Mini 35 Limited Edition

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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 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.

In order to keep demand alive in its twilight years, a series of Limited Editions were introduced, an effective way of boosting sales thanks to the inclusion of a number of options with a high perceived value, offered at an attractive price over a limited period.

The Mini 35 was one such model, with just 1,000 being produced in 1994, the car’s 35th year. Based on the entry level Sprite, it came with jazzy upholstery and 3 colour choices. It had the evergreen 1275cc A-series engine and cost £5,695 which probably goes to show that new car prices haven’t really gone up so much in the last 30 years.

The vendor of this smart little 45,000 mile example confirms that it has six old MOTs on file, three stamps in the service book and is MOTd until April 2016. Described as a good runner, this budget runabout would make an ideal first car or the perfect starter classic.