Lot 128 - 1963 Morris Mini Minor
| Lot Number | 128 |
| Registration | DHJ 941B |
| Chassis Number | M/A254209425 |
| Engine Number | BAM-U-H609558 |
| Odometer reading | 18,800 miles |
| Estimate | £25,000 - £30,000 |
- New £10,000 Spinneybeck leather interior
- Brand new trim and Wilton carpet fitted
- Period Cooper race wheels
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. The side story is the Mini's impact on motorsport and this is no less extraordinary. Issigonis' friend John Cooper, owner of the Cooper Car Company and designer and builder of Formula One and rally cars, saw the potential of the Mini for competition and a formidable opponent it soon became. The production version of the Mini was demonstrated to the press in April 1959 and by August several thousand cars had been produced ready for the first sales. The Mini was officially announced to the public on 26 August 1959. The first example, a Morris Mini-Minor with the registration 621 AOK, is on display at the Heritage Motor Centre in Warwickshire. Another early example from 1959 is on display at the National Motor Museum in Hampshire.
The Mini was marketed under BMC's two main brand names, Austin and Morris, until 1969, when it became a marque in its own right. The Morris version was known to all as ‘the Mini’ or the ‘Morris Mini-Minor’.
This stunning example was imported from New Zealand in 2017, where it had undergone a fabulous refurbishment which included the seats being retrimmed in the famous Spinneybeck hide (one of the finest Italian leather trim available), Wilton carpet, brand new trim and period Cooper S racing wheels being fitted. This is one of the finest examples of this popular and sought-after city runabout. The previous owner was meticulous in his detail when carrying out this work and the result is simply superb. This has to be one of the best available on the market today.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.