Lot 294 - 1960 Austin Mini Seven Super Deluxe

The history of this revolutionary motorcar is well known and its impact socially, culturally and mechanically is well documented. The Swinging Sixties, The Beatles, Twiggy and the Mini are inexorably combined to represent an era that is remembered with great fondness by many people. Very few classic cars have seen such a meteoric rise in values as the Mini has over the past five years. The Mini holds an iconic place in British motor car history and in the hearts and minds of any driver, it is safe to say no other car can spark a conversation in the same way with many people having owned a Mini and likely to have a story or two to tell. On its introduction in August 1959 the Mini was marketed under the Austin and Morris names, as the Austin Seven and Morris Mini-Minor. The Austin Seven was renamed Austin Mini in January 1962 and Mini became a marque in its own right in 1969. The early Mini's have become particularly sought after with 1959 and 1960 examples difficult to find in original condition.

This delightful Austin Seven was registered in October 1960 and can be considered as one of the most original examples on the market today. A large amount of this cars history has been written about in the November 2006 edition of Mini World. This vehicle resided in a family garage for 14 years until Mini Club member, Ron Procter, purchased the car for a mere £1,400 with a view to restoring it having appreciated its remarkable time warp condition. The Mini had been scruffily sprayed yellow but he could see past that and upon purchase began a full nut and bolt restoration. The strip down to the bare shell confirmed that it was in near perfect condition with only a rear valance and front panel needing to be replaced. It also became apparent that the 848cc A-Series engine was the original unit. The Mini was returned to its original colour of Speedwell Blue and with the engine stripped and rebuilt to take unleaded petrol, the reassembly began. The vendor states that 95% of the components used were those fitted to the car when it left the factory. The 1959 and early 1960 Mini's had the smaller rear window and no recess around front and rear windows as does this example that also boasts the original glass. The seats and trim that are so often perishable were perfectly serviceable and thus original, with the exception of the door cards that were recently replaced with Newton examples. The carpet unfortunately did need to be replaced. 

This is considered to be a remarkable example of an original 1960 Mini. Presented with an MoT test certificate valid until January 2019 with no advisories and a history file including photographs of the restoration. Showing just 32,836 miles from new the question could simply be where else would you find one quite like this. Offered without reserve we are certain that this will be popular with collectors and enthusiast alike. Our hope is that its originality can be preserved for many years to come.