Mini MkII 850

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This cracking little Almond Green MkII Mini spent its early life in the warm climes of Cyprus where, it is believed, it was hidden away following the Turkish invasion in 1974. It may be that the climate and concealment may have contributed to its current condition but it is more likely that the vendor has some responsibility for that.

The vendor discovered the Mini while serving on the island as a chaplain and brought it back to UK with him where he began to put it into apple pie order, spending over £5,000 on it in the past three years. The car was repainted in two-pack and had new stainless steel bumpers and over-riders and the interior was re-trimmed. The carburettor was rebuilt in 2015, a new clutch cylinder was fitted in 2016 and a new aluminium radiator and water pump were fitted in April last year followed by two new tyres two months later. Electronic ignition has also been fitted.

The car is showing under 9,000 miles on the odometer which the vendor would like to believe is correct, but there is no way of knowing if this is so. The car is certainly very smart, Cyprus is a small island and the Mini was in confinement for a long time, so who knows?

What we do know is that this 850cc Mini is a sweet-looking car that is substantially original, and in very nice condition. It will appeal to anyone looking for an unmolested basic Mini – and you shouldn’t underestimate how much fun they can be; it will also appeal to someone looking for a cut-price route into MkII Cooper S ownership… but let’s not think about that.