Getting your Mini’s worth
Garage is making the most of the rising value of these classic cars:
A BUSINESS tucked away in Milnsbridge is one of the UK’s specialists for classic Minis.
Andrew Ratcliffe, 55, set up Huddersfield Spares Ltd from his home in Golcar 25 years ago.
Now his business is one of the go-to places for all things Mini, with customers around the world.
Everyone of a certain generation had a Mini or knew someone who had a Mini in the 60s through to the 90s.
And now nostalgia for the past has seen the value of Minis go through the roof.
A 1960s Mini Cooper S is the ultimate Mini – and values have soared above £50,000. The later 1275GT is hot on their heels, with prices topping £25k.
Andrew said: “Minis are completely different to any other car. We have a saying ‘never under-estimate a Mini’ because you can do so much with it. Minis are as individual as their owners and they are typically British.
“They were only the same when they come out of the factory.”
Andrew has around 65 Minis in various states of restoration and he can custom-build cars to suit an owner’s individual tastes.
“There are 50 different wheels and 50 different interiors. They can be fast or slow. What other car comes as a saloon, van, estate, pickup or wooden traveller? There are so many derivatives.
“Minis came out in 1959 so have been going 60 years now. People love the heritage.
“Everybody remembers them and everybody has a story to tell. The price was good and they were complete fun.”
The major part of Andrew’s business is mail order and he sends parts and accessories around the world. His main markets are France and Italy but the Japanese love their Minis too.
Many people of a certain vintage buy Minis to relive their youth.
But Andrew says there is no such thing as a typical customer, with young people just as keen on the retro styling as those who loved it the first time around.
With prices rising fast, classic Minis are now bought as investments as much as second cars. “The classic car market is ridiculous at the moment,” said Andrew. “Prices are rising. You only get 1% or 2% interest if you put your money in the bank.”