been augmented by four driving lamps which help give this little Mini a purposeful, sporting demeanour.

Part of the restoration process undertaken by the current owner included significant mechanical work too. This included a new alloy, high-performance Fletcher radiator and associated pipework. The electrical systems were also re-worked and uprated.

The current owner attests that all mechanical systems work as expected and we were able to witness the car starting, running and driving during our visit.

The Austin Mini has an enduring appeal based on its place in the motoring landscape of this country. The special editions, like this one, are becoming increasingly collectable too, based on their rarity. Only 1,000 cars left the factory in this specification after all.

Add to that the additional modifications that the current owner has undertaken on this car, and you have a very individual and, consequently, rare example of the breed here. The additions have been well chosen giving this Mini a wide, low stance and a road presence well beyond its diminutive size. The comfortable interior makes it surprisingly useable too.

If you are looking for a special edition Mini offering something that bit extra special, then look no further than this head turning example.