1960 Austin Seven Mini

A classic Mini can be anything you want it to be, they were made for so long - 1959 - 2000 the original looks and specification altered several times to suit evolutions in fashion and technology, even if Alec Issigonis's innovative little box remained basically the same underneath. It not only defined what was needed from a city car but also reinvented and reinvigorated the small sports car market. Sixties Mini Coopers have been expensive for a while, but now buyers are waking up to the purity and charm of the 850cc MK1.

This beautiful little Austin Seven Mini finished in Farina Grey with contrasting Grey and Red leather cloth was built on the 27th April 1960 and was supplied to its first owner by Car Mart of Hendon. We are informed that externally this car is beyond reproach, door fit is good, the sills and floors and A posts are perfect and is matched equally by lots of shiny bright chrome work. The vendor informs us of a superb history file documenting the bodywork repairs to this car including a photographic log such is the attention to detail with stacks of supporting bills. Interestingly although this is a 1960 car it features the 1959 windscreen surround and represents the subtle changes that often occurred in the early life of the Mini.

The same attention to detail is carried into the cockpit, the red and grey interior is arguably better than new, you'll look in vain for any issues, it merely highlights the attention to detail that the vendor has gone to to bring this car back to life.

We are informed that the history file includes pages of maintenance bills from 1993 when the engine was stripped, rebored and rebuilt with new pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, oil pump, water pump, distributor bearings and seals and also included a complete gearbox rebuild. Since then the car has only done 10,000 miles and has a current speedometer reading of just under 97000.

We hope whoever owns this car will continue to treasure it, but use it regularly too, this Mini drives faultlessly not to. We are informed that the A series engine fires readily from cold with a touch of choke and soon settles to a sewing machine like tick over of around 800 RPM. Its urgent buzzy nature zings through the body shell and entices you into the Minis legendary characteristics of cart like handling and steering making you feel you can always place it with precision.

We are informed by the vendor that this amazing little car has had the same owner for the last 22 years and has bills for just over £15000 and also includes a Heritage certificate along with 23 MOT certificates and 18 expired tax discs. Sold with a current MOT until June of this year this amazing little Mini will appeal to so many people for so many different reasons, such is the collectability of these early Austin Seven Mini's.