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An astonishing BL Mini 1000 Automatic with just 2,706 miles!
EQUIPMENT
All steel unitary construction, independent cone rubber spring suspension, wind-down door windows, twin door mirrors, twin coachline, hinged rear quarter windows, face-level fresh air vents, twin sun-visors with driver’s ticket flap and passenger vanity mirror, door pocket, rake adjustable front seats, front and rear ashtrays, electric washers, two-speed wipers, flick wipe, hazard warning lamps, courtesy light, electric heated rear window, heater fan. Factory options; Automatic gearbox. Dealer options; Supercover, Ziebart body protection.
EXTERIOR
The iconic classic Mini requires little introduction and this adored British institution is perfectly represented with this phenomenal example having covered just 2,706 miles from new! The stunning White paintwork, (Code AAE), boasts a uniform finish commensurate of cars super-low mileage preserved credentials. All factory panels are in amazing condition having never been welded or repaired. Close inspection will reveal nothing other than light age-related markings, very insignificant and strictly untreated in order to uphold originality. The door shuts and seams lines are in superb condition as is the underside which still has the factory Ziebart protection treatment. The supplying dealer number plates remain fitted and incredibly, even quality control paper labels are still intact to the rear brake back plates! The epitome of classic car preservation, this original Mini is very special.
INTERIOR
The Mini ethos of simplistic motoring where you only get what you really need was still very much applied in 1979 and a stark contrast to the final Rover variants where buyers demanded far more opulence and comfort accoutrements! The striped cropped nylon seat material in Sorrell colour scheme is in amazing condition with no notable wear, fading or discolouring and the matching vinyl door cards, headlining and loop pile carpeting remain spotless. The huge thin rimmed steering wheel is instantly recognisable as a Mini trait as is the wonderful oval centrally mounted instrument binnacle. Separating this example from the norm is just how fresh and the interior feels even down to the switchgear still with pure white detailing and lights and interior trim such as door furniture like new. An interior commensurate with 2,706 miles and reminiscent of a 1979 Austin showroom!
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Powered by the factory fitted and famous 'A' Series 998cc with single SU HS4 carburettor producing 39bhp at 4750rpm, the mechanics are simple, robust and cost effective to run and maintain, the exact sentiments of what Mini was about. The time warp engine bay is super-clean and displays the metal VIN, commission, and body plates to the slam panel as well as the inner wing FE number plate. The optional automatic gearbox operates perfectly.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The 10in pressed-steel disc wheels are dressed in the original chromed stainless steel 18-hole wheel covers in beautiful original condition. Firestone F-560 145 R10 tyres are fitted to all four corners including the spare. The original bagged jack sits in the boot alongside an undamaged battery cover still held in place with a strap! Even the usually perished foam insulation in the boot is still intact! Dual-line hydraulically operated 0.18m drums all round operate perfectly but require a firm foot in comparison to modern braking systems.
HISTORY FILE
This 1979 Mini 1000 was supplied new by Leyland Cars Main Dealer, Henlys Limited of South London, on the 3rd October 1979 and has covered a genuine 2,706 miles from new! A Henlys new vehicle invoice in the history file is made out to first owner, Mr Smith, who specified automatic transmission and paid a total of £2,884.60 for the car. Mr Smith owned the vehicle until 2011 and a letter in the history file written by him reveals that the car was purchased just as he was changing jobs and was unsure whether he would get a company car. He indeed did get a company car and Mr Smith wrote that the Mini was used only at weekends and special occasions until 1987 when it developed an electrical ignition fault. It was at this point when the car had covered less than 3,000 miles that the Mini was shut away in the garage as Mr Smith was unable to find an auto electrician to fix the fault! Twenty-four years later the car was discovered in the original and preserved state that you see today and having undergone a sympathetic recommission process is now fully operational. There have been two further registered keepers, the first of whom was a garage proprietor of whom Mr Smith was a customer and a letter from him in the history file confirms the mileage to also be genuine. The original Leyland Cars document wallet holds all handbooks, guides and dealership point of sale literature including the passport to service booklet and Supercover cards and service vouchers made out to Mr Smith. Even the delicate label tag requesting ‘urgent attention of Leyland owners only’ is still attached to the document wallet! Two original sets of keys with Henlys fob and a Mini range sales brochure are included in the folder of invoices and MOT certificates. An unrepeatable opportunity to buy surely one of the best unrestored examples of British Leyland motoring history.
MOT October 2022, HPI clear.
Original
