1965 Austin Mini 'Super de-luxe'

Designed as project ADO15 (Austin Drawing Office project number 15), the Mini came about because of the fuel shortage caused by the 1956 Suez Crisis. Petrol was once again rationed in the UK, sales of large cars slumped and the market for German bubble cars boomed. Leonard Lord, the somewhat autocratic head of BMC, reportedly detested these cars so much that he vowed to rid the streets of them and design a 'proper miniature car'. Issigonis, who had been working for Alvis, had been recruited back to BMC in 1955 and, with his skills in designing small cars, was a natural for the task. The team that designed the Mini was remarkably small: as well as Issigonis, there was Jack Daniels (who had worked with him on the Morris Minor), Chris Kingham (who had been with him at Alvis), two engineering students and four draughtsmen. Together, by October 1957, they had designed and built the original prototype, which was affectionately named "The Orange Box" because of its colour.

This 1966 Austin Mini Mk I 'Super Deluxe' was built on 25th October 1965. According to the Heritage Certificate, factory options included fresh air heater and a rare automatic gearbox. This car was one of the very first Minis with an automatic gearbox, having only the tenth engine of this type. Finished in Old English White with Tartan Red interior, this very genuine car has had only four previous owners and has covered what is believed to be a genuine 74,000 miles. It is supplied with the original driver's handbook, optional lamps, various MoT test certificates and some older invoices.

This Mini is presented in superb order and is an entirely genuine car with a very clean engine bay. With the addition of the rare automatic transmission, this car would be ideal for city driving or for a more "mature' enthusiast.

Even within the last year, Mk I Mini prices have continued to climb at a significant rate with examples like EOH 932C becoming much harder to find.