Lot details
Registration No: 8512 KP
Chassis No: AA257593947
Mot Expiry: New By Sale

Born out of the 1956-1957 Suez Crisis, the Mini was commissioned by Leonard Lord and executed by Alec Issigonis. Featuring an ingenious transverse-mounted powertrain (with engine sat atop gearbox), all-round independent 'rubber cone' suspension, front-wheel drive and compact rack-and-pinion steering, the newcomer was one of the most influential automotive designs ever. Developing some 34bhp and 44lbft of torque, its 848cc OHV four-cylinder engine reputedly gave the lightweight four-seater saloon a top speed of over 71mph. Though, such modest performance was more than compensated for by the model's exceptional handling and roadholding. Launched on August 26th 1959, the Mini remains close to the nation's heart.

According to the vendor, this particular example was "bought in September 1978 with very low mileage and used by my daughter until 1984 when she took a fancy to a XR2 I had. It was then dry stored until 1997 - having broken my leg I needed something to keep me active. The car was still in good condition, so I stripped everything off and left just the bodyshell". With the exterior taken back to bare metal, the only sections found to need replacing were the front wings, A-panels and outer sills. Resprayed its original grey colour using cellulose paint, the Mini was then thoroughly rustproofed before being given a new rear sub-frame. Throughout the restoration great care was taken to refurbish rather than renew components so as to keep the Mini as factory correct as possible. Thus, the original wiring loom was sent away for repair. Though, the radiator, water pump, clutch assembly, fanbelt and all hoses / clips were replaced. Further benefiting from new copper brake pipes, four Monroe Radialmatic dampers, fresh tyres and an unleaded cylinder head conversion, '8512 KP' also gained new carpets. The rest of the interior trim was in fine fettle, its condition suggesting that the odometer reading of 64,000 miles might well represent the total covered from new. Taking to the road again on 25th June 2000, the Austin has still only covered a few hundred miles since work was completed. A real labour of love and the subject of a multi-page article in Mini World magazine (December 2001), '8512 KP' is offered for sale with fresh MOT certificate.