Mini MkI

THIS IS A LATE ENTRY AND WILL NOT APPEAR IN THE PRINTED CATALOGUE.

When the first Minis went on sale in August 1959, it is fair to say that the public were initially slightly baffled by this tiny little box with its small wheels and funny front-wheel drive.

However, as word gradually leaked out about its amazing handling prowess and huge fun factor, it quickly became a cult object that came to symbolise the freedom of the Swinging Sixties. One of the great, undisputed car designs of all time, it had a classless appeal that made it welcome everywhere and by 1966 over a million had been sold.

With go-kart handling and excellent brakes, it was a huge success in competition and literally ran rings around far larger and more expensive cars that simply could not keep up with its cheeky pace. It was to remain in production for an astonishing 41 years, still remaining recognizably the same car in 2000 as it had been at launch in 1959.

This particular MkI Mini has had just three owners from new, the first owner being a Mrs Elsie Pinnock who bought the car from Barretts of Canterbury in July 1963 for £486 (original purchase invoice on file). She was to keep the car right up until 2007 and the 29,900 miles on the odometer is said to be the genuine mileage covered from new.

Looking lovely in Surf Blue with a matching interior, the car is said to be in highly original condition throughout apart from the fitment of an unleaded head and a new waterpump in 2011. Said to be a well-maintained car that drives very well, it has seen show use only in recent years and is a well-known member of the Hilltop Mini Club of Malvern.

Known as ‘Elsie’, the car is due to be sold with 12 month’s MOT, is currently taxed and comes with a good history file plus the original owner’s handbook.