Mini Mayfair
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? BODYWORK CHECK
The smart Champagne paint is in good condition with no bubbling, chips or scuffs. Panel gaps are even and there’s no evidence of previous accident damage. The black coachline is intact and the window rubbers appear as new. Gunmetal grey bumpers appear to be undamaged, though there is some rust visible along the bottom section of the front grille. Both the sills and wheelarches have escaped the tin worm, as has the boot floor and spare wheel well.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The interior is in good overall condition, though the right side of the instrument binnacle appears to have pulled away very slightly from the frame beneath and there’s some visible wear to the transmission tunnel carpet. Elsewhere, the chocolate brown dashboard and three-spoke steering wheel are in good order, though the latter’s Austin-branded hub should have ‘Mini’ badging instead. There are no stains, or tears in the cloth seats and the door cards are unmarked, complemented by matching door handles and window winders. The smart carpets retain some of their factory springiness and the cream headlining has only a few minor scuffs in it, mainly on the driver’s side. The front and rear seatbelts are unfrayed, the pedal rubbers are in good condition – and even the charmingly original Philips radio still works perfectly.
UNDER THE BONNET
Engine oil and coolant sit at healthy levels. The inner wings are uncorroded and all visible pipes and wires appear to be sound condition, but the bulkhead soundproofing material looks a little ragged and cracked in places. There’s no sign of oil seepage from the engine and the cylinder head gasket looks dry. The front protective shroud is in good condition and there are no rattles, whines or belt squeaks. A bonus is that the Mini also comes with its original service record and handbooks.
THE CCW VIEW
With prices for solid examples rising steadily, you’re unlikely to lose your money on this car, especially given the low mileage, strong mechanicals and largely crust-free bodywork.