RESERVE REMOVED - 1968 Austin Mini Mk II
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Guide Price: £15,000 - £18,000
Highlights
∙1275cc Engine
∙Virtually new interior
∙3 owners
∙Very well presented
The Background
The Mini is recognised as one of Britain's most iconic cars ever produced. It was designed by Sir Alec Issigonis and manufactured by English based company British Motor Corporation. Launched on 26th August 1959, the Morris Mini-Minor was officially unveiled to the public where it was a huge success.
The Mini was marketed under two brand names Austin and Morris until 1969 when it became a marque in its own right. The Mark 1 Mini sales were slow at the outset but sales soon strengthened with sales in the 1960’s totaling 1,190,000. With the Mini proving popular, in 1964, the Mini was given a makeover on the suspension to give a softer and more comfortable ride. The new suspension was the Hydrolastic system. The downside to this was that it increased the weight of the Mini and also the production cost. In 1971 the new suspension was dropped in favour of the original rubber suspension and this then stayed with the Mini throughout it’s life.
Launched at the British Motor Show in 1967 the Mini Mark II was revealed to the public with a number of cosmetic changes, which included a redesigned grille and a larger rear window. The Mark II was produced for just 3 years until 1970, and a total of 429,000 rolled off the production line. One of the models produced for the Mark I and Mark II Austin Mini was the Super De Luxe model. These featured optional extras such as seat belts, door mirrors, a heater and radio, which was becoming to be considered a necessity on cars of the day.
Another Mark II model produced was the Cooper S. This was made in the UK until 1971 where the Cooper name was then discontinued. Featuring a 1275 cc engine, just 6,300 Mark II Cooper S were produced. Sir Alec Issigonis’ friend, Mr John Cooper, the owner of Cooper Car Company who was a designer and builder of Formula One cars, saw great potential in the Mini for competition use. After much deliberation the two men collaborated to create the Mini Cooper. Starting off with a tuned 997cc engine with twin carburettors it had a close ratio gearbox and front disc brakes. The Mini Cooper was sent into production to produce 1000 units, to meet the homologation rules for rallying. After much success and a few updates, it was in 1964 that the Mini was given the famous 1275 cc engine, pushing sales even further, and possibly producing one of the most famous Minis ever.
The History
The reason we mentioned the Mini Super-De-Luxe and the Cooper S in the background is because this Mini has lived something of a busy life, and thus the true original specification is open to interpretation. The DVLA have the car logged as a Mini Cooper S. The seller got a Certified Factory Record for the Mini from The British Motor industry Heritage Trust, and they say that the chassis number AA2SBS-1154883A was indeed produced as a Austin Mini Mark II 1000 Saloon, Right hand drive, Home Market Super-De-Luxe.
So it looks like it's either a Super-De-Luxe that's been made to look like a Cooper S or it is a Cooper S, either way the car has been completed to a very high standard and looks fantastic! The seller purchased the Mini in September 2020. It is believed that the car was originally registered in the UK, then sold and exported to Ireland and then returned to the UK a few years later.
The seller has spent quite a lot of time getting the Mini just how he wants it by replacing the interior and having quite a lot of mechanical work carried out to bring the Mini up to scratch. He does however already own another classic Mini and so has decided to part with this one to free up some room.
The Paperwork
The V5 is present and shows 3 previous keepers. The MOT certificate expired on the Mini on 30th December 2019, but it is however MOT exempt. The Mini is showing on the log book as being registered on the 21st June 1968.
As mentioned there is a copy of the factory build record supplied by The British Motor Industry Heritage Trust. Other receipts and invoices are present, some from the seller and some from the keeper before.
The Interior
Inside the Mini the seller has fitted some new Cobra period looking bucket seats which fit lovely and don’t look out of place. These tilt up on the subframe to allow access to the rear. The rear seat is in a matching material and excellent condition and the same for the door cards. The carpets again have been replaced and so are in excellent condition. As you can see, on some of the photos the carpet is pulled back to reveal a clean looking floor pan. For your safety the Mini has had the seat belts replaced for some grey items, which work well with the interior.
