1985 Austin Mini Mayfair

Lot details
Registration No: B151DTL
Chassis No: SAXXL2S1N20256257
Mot Expiry: March 2010

By the time the production line at Longbridge finally closed in 2000, more than 5 million Minis had been built. Alec Issigonis' purest design redefined the small car, this masterpiece of packaging making best use of its tiny - just over 10ft - length to seat four adults. Revolutionary features such as the gearbox tucked under the transverse engine, tiny 10in wheels and innovative architecture - putting the body seams on the outside - made use of every cubic inch of volume. Though its original proposed engine size of 948cc had been downgraded to 848cc before launch, so as not to embarrass more expensive BMC cars, its sparkling handling soon attracted the tuners, including John Cooper, whose hotted-up Mini came to the notice of BMC and Issigonis. Soon, as well as being driven by royalty and rock stars, Minis were practically unbeatable in rallies, winning the tough `Monte' three times in the '60s.
The Mini grew up, of course. In 1984, all Minis received 12in wheels and front disc brakes as standard, though at that stage the range consisted of only two models. The Mayfair had been launched in 1982 as a more luxurious version of the base Mini City, before a bewildering choice of special editions exploded from 1985. The iconic Cooper reappeared in the mid-'80s, at first in 998cc form as an after-market John Cooper Garages conversion before being offered as a factory sanctioned dealer upgrade from September 1989.

This car, has been brought up to approximately the same specification as those first mid-`80s `continuation' Coopers. It benefits from a retrim in red leather and various aftermarket interior items such as alloy door handles and window winders, plus, on the performance side, the 998cc motor boasts a twin carburettor conversion and sports exhaust, while inside there is a rear roll cage and sports steering wheel. There's apparently a new rear subframe and 12in Minilite-type wheels. The odometer shows less than 60,000 miles (though, this figure is unwarranted), and vendor describes the body and paintwork as "average", with the mechanicals and electrics rated "good". "It drives very well - a very lively little car with a Cooper look", he says.