Mini 1000 City E

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Launched to a dumb-founded motoring press in 1959, the Alec Issigonis-designed Morris Mini Minor introduced a whole new concept in car design. Its space-saving front-wheel-drive layout and ingenious transverse engine allowed 80% of the area of the car's floorplan to be used for passengers and luggage and influenced a generation of car makers. Throw in a cute little monocoque body and go-kart like handling that made 30mph feel like 60mph and Issigonis was on to a winner.

Perfectly timed to capture the revolutionary feel of the time, the Mini instantly epitomised the mood of the Swinging Sixties. Crashing through the traditional class barriers that had surrounded British cars up to that point, everybody wanted to be seen in a Mini. No wonder the fundamental shape remained unaltered for an incredible 40 years.

The 1985 Austin Mini City offered here was bought by the Vendor in September 2017 and he became the eleventh owner.  It was purchased as a bit of a trip down memory lane having owned numerous Minis over the years.  He was attracted to it by its original condition, although it needed some attention to the bodywork and sills.  There are bills on file for new sills in October 2017 for £800 and then subsequent panel work at a further £1629, a new battery and electrical work for £300 and general maintenance amounting to a further £1156, so plenty of expenditure.

The Mini has been fitted with a custom wood veneer dashboard that would benefit from a bit of fit adjustment but looks smart with extra cubby holes.  Also present are an aftermarket cassette and period Goodmans speakers on the rear shelf ready to blast a bit of A-ha or Dire Straits.  The interior is in surprisingly good condition trimmed in grey velour with red carpets.

On the day of our photography the car had been driven 25 miles to our meeting point, and was then heading on a 90 mile round trip before returning home.

The Mini is now being offered for sale as the Vendor says “I realise I am no longer a Mini fan, and neither am I prepared to carry on being a mechanic” which is a shame as the hard work is all completed.. another person’s gain perhaps?