Mini 1000

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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.

Supplied new in March 1978 to a Miss M Morrison of Macclesfield via local BL dealer Lookers, this Mini 1000 has had just three lady owners to date, all from the same local family according to the vendor, although the paperwork does not make this clear. It has covered only 34,600 miles backed up by a good history, the ‘Passport to Service’ booklet having 11 stamps up to 31,699 miles in September 1995, the first six at Leyland dealers.

Finished in warm Sandglow with ‘deckchair’ striped seats and brown carpeting, it is said to remain in good and highly original condition throughout having been in storage for the last 20 years. Recently recommissioned for sale (including brakes, hoses, ball-joints etc), the car is now said to drive “spot on” and flew through its MOT in January this year.

Retaining all its original handbooks and sales brochures, plus various bits of period ephemera, this delightfully preserved, low-mileage Mini just oozes 70s nostalgia in a way that no restored car can ever hope to emulate. So look after it carefully, because they are only original once...