Morris Mini Minor

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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 1963 Morris Mini Minor has been in its current ownership for over 30 years. Purchased for £350, about the going rate at the time, it was used as the family runabout before being laid up shortly after the vendor’s daughter had used it to learn to drive. Dry stored ever since, various restoration jobs have been carried out over the years, including new floors, and the car now needs that final push to complete the job.

The vendor informs us that he had it running several years ago, also confirming the indicated mileage of just 55,000 miles is correct and that it comes with a current V5. Although there is work still to do, this sound and original car could be transformed with a few weekend's concentrated effort, and looks good value compared to the price of one that is already on the road.