1982 Austin Morris Mini 1100 Special *Sold £6,950*

Description

• Rare factory built special
• Produced in low numbers for just one year
• Probably one of the very last few manufactured
• Very low mileage-believed accurate
• Just 3 former keepers
• Stored for many years
• Now fully overhauled and ready to go

Built specifically to celebrate the 20th birthday of Issigonis’ brilliant creation, this classic Mini 1100 Special is one of the most appealing and rare Minis of all.

The Mini 1100 Special was launched in August 1979 and built in limited numbers for only one year.

• The 1100 Special was mechanically, as well as cosmetically, upgraded
• The Special had the 1098 Clubman-specification engine
• It produced a very lively 45bhp with of 57lb ft of torque
• It was the only ‘round fronted’ Mini to get the 1100
• Maximum speed was an impressive (almost!) 90mph

Visually, the Mini 1100 Special was spot-on.

• Metallic paint
• Unique graduated stripes
• Innocenti factory fit wheel arch extensions
• Exclusive Exacton alloy wheels as standard
• The 1275 GT’s instrument pack

History

Our vendor, Steve, acquired this classic Mini in 2016

• He bought from a young couple in Suffolk who were dealing with the deceased uncle’s estate
• We understand the ownership circle has been family and therefore in reality probably only two owners; the family and Steve
• Pictures of what it was like when Steve bought it are in the gallery, take a look
• We understand the Mini had been carefully stored for a long period of time

Whilst acquiring the vehicle from the deceased estate, Steve tells us he was advised that this Mini 1100 Special “had sat in the Dealer showroom for around three years”. He has information which might support that but sadly no paperwork. Given the mileage, it is very plausible.

Once Steve got the Mini back, he set about improving it.

Outside and underside

The images in the gallery do not lie. This Mini 1100 Special does, as it says on the tin, look special.

The original Special had factory chrome Clubman-style bumpers, black centre grille and vinyl roof. As you can see, these are in place

• Finished in original Metallic Rose. There were only two colours available for the Mini 1100 Special, the other being Metallic Silver
• The Mini was stripped to bare shell, engine, subframes were taken out, even the brake pipes came off
• The shell was the media blasted, revealing it to be very good
• The Mini retains its original floors front and rear, both front wings, boot floor and structural sills
• The battery tray is also the original factory item
• This is a careful, sympathetic restoration, not a destructive one
• New outer A-panels were fitted along with outer sill cover, a front panel at the lower section of the rear valance. And that’s it
• From the images you can see one of the original manufacturing tags on the offside front floor
• Before refitting the original subframes, they were treated and powder coated
• Everything was wax injected as the process proceeded. This is in addition to the original Ziebart treatment

The result looks very, very, good.

Engine and Mechanicals

Just before the pandemic lockdown, when Steve was on a run with the Mini Special, he noticed some smoke coming from the exhaust. Once the country locked-down, it seemed like to perfect time to take the engine and gear box out for a look.

The whole unit was shipped off to retired Rover Main Dealer technician, who, with all the skills and all tools, stripped and rebuilt the whole lot.

• A new set of pistons and rings
• A re-bore of the cylinders was carried out at the same time because one of the rings looked like it had picked up on the cylinder
• Bearing shells were replaced
• New oil pump was fitted, along with hi-lift Kent cam and anything else that was needed
• A three branch manifold was fitted along with uprated HIF SU carburettor

Whilst the diff was out, it was checked, overhauled and uprated. It now runs a higher final drive. This makes for higher top end and much improved motorway and high speed journeys.

Mechanically the improvements have been minor but again carried out to enhance the already wonderful characteristics of the Mini. Ten inch discs have been fitted on the front end, coupled with a servo assist unit.

Inside

The Mini Special came out of the factory with Clubman style clocks and instruments, they are present and correct.

The original Tartan Check trim is in fabulous condition, along with the unique to the Special, centre console and two-spoke sports steering.

The eagle eyed may have spotted the carpet looks like new. That’s because it is.

Our view

The thing that does for most British classics is the dreaded tin worm. This Mini Special has been preserved so well because of it’s original corrosion protection. On top of that, when it was restored, that was done all over again with modern techniques.

During lockdown, everything changed. Steve, our vendor, was no exception. His career changed. He now works long days and often nights. He is at pains to stress, he has done around FIVE miles since the engine rebuild. It will need running in.

A rare, limited edition true ‘Special’. Recently totally restored to a very high standard with low mileage. If we were asked to recommend a Mini to a friend. We’d point at this Mini 1100 Special.

Vehicle Location: Lincolnshire DN21– it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor

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