Mini Thirty

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That the Mini survived in production for over 40 years should be no 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.

By 1986, over 5 million examples had been sold and sales were kept alive by a succession of limited edition models with different trim, paint and interior options.

Based on the Mini Mayfair and introduced in June 1989, the Thirty was the most luxuriously equipped Mini to date and was released to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of this remarkable car. Two paint schemes were offered, Pearlescent Cherry Red or Black, featuring contrasting duo-tone coachlines and ‘1959-1989’ decals and bonnet badge. Wheelarch extensions, door mirrors and sill covers were colour matched to the body, while the grille, bumpers and door handles were all chrome plated, Minilite-style alloys completing the sporty look.

The luxury interior had half-leather seats with red piping and a red steering wheel, while a security coded stereo also came as standard. The 998cc engine could now run on unleaded petrol, and a catalytic converter was available as an option. Only 3,000 cars were built for the UK market, the colour split being 2,000 in red, 1,000 in black, of which 200 were automatics.

Dating from August 1989, this particular Mini Thirty looks most eye-catching in Pearlescent Cherry Red and has covered only 26,200 miles to date in the hands of four owners with some 21 old MOTs to warrant this mileage.

Originally an automatic, it was converted to manual spec in 2012 when the bodywork also received some light restoration. Said to be in very good condition throughout with a nice original interior and the original alloy wheels, it is MOTd until February 2015.