1966 Morris Mini Minor Mk1 *Sold £9,500*

Description

• Comprehensively restored
• Many original features
• Superb condition
• Matching engine numbers

The iconic shape is recognised throughout the world. It could only be a Mini. When it entered production in 1959 it was revolutionary. The car was well ahead of its time. A transverse engine driving the front-wheel via a gearbox in the engine sump. With wheels positioned out as far as possible, it gave 80% space for the passengers. Best of all it made for go-kart like handling. This layout would go on to influence the design of almost all compact cars. This car went on to conquer the world of motorsport.

The Mk1s (1959-1967) are by far the most sought after. Before BMC swallowed up the all the British car makers into one glorious mess, the early Minis were badged by the Company that produced them.  Austin called their Mk1 Mini the Austin Seven; Morris called theirs the Morris Mini Minor. Purists judge these models, like the beautiful one we have here as the best. They are becoming vanishingly rare.

History

This 1966 Morris Mini Mk1 is from a deceased estate. His two sons are organising the sale. When we spoke to one of the sons, Peter, by his own admission said that the brothers know very little about classic cars. They know their dad loved this Morris Mini Mk1. Affectionately, they refer to the Mini as the “third child”.

We do know the Morris Mini Mk1 was purchased around 20 years ago. At some point a thorough professional restoration was planned and very well executed.

Paperwork

The car has file of documents. The NI V5 is present along with a UK V5

Along with this we have a folder with a number of previous MOTs, and many professional invoices are provided detailing the restoration work.

Inside

The interior of this Tartan Red Morris Mini Mk1 is really in extraordinary condition, it appears flawless.

• The seats front and rear are newly trimmed
• Seat frames look original
• Carpet is new and looks unused
• Door cards with chrome trim have been replaced
• The headlining is too good to be original. It looks new

The interior has beautiful combination of new and original fittings. Items such as the seat belts, steering wheel and switchgear have all been retained. This preserves the original charm of the classic Morris Mini Mk1 which we all love.

Sitting proud, on the wonderfully simple, dash, is the centre clock with gauges each side. (We’ll come back to that later.)

Outside and underside

During the current ownership, the car has been dry stored in the owners garage. This is a beautiful, honest car. The Tartan Red paintwork with Black roof is very good, with a deep shine, showcasing the restorers terrific skills. All of the chrome trim and brightwork are in superb good condition..

• The external door hinges
• The characterful front grille
• Flip down, hinged number plate on the rear
• Sliding side windows at the front
• Hinged windows at the rear
• Steel wheels with chrome hub caps and separate rim embellishers

Underneath the story continues.

New items include

• Exhaust system
• Brake pipes
• Subframe
• Battery

Mechanicals

Under the bonnet, is the venerable standard 848cc 4 cylinder A-series engine. This is a matching engine number car.

The engine and gearbox have been fully checked and overhauled as part of the extensive restoration.

Prior to going live at Auction with us, Peter drove the classic Mini for about an hour. In his view it drove perfectly.

It’s clear to see, the engine has been well maintained. The restorers have again managed to pull off that neat trick of combining originality with restored items. The paintwork finish on the firewall and flitches is very good. To contrast that just-restored-look, original ancillaries like dynamo, wiper motor, air filter have all been kept.

This classic Morris Mini Mk1 hasn’t been over-restored to make it look like a new car. The balance works wonderfully well

 

Other Information

Our vendor Peter has been totally transparent with us about this classic Morris Mini Mk1 and his knowledge of it. He advised us very early on he wasn’t an expert in any way and also that he understood the mileometer stopped working at “some point”. We asked him what he knew about that and the classic Mini in general and this is what he shared with us, so we are sharing it with you.

“The milometer stopped working somewhere prior to my dad purchasing the vehicle in 2001/2002, see uploaded MOT certificates. I have also confirmed, through my mum, that the number of miles travelled while the Mini was in my dad’s possession would not have topped 500, and that would be a ‘generous approximation’.

And third, the majority of the invoices are connected to purchases regarding the restoration of the interior of the Mini, i.e. new seat covers, new carpet etc. see also attached invoices. Unfortunately there are no documents prior to the MOT certificate in 1997”.

Our view

What an outstanding Morris Mini. These models, probably a Super Deluxe, are vanishingly rare now. In this condition…we’re at a loss to recall the last time we saw one like this.

There’s just something very special about an original Morris Mini. Even more so when it has benefited from a full, quality restoration like this.

This Morris Mini Mk1 is not only a great, affordable introduction to classic car ownership, it would also take pride of place in any collection.

 

Vehicle Location: Enniskillen, Fermanagh BT94 – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor.

Have a question about this vehicle? Please contact the Evoke team at auction@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.

 Guide Prices?

We’re different. But you know that. And we’re always honest. In a sector where no two classics are same, how does anyone put a ‘guide’.

Well, everyone knows the broad value of classic, let’s all be honest. So we don’t need to tell you what you already know, do we.

The ‘market’ decides and the old cliché that ‘it’s are worth what someone wants to pay’ is no less true. So why kid everyone!

But, because we are different, if it really does matter to you, that’s fine, we want you to be happy. Just drop us a line at auction@evoke-classics.com and one of us will be delighted to ring you back and discuss, it’s what we do.

Tedious but it’s vital you read this, please.

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