Austin Mini City E

That the Mini survived in production for over 40 years should not come as a surprise to anyone. Such was the brilliance of the original design that concepts introduced at its launch still form the basis for most small cars today.

After 10 years of production, it received a makeover of sufficient size to warrant a change to the internal BL model code, changing from ADO 15 to ADO 20. The Mk III incorporated wind up windows, concealed door hinges and larger doors, and by the time the Mk V had come along, the original Alex Moulton rubber cone suspension had made a re-appearance along with larger disc brakes. It was largely assumed that the Mini would cease production after the introduction of the Mini-Metro, however it soldiered on until 2000 supported by the Cooper models and a range of special editions which kept interest alive in the product.

The Mini City E was the entry point to the range, keeping the single dial in the middle of the dashboard until mid-1988 when it changed to the twin dial pack from the Clubman. The engine had its compression raised and was fitted with a taller final drive to improve economy, making it nicer to drive in the process.

This late 1988 model has covered just 53,000 miles from new and is described by the vendor as “driving beautifully” and being in “nice original condition”. With many owners choosing to turn their Minis into Cooper look-alikes, nice, standard cars are becoming thin on the ground which is a shame. MOTd until June and offered with its original hand book, this would make an ideal first car or a nippy, economical city run about.