1987 AUSTIN MINI MAYFAIR AUTO

The 1987 Mini Mayfair is a variant of the iconic Mini, a small economy car originally designed by Sir Alec Issigonis and launched in 1959 by the British Motor Corporation (BMC). By 1987, the Mini had already become a symbol of British automotive design, known for its space-saving front-wheel-drive layout and go-kart-like handling. Here's the story and history surrounding the 1987 Mini Mayfair, one of the more refined trims available in the 1980s.

Background: The Mini Legacy

Launched in 1959, the Mini was developed in response to fuel shortages and a demand for smaller, more efficient cars.

Its revolutionary design maximized interior space, with a transverse engine and front-wheel drive.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the Mini gained popularity across the UK and beyond, with models like the Mini Cooper becoming motorsport legends.

The Mayfair Trim

The Mayfair name was first introduced in 1982 as a more upscale version of the Mini.

Named after Mayfair, a prestigious district in London, the trim was designed to appeal to customers who wanted a more luxurious version of the standard Mini.

What Made the 1987 Mini Mayfair Special?

By 1987, the Mini Mayfair had become a well-established trim level, and it reflected both the enduring appeal of the Mini and the slowly evolving tastes of buyers in the 1980s.

Design and Features

Exterior:

Typically featured body-colored plastic wheel arch extensions and special badging.

May have had coachlines (pinstripes) and optional decals.

Some models featured chrome bumpers and grille, while others leaned more toward plastic for cost savings.

Interior:

Higher quality upholstery, often with velour seats, compared to the more basic Mini City models.

Padded dashboard, wood trim effect (faux walnut in some versions), and additional soundproofing.

Upgraded carpets and more refined instrumentation.

Mechanical Aspects

Engine: Most 1987 Mayfairs came with the 998cc A-Series engine, producing around 40 hp, offering a blend of reasonable performance and economy.

Transmission: Typically a 4-speed manual, though some Mayfairs were equipped with a 4-speed automatic gearbox.

Suspension: Standard Mini rubber cone suspension—primitive but effective for the car’s size.

Market Context in 1987

By the late 1980s, the Mini was becoming anachronistic in some respects. Its design dated back nearly 30 years, and it lacked many modern safety and convenience features.

However, it remained beloved in the UK and certain export markets due to its charm, affordability, and legendary handling.

The Mayfair trim allowed the Mini to compete, in a modest way, with more modern superminis by offering a sense of classic British style and comfort.

Legacy of the Mini Mayfair

The Mini Mayfair would continue to be produced into the early 1990s.

It has become a sought-after classic for enthusiasts who appreciate the combination of vintage Mini dynamics with a touch of comfort.

As a 1987 model, the Mayfair represents a period just before the Mini began to embrace retro charm in earnest during its 1990s revival.

Fun Fact

The Mayfair name would later resurface in marketing around the BMW-era Mini, referencing the luxury connotations and urban chic style that the original Mayfair aimed to capture.

This particular Austin Mini Mayfair has ONLY covered a documented 8222 miles from new by its registered 3 Owners. Totally original except for the larger wheels (original are with the car), and music system.

The automatic Mini's are great town cars just right for darting around London, in style.

The car has some minor paint blemishes and defects, but no major rust.