Description
1980 Austin Rover Mini 1000 in Pageant Blue.
My Mini 1000 is one of the last produced with the iconic central speedo / binnacle.
It is in lovely condition and has done 48, 500 miles from new, with only 2 previous owners. The first, lady, owner used it sparingly for 19 years before she gave up driving in 1999 after which it was stored in a relative’s garage till she passed away in 2018. It was bought by the second owner who fully recommissioned it for use as a wedding hire car in the style of an Italian Job Mini alongside his other two (pictures are available). In 2021 the drivers side A-panel, inner and outer sills were replaced, the near side sills being (& still are) absolute fine. Unfortunately the wedding hire business suffered during Covid which gave me the opportunity to buy it in 2022.
I’ve since removed the purely decorative Italian Job items (bonnet straps & spotlights etc), replaced the chrome style door fittings with refurbished original fittings and refitted the missing sun visors so it is now back to being pretty much original. It retains the recovered blue leatherette seats, blue door cards and bullet (rather than rectangular) door mirrors which are all in fantastic condition. I have also added a full under bonnet splash guard to protect the distributor, installed lap set belts in the rear, poly-bushed both engine steadies and converted the headlights from sealed beam units to safer, brighter, separate halogen bulbs & reflectors - though these can all be easily reverted if desired.
Under the hood lies the original matching numbers engine which runs smoothly and starts reliably, even in cold weather. The 4-speed manual transmission works smoothly and well. The car was upgraded to electronic ignition for improved reliability on recommissioning and I replaced the battery on purchase in 2022. Suspension and brakes are also in good condition.
The Mini retains the original steering wheel and all original gauges and instruments, all of which are fully functional. The heater works really well. There is a modern fully working CD/ Radio hifi with USB connection and internal antennae fitted under the front shelf, with two speakers under the rear bench seat.
The original Pageant Blue paint really suits the car with a glossy finish that gets comments wherever you go. While not in concours condition, it looks fabulous though there are some marks etc as it’s used regularly rather than being just for shows. The chrome bumpers and trim are all in great shape. The standard 10 inch steel wheels have chrome hubcaps and the tires (dated 2017) have plenty of tread remaining. The underneath has been rust-treated and painted - both sills are still in very good condition.
The car has the plastic rigid boot floor accessory and I’m also including a period aluminium roof rack which is useful for large (but not too heavy) loads, as well as some rear mudguards and a high level brake light which are yet to be fitted.
First registered in October 1980, the car has been lovingly cared for. There are two full sets of keys, some history including original V5 and Passport to Service and, while the Mini is Historic Vehicle Class for tax purposes and as such MOT and tax exempt, I have always given it an annual MOT - the most recent one in November ‘24.
The car is fully registered, roadworthy, and comes with a clear title in my name. It’s ready to drive away and enjoy immediately.
It is located in South Manchester and is available for viewing by appointment.
Please feel free to ask any questions or to arrange a viewing. Serious inquiries only, please. MOT History
26/ 11/ 24 - 48340 Miles
04/ 10/ 23 - 47828 Miles
04/ 10/ 22 - 47182 miles
Previous ownership
29/ 09/ 21 - 45529 miles
26/ 10/ 20 - 44374 miles
24/ 10/ 20 - 44372 miles - Fail (excessive oil leak)
05/ 09/ 19 - 43067 miles
05/ 10/ 18 - 41190 miles
