1988 Austin Mini Designer
Highlights
- Lovely example of an iconic Mini special edition
- Repainted and restored to a good standard
- Genuine low mileage
- Original service book and good history file
The Appeal
The original Mini underwent something of a renaissance in the 1980s and 1990s, as it evolved from budget car to fashion accessory.
On the back of the little car’s resurgence came a new range of special editions, each one developed with a theme in mind.
The Designer was one of the most distinctive of the lot – offered only in black or white with distinctive stripey seat facings, it was endorsed by fashionista Mary Quant, and bore her distinctive daisy logo on both the steering wheel centre and bonnet badge. In total, just 2,000 were made for worldwide sales and less than sixty are still on the road in the UK, making it a very rare car indeed.
This one is a lovely example, previously repainted and partially restored, and presented in great overall condition, complete with an impressive history file including its original sales brochure and service book.
History and Paperwork
- UK V5C
- MOT March 2025
- Original Designer sales brochure
- Original Austin-Rover service book stamped to 18,700 miles
- Multiple old MOTs dating back to 1992
- Two sets of keys
- Folder of additional old invoices and parts including some relating to body repairs
- Genuine low-mileage car
The Condition
- Lovely paintwork restored in original black
- Minor scuff to bonnet and some minor marks on wing, but nothing of any major note
- Black Minilite-style alloy wheels with good tyres
- Original factory wheel trims with some scuff marks
- Small scuff to nearside front wing
- Appears solid underneath with evidence of past welding to a good standard
- Some light surface corrosion on both front sills
- Small rust bubble on driver’s side door shut/door bottom
- Very slight deterioration to one door mirror stem
- Original seats, trim and carpets with distinctive striped fabric
- Mary Quant signature labels
- Matching door cards in tidy order
- Excellent door cards
- Some damage to inner painted door panels
- Renewed carpets with Mini Sport floor mats
- Original tools, jack and spare wheel
The Mechanics
- 998cc 4cyl engine
- Four-speed manual transmission
- According to the vendor, the car starts and runs well with no excessive smoke, rattles, problems or faults
- Recent service
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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1988
- Make Austin
- Model Mini
- Colour Black
- Odometer 47,092 Miles
- Engine size 998
Listing Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location London
- Country United Kingdom
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