Austin Mini 1000 1972

Description:

Description from The Vendor:

This little car is a true survivor. Lady owned for the last 30 years, with one previous owner (her uncle), it has covered just 43,140 miles.

I wrote to the lady who owned the mini for such a long time and she kindly replied confirming the history and mileage, saying it has been a useful storage cupboard since she stopped driving it over 20 years ago! Her letter is in the file along with the last MOT from 1996 (40,193 miles), original brochure, handbook and V5.

I bought it recently, thinking it would make a good Mk3 S replica, but finding the low mileage to be genuine it seemed better to simply recommission. The body and front subframe are very good, but the rear subframe was rusty, so we fitted a new Mini Spares rear subframe, new rear shocks, most brake pipes, all flexi-hoses, all brake wheel cylinders and shoes, and changed the fluid. Also, a new twin box exhaust, changed oil and filter, cleaned out the fuel tank, new clutch slave and hose, and a few other bits and bobs. It now runs really nicely, and everything works. Both master cylinders are original and work well, but worth keeping an eye on as they’re clearly old.

The paintwork ( I think all factory original apart from the front wings) is worn to the primer in places and covered in scratches and dents (serving as a cupboard for 25 years hasn’t helped). There is some rust in the bottom of both door skins, but the rest is remarkably sound, even in the boot corners, companion boxes, battery box, and under the carpets. The interior is all original and in good condition. The original 998 engine runs well with correct oil pressure, and being a Mk3 it has the nicer to use remote gear change.

PS. I must have jinxed the master cylinder because the clutch master went the morning it was being collected. I would strongly recommend the brake master is changed or refurbished at the same time as they are both originals.

Auctioneer’s notes:

What a cracking looking car, I agree with the vendor that it is best to offer her for sale in its original condition. There are not many of these original little Minis on the road.  There is a charming letter in the history file which we will put on line on Appendix 1 and she also has her original handbook.  She may be viewed, strictly by appointment.

Appendix 1