Well Bought

Austin 1300

These cars are still off the wider market’s radar.

While the market still chases

Minis, and especially BMC-era

(and, more recently, BL-era) models, the Austin and Morris 1100/1300 can still be had for sensible money. Note we single out these models, because the market loves the more upmarket MG, Riley, Wolseley and, of course, Vanden Plas cars. It’s only recently that the MG, Riley and Wolseley models have fired-up a stronger following, but the dash for those models has left the Austin and Morris models behind – and that’s where the bargains are.

It doesn’t have the Mini’s widerranging appeal.

While it has all the attributes of a ‘proper’ Mini (space, handling, and sometimes taxing driving position), pound-forpound this was way, way better value for money. OK, it wasn’t one of the posher examples, but does that really matter? Probably not to those who like to use their classics.

The condition made this example a smart buy.

This one was in pretty good order, despite having had eight registered owners from new – a testament to the ownership roster but especially the vendor who had made sure it had been well-maintained. This meant smart bodywork, with the sills and wheelarches devoid of the tinworm that brought about the demise of many examples. The paint was good, too, having a decent shine, and the brightwork (bumpers and hub caps) were also in decent order. It was also pretty good inside. The black vinyl seats were still smart and the front ones hadn’t gone baggy, as they often do on these cars, while the rear seat was exceptionally good and the parcel shelf tidy. The wooden dashboard remained smart, likewise the carpet.

It sold for just below its lower estimate, making it a shrewd buy.

That’s because it was very tidy, well cared-for by the vendor and had some history. Of course, many enthusiasts might want a one-owner, massive history car, but that’s not always possible. This car would be cheap to run and good to drive, with excellent spares support.