Mini 1000 Automatic

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 ingenius transverse engine allowed 80% of the area of the car's floorpan 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.

First registered in September 1978, this Austin Mini 1000 Automatic has covered less than 21,300 miles from new and is in fine, original condition throughout. Presented in a typically ‘70s shade of brown with a multi-hued beige/brown interior, it is said to drive exactly as it should and comes with its original owner’s handbook and five old MOT certificates back to 2001 when it had covered 19,140 miles. Currently on SORN but with an MOT until August, it must surely be as nice and unmolested an example as you could realistically hope to find.