Mini 1000

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BMC’s Chairman, Sir Leonard Lord, left a mixed legacy when he died at the age of 70 while still at the helm of this giant corporation.

His reputation as a foul-mouthed leader, driven by production at all costs, was well-deserved, the resultant drive for volume ending in a number of BMC products going on sale well before they were ready. On the plus side, he had identified the need for a proper, modern small car to take over from the loved and lamented pre-war Austin 7 and is often quoted as saying: “God damn these bloody awful bubble cars. We must drive them out of the streets by designing a proper miniature car”.

His persuasive manner encouraged the equally ebullient Alec Issigonis to join the company, the range of new cars that subsequently flowed from BL showing the way forward for the rest of the industry. Best known for his brilliant Mini, Issigonis managed to liberate over 80% of the car’s volume for use by its passengers.

The tightly combined engine and gearbox unit was squeezed in at 90 degrees to the bodyshell and drove the front wheels, something that only Citroen had achieved with any degree of commercial success up until then. Even the radiator was moved from its conventional place to shave a few precious inches from the length of the car.

The public got it immediately, buying the cute little car in droves. More than just a vehicle, the Mini came to symbolise a new mood that was sweeping the country, becoming the first truly classless car ever made in Britain. Pop stars, actors and royalty drove them, as did the milk man and the district nurse.

Although it may not be the smartest one in our sale today, this February 1972 Mini 1000 just oozes cheeky street presence with its white roof, blue body, front fog lamps and chunky wheels nestling under flared wheel-arch extensions. Recently treated to a bout of fettling to get it through the MOT, it has had some bodywork repairs, a brake overhaul, new thermostat and a new head gasket.

Said to run and rive well with an MOT until January 2016 and of course tax exempt, it is ready to use as it is but could be gradually improved over time and looks like a mighty fun package at the modest guide price suggested.