1965 BMC MINI COOPER

. One owner from new.

. Low mileage matching numbers example.

The original Mini was conceived in response to the 1957 Suez oil crisis. The British Motor Corporation (BMC) tasked Alec Issigonis with creating a small, fuel-efficient vehicle. Leonard Lord, President of BMC, was also keen to see that a safer alternative to the bubble cars that were popular in Germany would be built and sold in Britain. With the insistence that the design, be no more than 10ft long and would devote an unprecedented 80% of its footprint to passenger and luggage space, Issigonis took his tablecloth sketch to production reality in under two years.

Launched in 1959, the Mini was a radical design of its time. The transversely mounted engine with its gearbox-in-sump arrangement drove the front wheels, this ground-breaking technology allowed room to house four adults. The Mini’s frugality, practicality and performance were immediately obvious, making it an instant success. Issigonis’s friend John Cooper, owner of Cooper Car Company and designer and builder of Formula One and Rally cars, saw the potential of the Mini for competition. Issigonis was initially reluctant to see the Mini in the role of a performance car, but after John Cooper appealed to BMC management, the two men collaborated to create the Mini Cooper. The Mini Cooper was launched in September 1961 with an enlarged engine, twin SU carburettors, close ratio gearbox and front disc brakes. The new car proved instantly successful in British saloon car racing and rallying.

The Austin Mini Cooper MK1 offered here at Autostorico is a one owner home market example which was collected directly from Longbridge. First registered on 9th June 1965 through Wadhams Holdings Limited of Chichester were the owner completed several modifications including changing the colour from Tweed Grey to Opalescent Blue. Other modifications include fitting many Radford upgrades including interior trims along with flared wheel arches and badge bar with spotlights fitted.

This matching numbers example still sits on its original and rare Cosmic alloy wheels. Having been dry stored for the past 33 years this exceptionally original example has only covered a mere 41,399 miles and has never be restored making it one of the most significant examples currently on the market.

Supplied with a history file including a current V5 registration document, original sales invoice from Wadhams Holdings Limited, previous mot certificated along with numerous invoice and other related material.

A perfect opportunity to own such an iconic British classic, which will certainly appreciate over time.

Viewing strictly by appointment only.