1960 Morris Mini Minor (M&S Mini)

Sir Alec Issigonis designed the Mini as a low cost, economical city car; its unusual yet charming looks soon caught the attention of trendsetting London socialites in the 1960's. The Mini quickly became a star itself with many celebrity owners from pop singers to film actors and models. The Mini was part of the swinging 60's, launching it to become one of the best-known and loved cars in the world.

One famous name that will forever be associated with the Mini in the Swinging 60's is the fashion icon: 'Twiggy'. When the leading high street retailer Marks & Spencer featured Twiggy in a 2006 advertising campaign, it was almost inevitable that a Mini would be featured as well.

This unique hand decorated, pink, Morris Mini-Minor starred in the advertisement alongside Twiggy and her fellow models Erin O'Conner, Laura Bailey and Noémie Lenoir. This wasn't just any M&S advert, the commercial marked the re-launch of their women's clothing range which turned around the fortunes of the then struggling M&S, it was the first in a series of campaigns which is still going to this day, and still starring Twiggy!

Purchased in 2006 by Elstree Studios on behalf of M&S, the car was sent to De Gournay of London to be painted in one of their famous styles. After its short TV career a model of the Mini was also commissioned and produced by Corgi.

Then as part of Mini's 50th anniversary celebrations the car was displayed from 2009 to 2011 at The National Heritage Motor museum in Gaydon, just a stone's throw from the Silverstone Auctions head office.

The car is presented in great condition throughout and has never been subject to a restoration, only running repairs to keep it mechanically sound and bodily fit. It still has the original small tail crank, 'A' series engine and 22A 104 gearbox. The brakes are the original single line hydraulic drum brakes with a single leading shoe.

Considering the large number of modified and customised Minis that have been created over the years, this is a fantastic opportunity own a truly unique "one of a kind' Mini with a real story to tell.