The Classic Mini is such an Automotive icon that this un-restored version was expected to top $30,000 when it crossed the auction block, but the car more than doubled it's pre-sale estimate. It did not have a celebrity owner or was a special factory race model, instead Lot 307 was bid up to $65,100
because it is just the eighth Mini ever manufactured, according to the auction company Bonhams'. The car was auctioned at their Hendon, U.K. sale, this Austin Se7en De Luxe is believed to be the oldest surviving
un-restored Mini.
Read the auction catalog info below:
Accompanying correspondence from the British Motor
Industry Heritage Trust states that it is the 8th of its type to come of
the production line at Longbridge in May 1959, some three months before
the launch of this legendary model on 26th August. The BMIHT
correspondence confirms that the car was despatched on 31st July 1959 to
Car Mart Limited in Colchester, whose service plate is riveted inside
the engine compartment.
It is believed that only three Minis earlier than 'XLL 27' still
exist; one is '621 AOK', which forms part of the BMIHT's collection at
Gaydon while the other two (one of which has been converted into a
cabriolet) are in Japan. From 1986 until last year the car was owned by
David Gallimore of Chichester, the previous owner listed on the copy
Swansea V5 on file being Mrs Gladys Hobro of Aldwick, Bognor Regis. The
car is complete and has all the features that distinguish these very
early Minis, including the famous glass washer bottle. Some parts have
been removed for security and ease of transport but all will be provided
at the sale together with a Swansea V5 registration document.
The driver's door has been replaced but other than that only a few
small items appear to have been renewed. 'XLL 27' retains its factory
Farina Grey paintwork, all its original panels, engine, transmission and
the original registration number. The interior is likewise original,
intact and complete except for the carpets. Even the original Bluemels
numberplates survive and there is evidence to support the belief that
the recorded mileage of 30,041 miles is correct. A paper brake service
label remains fixed to the near-side door jamb, recording work carried
out at 17,942 miles.
There is evidence of corrosion in the front floors, 'A' panels, sills,
doors, rear seat well, boot floor and rear valance but a surprisingly
high percentage of the shell is intact. The rear sub-frame appears
original, as do all the steel hydraulic pipes. The engine has not been
run for many years.
The August 2011 issue of Classic & Sports Car magazine devoted six
pages to this amazing survivor, which represents a unique opportunity
to own an astonishingly correct example of one of the 20th Century's
greatest cars in its earliest, purest form. There can be few more
important examples of British automotive engineering.
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