Mint Mini - 20th July, 2018

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Time takes its toll on nearly every car. Wet winters, less than caring owners, rough roads and high miles finish most cars off inside 20 years. But every now and then a survivor pops up that defies time. At 41 years old this 1977 Mini 1000 looks like it has been drinking from the fountain of youth, and you can buy it. 

The original Mini was way ahead of its time when it hit showrooms in 1959. The clever design feature of mounting the engine east – west (instead of the traditional north-south) and driving the front wheels meant that the little car had loads of space in the cabin. It pretty much revolutionized car design. But not only that it was huge fun to drive, cheap to buy and reliable.

This car is particularly special in that is has travelled less than 60,000kms since driving out of the showroom all those years ago, less than 1500km a year. Some of that low mileage may be explained by the fact it’s been part of a car museum collection since 1999. And the condition reflects its museum status and even includes the original handbooks and purchase receipt. This car is a mark IV Mini, sold new in New Zealand, and has the 1000cc engine with an options list that includes a heater...and that’s it.

It really is a peach of a car and completely original – the sort of Mini a Mini collector dreams about finding. Old Minis are still incredibly popular and they are increasingly hard to find in this condition. I reckon this wee car is going to be very popular at the close of the online auction on Monday (23^rd July). But compared to many exotic, more expensive to maintain classics it will probably still be relatively affordable.  And for one of the most important and influential cars in history that’s got to make it a bargain. More details here.