1988 Austin Mini Designer – Mary Quant

Sold

1988 Austin Mini Designer – Mary Quant

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£8,320

Mileage~18,130 On clock
TransmissionManual
Engine1.0-Litre
LocationMaltby, Rotherham

SOLD

1988 Austin Mini Designer – Mary Quant

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Ashley Dawson

Professional Consigner

Few cars are as recognisable or as charming as the classic Mini, and special editions like the Mary Quant Designer model add an extra layer of character.

Combining the timeless Mini driving experience with exclusive styling touches inside and out, this 1988 example has clearly been cherished and improved during its current ownership.

Bought by the current owner in 2014 as a car for his wife, this Mini has benefited from significant investment including a refurbished replacement engine and cosmetic restoration. Finished in black with the distinctive Mary Quant interior, it remains an eye-catching example that's equally at home on weekend drives, classic car events or simply turning heads wherever it goes.

This listing was written from information supplied by Ashley after meeting Alan the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I bought the Mini in 2014 for my wife and it's been a fantastic little car to own.

Over the last decade Alan brought the car back to a really nice standard, including fitting a refurbished replacement engine and having the body repainted.

Alan told us that it's always been a dependable, enjoyable Mini that drives exactly as it should, but it simply isn't getting the use it deserves anymore and with parking space on the drive becoming limited, it's time for somebody else to enjoy it.

Alan will be happy to answer any questions in the comments section below.

Alan

Vehicle Owner

Alan saved £1,440* when they
sold their Mini with us.

SELLING MADE EASY

We'll take the photos & create the listing.
We'll market it to our 62K buyers & online.
You'll keep your car until it's paid for.

PEACE OF MIND FOR BUYERS

They can fully review our cars online.
They can buy on our trusted platform.
They're able to buy without leaving home.

LEARN MORE

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Presented in classic black, this Mini Designer retains all the charm of the original while remaining remarkably smart throughout.

Wheels and Tyres

The distinctive white Minilite alloy wheels with Mary Quant logos on the centre caps remain in excellent condition and suit the car perfectly.

They present well with only light signs of age and are fitted with matching tyres.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

Bodywork

The bodywork presents extremely well following a previous restoration and repaint. Panel fit is consistent throughout with straight doors, wings and bonnet, while the iconic Mini proportions remain exactly as they should.

The designer decals, wheel arch extensions and exterior trim all remain in good condition and help distinguish this limited-edition model.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The black paintwork still has an impressive shine and depth, reflecting the quality of the previous respray.

It has held up well over time and continues to present as a smart, well-cared-for classic with only the light age-related imperfections expected of a car that continues to be enjoyed.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glazing is clean throughout with no obvious issues noted, while the surrounding trim, mirrors, seals and lighting all present well.

The various rally and Mini event decals tell the story of a car that's been driven and enjoyed rather than simply stored away.

Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself.

VIEW ALL

INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Inside is where the Designer edition really stands apart, offering one of the most distinctive cabins ever fitted to a classic Mini.

Seats and Carpets

The signature Mary Quant striped upholstery remains one of the highlights of the car and is presented in excellent condition throughout.

The contrasting red piping, matching seat belts and coordinated interior trim create a unique cabin that immediately identifies this as one of the sought-after Designer models. Carpets and headlining also remain in tidy condition.

Please take a look at the photos and video below to decide on the condition of the seats and carpets for yourself.

Dashboard

The dashboard is clean and retains its simple Mini layout, complemented by a modern JVC stereo discreetly fitted for improved usability.

Switchgear appears complete and the cabin has clearly been looked after throughout the owner's tenure.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original Mary Quant steering wheel remains fitted and shows only light wear consistent with careful use.

The manual selector operates as intended and the controls feel reassuringly simple - just as a classic Mini should.

VIEW ALL

'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Mechanically, this Mini has benefited from considerable investment and is described by the owner as driving exactly as it should.

Engine and Gearbox

A refurbished replacement engine was fitted during the current ownership as part of the restoration, transforming the car into a dependable classic that's ready to be enjoyed.

It starts readily, idles cleanly and performs exactly as expected, while the manual gearbox operates smoothly through the gears.

Suspension and Brakes

The Mini feels tight and composed on the road, with no unwanted knocks or suspension noises reported by the owner.

The brakes perform confidently and inspire reassurance behind the wheel.

The Drive

According to Alan, the car drives exceptionally well and remains one of those classics that always puts a smile on your face.

It's eager, easy to place on the road and completely free from any unwanted mechanical noises, making it an ideal companion for weekend outings or classic Mini events.

Electrics and Other

All major electrical equipment is reported to function correctly, with the modern stereo adding a welcomed usability upgrade without detracting from the car's classic appeal.

VIEW ALL

History and Paperwork

This Mini comes with a reassuring history file documenting the care and investment it has received over the years.

Included within the paperwork is a healthy collection of previous MOT certificates along with numerous invoices detailing maintenance and restoration work carried out throughout its life.

The file also documents the refurbished replacement engine fitted during the current ownership, helping to demonstrate the level of investment made to bring the car to the standard seen today.

The rubber suspension cones have been replaced by coil springs and Hi-Los - a conversion done by P&L Minis.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
23/09/2025	MOT	17,988
17/10/2024	MOT	17,203
25/09/2023	MOT	16,587
27/09/2022	MOT	15,022
15/10/2021	MOT	14,241
25/09/2020	MOT	14,235
19/09/2019	MOT	14,175
11/09/2018	MOT	13,046
11/09/2017	MOT	12,014
27/09/2016	MOT	11,004
06/10/2015	MOT	10,021
05/09/2014	MOT	6,391
11/09/2006	MOT	105,404