1978 Austin Mini

I've owned this Mini since 2003, it was my first car, and I bought it aged 16. It was originally a Clubman, rebodied with a classic Mini shell in 1986 by the previous owner for his wife. Unfortunately, the man's wife died shortly after, and the Mini stayed in his garage for 16 years. A chance encounter with the man's son at Stoneleigh kit car show led us to view the Mini and persuading the man to sell. My Dad and I then spent the next two years completing a full restoration.

I sold the car in 2007 to a gentleman from London as I had my eyes on something with a bit more power. After a fling with a Mk1 Toyota MR2, I received an email in 2009 from the guy I sold it to in London. He was looking to sell and offered me first refusal. During his ownership he upgraded the engine from 998cc to 1275cc. He also did the much-needed brake upgrade, removing the front drums and fitting the 7. 5 inch Cooper S disc conversion, so the car could still run 10" wheels. Needless to say, I bought it back.

Over the last 20 years (except the brief hiatus) I have used the car frequently and since its original restoration it has undergone two more full resprays to keep the bodywork in excellent condition. I'm a paint technician by trade and all work was done with the help of professional colleagues to a high standard. The most recent part-restoration and respray was completed in 2013. I have receipts totalling over £1000 from 2018/ 19 when money was invested to keep the car maintained and improve a few things aesthetically. Since then I haven't used it as much as I would like and it's finally time to sell, albeit reluctantly.

The Mini has recently been recommissioned after a short time off the road in dry storage. It runs really well and it still a joy to drive. The specification is as follows:

1978 Austin Mini with 5 previous owners (one being me!)
1275cc engine
Automatic 4-speed gearbox
Mini Spares Stage 1 Kit with Maniflow LCB, Stainless RC40 system, K&N replacement filter element for standard airbox.
7. 5" Cooper S discs with AP racing calipers.
Superfin drums at the rear.
Brand new Gaz adjustable dampers fitted this year.
Adjusta-ride adjustable suspension.
Recent Yuasa Silver 5000 battery.
Old English White body with flat black roof and group 2 arches.
Rare 10"x6" GB alloys refurbished in 2019 in Porsche Kalahari Beige.
Yokohama A032R tyres.
Original black cloth interior.
Newton Commercial black carpet set - still in excellent condition.

We have just fixed an issue with the speedo by fitting a new cable.

Things to work on:

There is no headlining. The original beige headlining was tired so this was binned with a view to fitting a new one.

The dash area needs tidying as I binned the old one that we had made ourselves. The wiring is there for a clock, speakers and a headunit.

The brakes work fine, but if you were planning to use the car regularly or drive enthusiastically, it would be sensible to give them a proper overhaul.

There is probably some information I've missed, but this car has a lot of history. Please feel free to call, text or WhatsApp with any questions.

Please call the details below.