• £6,000+ recently spent on restoration and rejuvenation
• Tasteful performance upgrades
• Excellent runner, wonderful to drive
The Background
When the MkIV evolution of the iconic Mini arrived in 1976, it stamped out a formula that would remain essentially unchanged right through to the model’s conclusion in 2000. There was a keen focus on refinement over the outgoing MkIII, with a rubber-mounted front subframe and larger rear bushes, and the enduring popularity of the Mini enabled it to weather the storm of the Metro’s launch.
When the MkV Mini debuted in 1984, it was essentially more of the same but with bigger brakes and plastic wheel arch extensions. And, of course, there were myriad special editions, two of the most notable being launched in parallel – the Red Hot and the Jet Black. Based on the Mini City, the cool little special you see here came with all-black paint and interior, Jet Black decals, velour trim and pop-out rear windows.
Just 1,000 were allocated to the UK market, and it’s estimated that only around 300 survive today – so this 1988 example is a very rare and desirable Mini and, as we’re about to discover, it’s in lovely condition too.
The current owners have had the Mini in their possession since 2015, and it’s received an impressively deep level of love and care in that time. Over £6,000 has been spent on sympathetic restoration work, both cosmetic and mechanical, along with a smattering of appropriate enhancements.
The Jet Black has only covered 89,000 miles in its 32-year life (84k registered on the original speedo; this was replaced with a new unit 5k miles ago, as the photos show), equating to an average of under 3,000 miles a year. Gentle use, for sure; indeed, it’s only covered two miles since it was MOT’d in June of this year.
Having been painstakingly revamped by this father-and-son team (the latter of whom is a Formula 1 Vehicle Dynamics Engineer, so you can be sure of quality work), the car runs and drives beautifully. The 998cc engine is impressively responsive, and the handling is sharp thanks to the plethora of new suspension, drivetrain and braking components. A truly loved example, now presented to the market in exceptional condition for its next owner to enjoy.
There’s a substantial and impressive file of paperwork here. The V5 is present, showing us that there have been just 5 former keepers, and there’s a sizeable stack of old MOTs which help to verify that impressively low mileage.
Most significantly of all, we find a pleasingly thick sheaf of invoices for all of the parts that have been ordered over the past few years; these guys must have had Mini Spares Ltd on speed-dial, as no stone has been left unturned here and the level of work that’s gone into this car is highly impressive – and all backed up by the documentation.
This is a very well presented interior indeed, with all the classic Mini touchpoints enhanced by some tasteful upgrades. The original Jet Black seats and door cards are present and in great condition, their black velour complemented by red piping along with red seatbelts.
A new black headlining has been fitted, and the car features a 3-clock centre binnacle for that classic Mini feel. (The original 2-clock binnacle is also present, and could easily be swapped back.)
The owner has fitted a high-quality modern audio system, with a new digital media player and radio with Bluetooth and USB input secreted beneath the dash, plus high-spec speakers in a solid heel board. The Mini is fitted with a factory sunroof, which tilts and seals as it should. The pop-out rear windows also open and close correctly.
Inside the boot it’s all dry and tidy, with a new red carpet, and a spare wheel, jack and recent battery beneath.
A lot of work has gone into refreshing this Mini’s body, and it shows – it’s a very handsome thing to behold. These extensive efforts included new inner and outer sills, new doors, new front floor sections, new front wings, and a new battery box. The roof and assorted body panels have also been repainted in the original shade of black.
There are a few very minor blemishes to note, including a small ding in the centre of the passenger door, along with some minor patches of surface corrosion beneath the paint in a few of the usual places (around one of the side repeaters, where the wings meet the windscreen base, and on the lower body sides ahead of the rear wheels), but on the whole it’s sound and solid, and extremely presentable.
The light lenses and window glass are all good, with quad-optic halogen headlights and triple Wipac spotlights and badge bar. The red-rimmed steel wheels are fitted with their correct Austin Rover hubcaps, and the tyres have decent tread. And most importantly of all, the proper Jet Black badges, decals and pinstripes are all in place!
This Mini is a joy to drive, and a large amount of time and money has been invested in ensuring that it runs absolutely tip-top.
The engine and drivetrain have been regularly serviced to keep it in fine fettle, and a number of new components have been fitted to ensure reliability, including a new carburettor, fuel pump and radiator. Furthermore, the 998cc engine has been upgraded in period-correct fashion to enhance its ease-of-use and performance, with the addition of electronic ignition and a Stage 1 performance kit and RC40 exhaust.
A new head gasket has been fitted, as well as a new solenoid, fuel pump and filter, alternator, and an aluminium rocker cover. The running gear has been comprehensively addressed, with new gaiters and oil seals throughout, new track rod ends and ball joints. All gears run smoothly, the synchro on second gear will need some attention in due course. The brakes have new front pads and rear shoes, and the suspension features adjustable Hi-Los at the front and new rubber cones.
A new ignition switch and steering lock has also been fitted. This really is a mechanically superb Mini – the result is a peppy and reliable example that’s willing and eager as well as supremely dependable.
A classic Mini is such a happy thing, it’s the sort of car that will paint a broad Cheshire cat smile across your face on every journey, even if you’re just popping to the shops for a pint of milk. And if you’re planning to buy such a thing, it’s always a good idea to look out for one which has been truly loved, as you know it will have always been looked after.
This particular car has evidently received a huge amount of devoted attention over the last few years – the mighty list of new parts in the paperwork is testament to that. Similar efforts have gone into the aesthetics and structural integrity, and the result is a rare special-edition Mini that looks great, drives beautifully, and is ready to go.
You’re not buying a project here; sure, you might want to draw up a little to-do list of jobs if you’re so inclined, but there won’t be anything major – all the big stuff has been done, with thousands spent in recent years to ensure that this Mini is eminently usable. A proper ready-to-go classic, raring to head out into the countryside and find some adventures.
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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.
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1988 Austin Mini ‘Jet Black’
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