1968 Austin 1100 - 1300GT

Highlights 

• Upgraded 1300GT four-cylinder engine

• Fully restored 11 years ago

• Enhanced historic rally themed interior

• Some choice mechanical upgrades

• In good condition throughout

• JBW Minilite alloy wheels

• Long MOT

Overview

Some might think that spicing up an Austin 1100 is akin to putting up an inflatable dartboard, or making a cuppa in a chocolate teapot, but if you think about it the humble Austin 1100 – which was Britain's best selling car for a number of years in the 1960s – makes an excellent base for such sporty shenanigans. They're reliable, cheap to run, easy to work on and parts availability is still decent, meaning transforming one into a more zesty proposition is a doddle. Oh, and let's not forget it was designed by Pininfarina too. Yes, that Pininfarina. 

Developed by Sir Alec Issigonis as a larger and more advanced follow up to the Mini, the Austin 1100 was equipped, rather unsurprisingly, with a 1.1-litre BMC A-series four-cylinder engine and Hydrolastic suspension but displacement would increase to 1.3-litres for the subsequent Mark II and Mark III variants.

Having been built in 1968 this particular Austin 1100 is a Mark II, which means a few minor exterior styling tweaks over the original cars but all of that pales into insignificance next to the additional fettling that has been bestowed upon this car. Fully restored and resprayed 11 years ago, as reported by the vendor, the car now features an upgraded 1300GT spec engine with twin carburettors, Ram air intakes, an alloy rocker cover and additional electric cooling, as well as a more sporty exhaust for a suitably throaty accompanying tone.

Lowered and sitting on a set of stylish Minilite alloy wheels the exterior bodywork looks to be in fine shape but it's the interior where things take a turn for the racy. Very much leaning into the historic rally theme with bucket seats, driver and navigator footplates, machine-turned aluminium centre console, dashboard and doorcaps, plus Smiths stopwatches, Paddy Hopkirk map light and full front harnesses it certainly looks the part and would make a fine hill climb, amateur rally or Autotest plaything.

History and documentation

• 1968 model year

• V5C present and correct

• First registered 27 Sep 1968

• Reported as purchased by the current vendor 22 Jun 2011

• One key

• The vendor informs us the car was restored and resprayed 11 years ago and has been dry stored for the last nine years

• MOT until 29 Mar 2027

• HPI clear

• Eligible for road tax, MOT and London ULEZ exemption

• 2,010 indicated miles - actually 102,010

Interior

• Historic rally themed interior is in decent order throughout

• No signs of any damage

• The dashboard has been upgraded to 1300 GT spec

• Replacement front bucket seats fitted when the car was restored

• Driver's side seat showing some wear to the outer edge

• Full front harnesses and rear lap belts (original seatbelts included) 

• Front footplates

• Machine turned aluminium centre console, dashboard and door caps

• Smiths stopwatches

• Paddy Hopkirk map light

• Haldex odometer fitted as a non functional feature

• Mountney three-spoke steering wheel 

• Phoenix Gold sound system fitted, including front tweeters, rear 6x9 mid speakers and a boxed subwoofer in the boot with subwoofer gain control wired to the front

• Pioneer stereo and DVD player

• Reversing camera connected to interior mirror screen which also connects to the Pioneer stereo

• Door cards and carpets present well

• Dashboard remains intact 

• Boot space is tidy

• Engine bay presents honestly without being overly detailed

Exterior

• The bodywork looks to be in good shape 

• Shut lines appear uniform

• Ford Grabber Blue paint with black detailing remains free from any apparent issues but there is a small black paint drop on the boot lid

• No evidence of any significant damage or corrosion

• All brightwork presents well overall but the rear bumper is scratched along its top edge

• Functional front spotlights and rear reverse spot light with fog feature

• Windows and light lenses are free from any issues apart from the driver's door glass which  is scratched and worn (a replacement is included)

• Mud flaps on all four corners

• GT badge on the front grille

• 12" JBW Minilite Alloy wheels are in excellent condition with no kerb marks evident 

• Hifly HF201 tyres all round

• The vendor informs us that due to the car's ride height it's difficult to see underneath but there were no issues reported from the MOT

Mechanical

• 1300GT BMC A-Series four-cylinder engine

• Four-speed manual gearbox

• Front-wheel drive

• Ram air intakes with foam socks

• Alloy rocker cover

• Electronic ignition has been added

• Additional electric cooling fan fitted

• The engine mounts have been upgraded with an nearside steady and gearbox S plate

• Stainless steel Cherry Bomb exhaust with mid and stainless steel upswept rear box

• New battery Mar 2026

• No mechanical issues to report aside from an MOT advisory for front brake disc wear 

• The vendor informs us that the car is an excellent runner and that the exhaust is throaty with a mildly aggressive note

Summary

Whether you're after a cheeky little motorsport toy or an interesting take on a bona fide classic this Austin 1100 certainly stands out, not just for how it looks but for what it's capable of thanks to the many enhancements it benefits from. From B-road blasting to more adventurous outings it will no doubt provide many miles of enjoyment for whomever grabs the keys next.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Witney, Oxfordshire.