Description
Having just 26, 000 miles on her odometer she was purchased for a significant amount, then a further £9000-10, 000 has recently been invested to create what is a marvellous example of a classic Mini. She has all new metal-work, new chrome-work, alloys and tyres, upgraded modern halogen lighting and new chrome classical spotlighting and a comprehensive mechanical restoration, she is brilliant behind the wheel. She is supplied with 12 months MOT, comprehensively serviced and ready to enjoy.
1. New Metalwork
All of her metalwork was renewed and restored, replacing any filler or corrosion with new panel work, this is not your usual Mini, moulded from filler. She was then placed into a premium heated facility to protect her and remained there for the last seven years.
2. New Chrome-work & Alloys
Most of her chrome work was replaced, recreating her original sparkle. Most of her lighting was re-designed and upgraded, finished with four classical chrome spotlights and the classic P700 Halogen headlights. She was then fitted with brand new Super-Lite alloy wheels, trodden with new tyres.
3. Original Matching Numbers Engine & Gearbox, 26, 000 Miles
Retaining her original, matching numbers, 26, 000 miles factory fitted unleaded 1000cc carburettor engine and gearbox, it’s the sort of engine that car people listen to and say “ah that’s a nice engine”, it’s healthy and thriving, and her gearbox is tort and precise, it feels as if it has been rebuilt.
Under the bonnet her engine head has been professionally refurbished and then fitted with a new head gasket. Her carburettor has been serviced and professionally tuned by a well known specialist, optimising her power. Her exhaust and petrol tank are new. Otherwise she has had a comprehensive service of her engine and cooling system. Her clutch hasn’t been replaced and has average wear.
Behind the wheel she’s terrific and/ or terrifying, powered by her original, matching numbers, 26, 000 mile 1000cc carburettor engine, combining a minimal power to weight ratio with that unique and iconic, rally winning, classic Mini handling. The sounds, the smells, the feeling of her carburettor power just whisks you back to another era, a different decade, it’s pure classical motoring, proper nostalgia.
Driving a Mini is about holding your nerve, slow speeds feel furiously fast, experienced drivers can throttle throughout the corner, accelerating rapidly, it’s a game of nerve, like fast road go karting within what looks and feels like a toy car.
Her brakes have been fully serviced, she is the improved stopping power brake servo model and that servo is replaced brand new.
4. Interior & Underneath
Looking into her interior, you have a new carpet and headlining, these are protected from the elements with new window seals. Her seats, dash and all other interior parts are factory fitted and original, in lovely condition as per mileage.
Pulling up the carpets, you can see nice solid floors, they have no sign of dampness or wetness. Looking underneath she is just nice and solid, nothing to worry about. Inside her boot she is straight and solid, albeit this area could be cleaned up with some boot boards, carpet or paint.
5. The Boring Stuff
Onto the boring stuff. She is supplied with 12 months MOT and no advisories for your peace of mind. She is HPI clear and there is no evidence of any previous accidents. She doesn’t seem to be leaking any oil, but she is a classic Mini so she likely will. She proudly wears the iconic Cooper decals which are removable if you wanted. She’s in marvellous condition, but being 25 years old will of course have some signs of wear so we would recommend viewing. The only thing I feel the pickiest of punters might note is the usual slight cracking of her seam sealant where the scuttle meets the wing.
6. Her History
Having been garaged for some decades, she was purchased for Miriam’s birthday in 2018 and named Marseille. A very expensive restoration began, bringing him up to a marvellous standard. However he was stored at a heated premium facility and so didn’t get much use, just 175 miles per year on average. We have then re-commissioned her to bring her up to a retail standard. This is such a lovely Mini that really needs to be driven, driven daily and fully appreciated, it’s such a shame for it to be locked away. Being in storage for most of her life we cannot verify her odometer reading, but it certainly seems to be correct.
So this is your opportunity to purchase a marvellous example of a classic Mini, a Mini that has had more than the asking price invested within her recently. She’s solid, rust free, has new chrome work, alloys and a comprehensive mechanical restoration, her engine and gearbox are lovely, she is sold with 12 months MOT and fully serviced.
If you would like to see an extra 55 photographs please ask me for the link.