Sitting in the driver's seat, the steering wheel has been replaced with a Moto-Lita item that is in lovely condition with no signs of wear. The dashboard in the Mini is free from any cracks. Onto the instruments and we must assume that they have been replaced at some point as the odometer shows the mileage of 973, the oil pressure and water temperature gauge work just as they should. The seller reports that all the lights, wipers etc are working correctly.
The headlining in the Mini is nice and tight with no signs of sagging. The quarter panel pieces do have some bubbles under them where they've been stuck on. The boot area is again like the floor pan, nice and clean. There is the spare wheel with a new tyre on, the jack and wheel brace are present and there are two fuel tanks just like on a Mini Cooper S.
The Exterior
Finished in what is believed to be Performance Red with a White roof and matching White panel on both doors, it is just itching for a number 37 maybe?
Starting at the front of the Austin Mini, the headlights and indicators are free from any cracks and the chromework is all in excellent condition with no pitting. There are no real noticeable stone chips that we could see. The bonnet fits well and aligns with the wings as it should and sitting pride of place is the Austin S Cooper emblem. The fourth slat up on the grille does have a slight kink in it, but this could be quite easily rectified. The wiper arms are bright chrome and again no pitting to them. The windscreen rubber and also the rear screen rubber have been replaced.
Moving to the sides of the Mini, a nice Union Jack decal graces the A panel and the doors align uniform and straight. Some period looking chrome bullet style door mirrors have been fitted. The door windows are the original sliding openers, with opening quarter windows to the rear. The car still retains the chrome trim that travels front to rear over the arches. Looking under the Mini, it’s finished in black stone guard and well presented with no obvious repairs.
Onto the rear of the Austin Mini and the boot lid lines up as it should. This holds a 1275 badge with the obligatory reverse spot lamp mounted above and the boot emblem is Mini Cooper S MkII. The tail lights are free from cracks and the bumper has a nice and bright chrome finish. To either corner of the Mini are the fuel caps for the twin mounted fuel tanks.
The wheels on the Mini are 5J x 10 Minilight that have been painted in a Bronze/Gold colour and finished with a set of period looking Dunlop 165/70 SR10 tyres which finishes the overall look of the car.
The Mechanics
The Mini is fitted with the classic 1275cc engine with twin SU carburettors and mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox. In 2019, the car had the carbs stripped down, cleaned and overhauled. At the same time a coolant flush was carried out and the resealing of a leaking joint on the hydrolastic suspension. Also the tappets were adjusted and the addition of electronic ignition.
In January 2020, the Mini received new spark plugs, driveshaft CV boots, water pump, a replacement hose on the suspension and a clutch slave cylinder and that work was completed at 306 miles. Helping the mini breathe a little easier and maybe add a couple of horses is the Maniflow exhaust system. To help keep the 1275 cool, the Mini also has an oil cooler fitted.
The seller reports that the car handles lovely with the hydrolastic suspension. The Mini starts up with the flick of the key. The 1275 runs nicely with no noises that shouldn't be there. It pulls well through the gears, nice and smooth with no noises coming from the gearbox. The Mini stops just as well as it goes.
The Appeal
Yes there may be some confusion on the model of the Mini, but looking at the condition alone you can see that it’s been built to a high standard. The underside is nice and clean with no noticeable repairs, which, for a 1968 car, this tells a lot about how the car has been stored and used over the years.
Are you looking to venture into the world of the classic Mini? This is one that needs to be on your list of potentials, ready to step into, drive and enjoy!
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1968
- Make Austin
- Model Mini
- Colour Red
- Odometer 973 Miles
- Engine size 1275
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Somerset
- Country United Kingdom
28
bids
- Qt•••• £15,751 29/04/21
- r.•••• £15,501 29/04/21
- Qt•••• £15,251 29/04/21
- r.•••• £15,001 28/04/21
- Qt•••• £14,751 28/04/21
- Qt•••• £14,501 28/04/21
- r.•••• £14,251 28/04/21
- r.•••• £14,001 28/04/21
- Qt•••• £13,751 27/04/21
- Ev•••• £13,501 26/04/21
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